Editing HVDC Cross-Channel (section)

== 160 MW system (1961) ==
The first HVDC Cross-Channel scheme was built by [[ASEA]] and went into service in 1961,<ref>Compendium of HVDC schemes, [[International Council on Large Electric Systems|CIGRÉ]], [http://b4.cigre.org/Publications/Other-Documents/Compendium-of-all-HVDC-projects Compendium of all HVDC projects]. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728130745/http://b4.cigre.org/Publications/Other-Documents/Compendium-of-all-HVDC-projects |date=2014-07-28 }}</ref> between [[HVDC Converter Station|converter stations]] at [[Lydd]] in England (next to [[Dungeness Nuclear Power Station]]) and [[Echinghen]], near [[Boulogne-sur-Mer]], in France. This scheme was equipped with [[mercury-arc valve]]s, each having four [[anode]]s in parallel.<ref>Cory, B.J., Adamson, C., Ainsworth, J.D., Freris, L.L., Funke, B., Harris, L.A., Sykes, J.H.M., High-voltage direct current converters and systems, Macdonald & Co. (publishers) Ltd, 1965, p175–218.</ref>

In order to keep the disturbances of the [[magnetic compass]]es of passing ships as small as possible, a [[High-voltage direct current#Bipolar|bipolar cable]] was used.  The cable had a length of {{convert|65|km|abbr=in}} and was operated symmetrically at a voltage of ±100{{nbsp}}kV and a maximum current of 800{{nbsp}}amperes. The maximum transmission power of this cable was 160{{nbsp}}megawatts (MW). The cable was built by [[ABB]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=60 years of HVDC |url=https://library.e.abb.com/public/7128cd574f8bd332c1257d2000540df1/32-41%202m434_EN_72dpi.pdf |access-date=6 March 2018 |publisher=ABB Group}}</ref> Given that the cable was laid on the surface of the seabed it was prone to being fouled by fishing nets, causing damage. Whilst repairs were undertaken there was considerable down time on the circuit resulting in a loss of trading. Indeed, by 1984 the circuit was disconnected from the Main Transmission System.