2009-11-11 - Energy efficient generator step up transformers will help deliver power from Paks Nuclear Power Plant (Paks NPP) in Hungary
ABB in Hungary has won an order to supply 300 MVA generator step up (GSU) transformers to the Hungarian Paks Nuclear Power Plant. The transformers will help deliver electricity from Paks Nuclear Power Plant, the largest power producer in Hungary generating with its four nuclear units some 40 percent of the domestic electric energy. The order was booked in the second quarter.
The GSUs will be manufactured at ABB’s Bad Honnef factory in Germany. The first transformer passed the factory acceptance test late September, 2009. The first transformer will be installed in 2010.
“The trouble free transmission from the plant to the power grid is critical. The special low losses designed transformers with integrated customized intelligent transformer online monitoring system ensure grid reliability and energy efficiency,” said Zsolt Török, key account manager of ABB Hungary.
The equipment will be installed in connection with eight generators. ABB’s scope of supply includes automatic cooling systems regulated by frequency converter which are integrated into the transformer monitoring system - TEC. The online monitoring enables users to increase performance, reduce failure risk and cut maintenance cost. By using standard sensors and transformer knowledge, TEC performs a complete evaluation of the operating conditions whilst simulating different service conditions and forecasting their impact on the transformer life.
In 2007 Paks NPP asked ABB to give an expert opinion and suggestion on the condition of the 15,75/410 kV generator step up transformers. ABB recommended to either refurbish the transformers along with output enhancement or to replace them with new ones. The decision was taken to install new units. Hence, the GSUs to be delivered will replace existing block transformers in a bid of upgrading and retrofitting the equipment at the power plant.
Paks NPP has a leading role in Hungarian energetics. In 2008, the four units produced 14,818 GWh electric energy. The capacity upgrading of the 4 reactor inits started in 2006, and will be completed in 2009.