With the advent of efficient, fast and compact power electronic devices ABB has developed new products to improve power quality in the electrical power supply. With these new products the reliability increases and improved control of the power flow in electrical transmission systems is achieved. This directly affects profitability for both electrical suppliers and industrial end users.
With greater manufacturing automation, equipment is becoming more sensitive and as a result electricity consumers are more aware of the negative effects disturbances in the power supply can have on their processes. A short sag (dip) in the supply voltage can shut down an entire production line in highly sensitive industries such as computer chip manufacturing, printing, and textiles. Meanwhile utilities are facing the challenge of maintaining voltage and VAr support as non-linear loads increase and T&D capacity becomes more constrained.
ABB has developed and successfully introduced systems for both end users and suppliers. Both power quality systems stand out for their efficiency and responsiveness to voltage disturbances.
- For electricity consumers, the Active Voltage Conditioner (AVC) protects loads from disturbances in the power supply.
- The answer for utilities is ABB’s advanced STATCOM.