bnr-celilo-converter-station
  1. We are WSP
  2. What we do
  3. Projects
  4. Celilo Converter Station

Celilo Converter Station

Modernized converter station provides more reliable power to over 2 million homes on the West Coast.

Location

  • Oregon, USA

Project Value

  • $2,400,000

Project Status

  • Complete

Anchoring the northern end of the Pacific Direct Current Intertie — the longest and highest capacity direct current transmission system in the United States — the Celilo Converter Station provides indispensable power to more than 2 million homes in the greater Los Angeles area.

With the station approaching its 50th year in operation and energy demand steadily increasing, we partnered with Bonneville Power Administration to modernize the station's aging infrastructure and prepare for an anticipated increase in required capacity.

 

Far and beyond

The Pacific Direct Current Intertie is a 560-kV high-voltage direct current (HVDC) line spanning 846 miles between The Dalles, Oregon and Sylmar, California. It takes advantage of the seasonal shifts in power demand between the northwestern and southwestern United States, facilitating more efficient distribution of power across the regions. While power can flow in both directions, the line is primarily used to transmit excess electricity from the Pacific Northwest to high-demand areas of Los Angeles.

img-1-celilo-converter-station

The Celilo Converter Station provides indispensable power to more than 2 million homes in the greater Los Angeles area.

 

Converting the converter station

The Pacific Direct Current Intertie is paving the way for future iterations of HVDC energy giants. We sought out state-of-the-art HVDC technology to incorporate in the facility upgrade, carefully balancing innovation with Bonneville Power Administration’s budget.

We performed alternating and direct current system studies, explored real-time digital simulations, reviewed design documentation, supported factory acceptance and commissioning testing and aided Bonneville Power Administration in the material procurement process. Bonneville Power Administration was able to justify the funding for their chosen solution thanks to the two comprehensive infrastructure upgrade plans we provided.

The entire existing terminal was replaced with a new two-converter terminal that had the capacity to convert and transmit up to 3,800-MW of energy, an increase from 3,100-MW. The upgrade involved the replacement of valves, controls, transformers, harmonic filters, switchgear, cooling equipment and more.

With these upgrades, Bonneville Power Administration will be able to deliver more reliable and maintainable power to high-demand markets in Southern California.

Homes powered
2,000,000+
Increased transmission capacity
3,800 MW
The Pacific Direct Current Intertie is paving the way for future iterations of HVDC energy giants. We sought out state-of-the-art HVDC technology to incorporate in the facility upgrade, carefully balancing innovation with Bonneville Power Administration’s budget.

Other challenges that we have overcome