Enhancing the security, capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems
ABB's patented HVDC technology is used to transmit electricity over long distances by overhead transmission lines or submarine cables. It is also used to interconnect separate power systems, where traditional alternating current (AC) connections cannot be used.
ABB FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) enhance the security, capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems. FACTS solutions enable grid owners to increase the capacity of existing transmission networks, while maintaining or improving the operating margins necessary for grid stability.
CASE STUDY
ABB wins $25 million order to secure power supply in Queensland
ABB has won a contract worth $25 million for an installation to improve the capacity and reliability of power supplies in Southern Queensland.
The contract was awarded by Powerlink, Queensland’s state-owned transmission network operator, for a turnkey installation of Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) technology that will help Powerlink meet the rising demand on the transmission grid from the fast growing Southern Queensland region.
FACTS technology increases the capacity and stability of the existing transmission network, allowing it to transport more electricity across the grid. The contract includes a Static VAr Compensator (SVC) turnkey delivery – part of the FACTS portfolio – that will be located at Woolooga.
ABB will provide the complete scope of design, engineering, equipment, installation and commissioning.
Since an SVC has a comprehensive control system plus some unique features, an intense training program is a key part of the delivered services. The equipment includes 275 kV power transformer, power electronics and substation parts with switchyard and control building.
The Woolooga SVC is planned for commissioning in October 2008.
As the leading supplier of SVCs worldwide, ABB has more than 400 installations either in service or under construction.
An SVC is a power electronics equipment that provides fast-acting reactive power compensation on high-voltage electricity transmission networks. SVC technology increases transmission capacity and stabilises power supply and is also a vital part of the transmission system for maintaining reliability during various system conditions.
Powerlink is a government-owned corporation that owns, develops, operates and maintains Queensland’s high-voltage electricity transmission network, which
benchmarks in the top quartile internationally in terms of both cost efficiency and reliability. The organisation’s $3.9 billion network extends 1,700km from north of Cairns to the New South Wales border - approximately half of Australia’s eastern seaboard.
Did you know?
ABB was recently awarded the contract for a 275kV Static VAR Compensator (SVC) having a swing range of -100/+250MVAr in Queensland. The SVC will improve the efficiency and increase grid reliability to the power transmission system.
Innovation
HVDC Light® is a fundamentally new underground transmission technology developed by ABB, comprising two (or more) converter stations at the ends of the transmission and an underground (or submarine) cable link between them.
The cost of an HVDC Light link now approaches the cost of an overhead line, making it possible to build a long electric power transmission underground and avoid public opposition and long uncertain approval processes.
Besides being a cost competitive alternative to conventional AC and local generation, HVDC Light also opens up new possibilities for improving the quality of
supply in AC power networks. A number of underground transmissions up to 330 MW are in commercial operation and more are being built.