2006-04-26 - ABB PFC technology has enabled the Pleasure Beach, Blackpool to make optimum use of its existing power supply and reduce the running costs of its new ride.
Pleasure Beach, Blackpool’s spectacular new ride takes its name from the world of pop culture, ‘Bling’. The white-knuckle ride takes people for a 60mph speed spin in three different directions at up to 100ft above the ground. It demands considerable amounts of power and the owners of the park looked to ABB to help them deliver the electricity required without having to undertake a total upgrade to the power network supplying the Pleasure Beach.
The Bling ride places a big demand on the three-phase power network serving one of the world’s greatest entertainment parks. The ride was expected to draw around 1400A per phase.. With the installation of ABB’s power factor correction equipment the supply current needed was reduced to 1200A per phase which, in turn, has meant that the power needed to operate the ride was cut by approximately 25 per cent.
The power factor correction installation consists of one bank of capacitors totalling 300kVAr.
With total energy savings running at up to £2,000 per month during the peak season the ABB equipment is expected to pay for itself in less than three years.
ABB not only provided the power factor correction equipment, it also installed a new transformer and switchboard control, as well as making the connection to the electricity network, which involved liaising with the local distribution network operator (DNO), United Utilities.
Company background
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 102,000 people.