Er, it's a DC link -- There's nothing to synchronize! [Linked Image] The sync problem is most likely why DC was chosen in the first place. Apart from anything else, the frequency tolerance for the grid in different (U.K. +/-1%, France 2%).

I'm not sure of the voltage, maximum power handling capability, or other details of the under-Channel link (sorry, it was a long time ago that I read the details!). From memory, I think it was in service in the 1950s.

Power is transferred both ways at different times: The 1-hour time difference between us and the fact the French tend to eat and work slightly different hours mean that our peak demand times don't coincide.

I've tried a few net searches to get some more info, but come up empty I'm afraid.


[This message has been edited by pauluk (edited 01-10-2003).]