Recognised as a world leading manufacturer and system supplier of power electronics for industrial applications
ABB is recognised as a world leading manufacturer and system supplier of power electronics systems for industrial applications, such as the voltage regulation of generators in power plants and electrolysis and electro winning processes in aluminium smelters, nickel, copper and chlorine production facilities.
It also designs and manufactures traction substations, advanced power electronics such as STATCOMs for wind farms and auxiliary converters for trams and trains.
ABB’s Power Electronics Systems is a global organisation with product development, standardisation and core component production based in Switzerland. Local Engineering Centres are dedicated to the marketing, sales, engineering, manufacturing, commissioning and servicing of the product portfolio – based on the Swiss-made core components - in all major markets around the world.
Our customers benefit from:
- Fast and competent response to customer needs.
- Local expertise, project execution and support.
- High quality standards, utilising Swiss-made core
- components and proven solutions.
- Guaranteed safe and reliable operation of AC and
- DC power supplies in industrial plants.
- Compliance with local standards and regulations.
- The flexibility to implement customised requirements.
CASE STUDY
Nufarm control upgrade of a high power rectifier with AC 800PEC
Crop protection company, Nufarm, wished to increase chlorine production; however, no service or spare parts were available for its rectifier control system - the rectifier manufacturer was no longer in business. Not only did this pose a significant risk to Nufarm’s manufacturing capabilities, it prevented any expansion of their production capacity.
Approached for assistance, ABB delivered an intelligent, cost effective solution to Nufarm. Rather than replace the complete rectifier equipment, most of which was still in good working order, ABB engineered a customised control package which included ABB’s dedicated Power Electronics Controller – the AC 800PEC, with integrated fibre optic thyristor control circuits, S800 and high speed Combi I/O modules. ABB also supplied and installed a new transformer of increased rating to provide a higher output voltage and therefore higher manufacturing capacity.
The solution was engineered and supplied in just six months, installed and commissioned in seven days, and spare parts and support would be readily available. Risk averted, Nufarm soon stepped up its chlorine production.
Innovation
As the power output of today’s wind farms grows, they have a greater impact on the rest of the network. One of the major issues in this industry is the reactive power capacity of the wind farm to help the network cope with disturbances such as network faults and load switching. The latest technology to provide this capability is the STATCOM.
ABB has developed a medium voltage standard STATCOM in the power range of 6 MVAr to 32 MVAr called PCS6000. The water-cooled unit utilises a medium voltage IGCT converter and is available in either an indoor cubicle construction or an outdoor containerised version.
The standardised wind application STATCOM is easy to implement, has a predictable performance and is rapidly becoming a standard part of many large wind farms.
Did you know?
Every generator connected to the National Grid has to comply with the National Electricity Rules. ABB Australia is specialised in providing compliance testing for any type of excitation system. Our extensive experience significantly simplifies the process of gaining approval by NEMMCO.