A powerful vision for the future
As the recognised global leader in power technologies, ABB is committed to a major ongoing investment in research and development to ensure that we continue to meet the ever-changing challenges of availability, safety and reliability for power networks. So in 2003, we ploughed back around five percent of our revenues, some £500 million, into R&D and order-related developments.
Our R&D programmes operate on a truly international basis, with a focus on eight research centres in Finland, Germany, India, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and the USA and, in the near future, we plan to open a centre in China. We employ some 6000 of our own science and technology experts and also have active links with around 70 leading universities and research establishments in the UK these include Cambridge University and Imperial College.
The thrust of ABB’s R&D is to develop a focused range of products, systems and services for power transmission, distribution and power plant control. We are working on electrical insulation, current interruption and the system aspects of complete power grids to enhance reliability and interconnectivity and reduce their environmental impact. We are also focusing research on improving manufacturing processes for products such as transformers and switchgear to improve quality and shorten delivery times. Some highlights of our R&D programme include:
The transformer of tomorrow
ABB’s range of power transformers is being given a complete facelift to introduce a new stylish look and feel across the whole family. Intelligent electronics such as the TEC (Trafostar Electronic Control) system are also being integrated within the design which enable the transformer to be linked into a larger control system for easy monitoring and maintenance. And soon, it will even be possible for an individual transformer to have its own home page on the web so that the operator can check its status remotely.
Nanotechnology
The gradual implementation of nanotechnology, a set of technologies that enable individual molecules or atoms to be manipulated, is paving the way for the development of new custom designed materials. Nano-designed dielectrics can be engineered to an exact specification with an improved response to changing electric fields. This opens up the possibilities for cables, bushings, surge arresters and insulating materials. At the same time ABB is perfecting a nano-structured sliding bearing that works in MV and HV switchgear without oil , offering lower operating costs and less environmental impact.
DryHED capacitors
ABB’s revolutionary DryHED capacitors short for dry high energy density can store twice the energy in half the space of conventional capacitors as well as being completely oil- free. They are already in use for HVDC Light systems and are in FastForward Summer 2004 Centre Spread For Approval Version 2
completely oil- free. They are already in use for HVDC Light systems and are in development for HVAC applications.
Quiet circuit breakers
Traditional circuit breakers use spring, hydraulic or pneumatic systems to separate the breaker contacts. These are noisy and easily worn out. So ABB is taking a totally different approach with a new generation of modularised breaker that is the very first to use a motor drive. Not only is it much quieter, making it ideal for urban substations, it’s also more reliable, operating up to three times longer before needing maintenance.
Further developments in circuit breakers will see them integrate functions such as measuring, disconnection and control within a single ,compact highly-sophisticated device which will communicate over a high-speed link to a web-based operator creating a new generation of ‘E-breaker’.
Lowering environmental impact
Network components will continue to shrink in size over time and there will be a trend towards smaller substations as current and voltage sensors are increasingly integrated. Further improvements in power electronics and motor drives will support this trend.
We have already seen indoor and underground substations. And we expect more power transmission to go underground, with overhead transmission and distribution lines disappearing to be replaced by cable systems.
Wide-area grid monitoring
ABB is developing a wide-area monitoring system (WAMS) for large power distribution grids that can substantially improve transmission capacity. For the first time, it gives operators accurate early warning signals by providing real-time information about any developing instability, even when the grid is operating at high loads.
The dynamic monitoring system will enable grids to run closer to full capacity. The hardware comes in compact units that can be deployed around the grid in substations and linked to a central PC for online monitoring.
We are combining the WAMS system with FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) technology to create a large-scale warning and control system to help operators identify and correct problems across an entire power network.
The outlook
Advanced simulation techniques are enabling ABB to challenge the barriers of seemingly mature power technologies. By combining new materials with process research and the connectivity of Industrial IT, we are confident that we are developing a powerful vision for the future.