The temperature rise design and test under total loss equivalent direct current and alternating current of large capacity dry-type air core reactors based on isothermal isobaric design method are investigated using a combination way of theory, simulation and test, according to the differences on temperature rise distribution under direct current and alternating current of dry-type air-core reactor based on Northwest Yunnan to Guangdong ±800 kV UHVDC transmission project of China Southern Power Grid Company Limited. The test results show that: Firstly, the reactor could meet the requirement of temperature rise under total loss equivalent direct current and alternating current through reasonable conductor selection and coil structure design. Secondly, the coil temperature rise under total loss equivalent direct current is apparently higher than that under total loss equivalent alternating current. Lastly, the metal part adopts a special structure to ensure that the heating temperature is controllable. The research results could provide a basis for the design of AC/DC composite dry-type air core reactor in the later stage.