Download Tidal and wave power reaching maturity 24

ffwd
4 | 13
Focus on renewables
special issue
Tidal and wave power reaching maturity 24
Industry viewpoint from RenewableUK 4
ABB completes delivery of Thornton Bank grid connection 16
Power-One acquisition grows ABB’s expertise in solar inverters 25
EirGrid’s East-West Interconnector energised 26
From the Editor
ABB Power Products
Power Products are the key components for transmitting and distributing electricity.
The division incorporates ABB’s manufacturing network for transformers, switch­gear,
circuit breakers, cables and associated equipment. It also offers all the services
needed to ensure products’ performance and extend their lifespan.
ABB Power Systems
Power Systems offers turnkey systems and services for power transmission and
distribution grids and for power plants. Substations and substation automation
systems are key areas. Additional highlights includes flexible alternating current
transmission systems (FACTS), high-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems and
network management systems. In power generation, Power Systems offers the
instrumentation, control and electrification of power plants and extend their lifespan.
ffwd
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Focus on renewables
Dear Reader,
Stephen Trotter
Division Head of ABB Power Systems UK
04
Industry
viewpoint
Welcome to this special issue of ffwd,
ABB’s customer newsletter for its Power
Products and Power Systems business in
the UK. This edition has a special focus on
the renewables sector, which is timely as
the government prepares the Energy Bill,
putting in place Electricity Market Reform.
As onshore and offshore wind has
matured, ABB has developed the technology
that serves these industries. Highlights
include the recently energised East West
Interconnector for EirGrid (see page 26).
Although the 500 MW EirGrid interconnector
is currently the highest rated HVDC Light ®
transmission link, it will soon make way for
two larger projects as ABB is also delivering
the 800 MW and 900 MW grid connections
for the DolWin1 and DolWin2 offshore wind
farms – read about these on pages 8 and 10.
Another enabling technology for offshore
wind is switchgear. ABB’s PASS M00 (on
page 12) is compact enough to fit an entire
substation in a turbine tower, meeting the
growing market for 66 kV (kilovolt) collection
grids in offshore wind.
And we’re now seeing wave and tidal
power technologies making significant
advances, with the world’s largest ocean
energy farm, based on wave power. See
page 24 for details.
But the greatest enabler of all for renew­
able power is likely to be the hybrid HVDC
circuit breaker (page 27), which ABB
announced at the start of 2013. The result
of more than a century of development,
the breaker will allow transmission grids
to span continents, combining low losses
and controllability.
AC remains equally important for ABB
and I'm delighted that our project to
provide the 325 MW grid connection for the
Thornton Bank wind farm was energised
over the summer – see page 16, which will
be the largest onshore wind site in England
and Wales.
With so many opportunities and cha­
llenges in the renewables sector, these
are great times to be involved in power
engineering and through my seat on the
government’s Offshore Wind Programme
Board, ABB is at the forefront of bringing
down the cost of wind power and reducing
barriers for the sector.
I would like to end by thanking Maria
McCaffery, chief executive of RenewableUK, for kindly agreeing to contribute her
insightful introduction to this special issue
of ffwd (page 4).
As always If you have any feedback
on the subjects covered in this issue, or
suggestions for future articles, we would
love to hear from you.
FFWD 4/13 Renewable special issue • The customer newsletter of ABB Power Products and Power Systems • Subscription Newsletter available as printed or
electronic copy, with a monthly email version including up to date news. Subscribe online at abb.co.uk/ffwd • Contact and feedback [email protected] •
Publisher ABB Limited, Power Systems Division, Oulton Road, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0RS. Phone 01785 825050
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Focus on renewables
Content
12
Switchgear
24
Wave and
tidal
26
HVDC
Industry viewpoint
Cables
04 Maria McCaffery, chief executive of RenewableUK
gives her view of the big picture
20 HVC cables make the right connection
ABBs renewables portfolio
Protection and control
06 ABB’s renewable energy portfolio
22 IEC 61850 scheme for Teesside Offshore Wind Farm
23 The UK’s first TCSC
Grid connections
Wave and tidal
08 The relative merits of high voltage AC and HVDC
24 Latest developments in wave and tidal trial schemes
Offshore platforms
Solar
10 Self-installing platforms for offshore HVDC projects
25 ABB acquires Power-One
Switchgear
HVDC
12 PASS M00 for 72 kV arrays
26 East-West Interconnector
27 Hybrid HVDC circuit breaker set to transform the market
Service
14 Life cycle services for offshore wind projects
Contestable connections
15 Eliminating the connection bottleneck
AC project focus
16 Thornton Bank
17 Substation upgrade for 'The Chapel in the Valley'
Transformers
28 Cutting energy losses with EcoDry transformers
Hydroelectric power
29 Upgrading the substation at Sloy
MV modular systems
30 Containerised solutions
STATCOMS
Consulting
18 Fullabrook Wind Farm’s PCS6000
31 Computer modelling optimises wind farm projects
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03
Industry viewpoint
Another Place – Antony Gormley’s sculptures keep watch over the wind turbines off Crosby Beach in Merseyside
Progress on filling
the energy gap
Maria McCaffery,
Chief Executive
of RenewableUK,
comments on the
ongoing high levels
of public support for
renewable energy, the impact of
the government’s announcement
of draft strike prices for renewables
under the Electricity Market Reform
and the importance of encouraging
an industry that is keen to deliver.
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Focus on renewables
Results from the latest quarterly survey on renewable energy
by DECC (the Department for Energy and Climate Change)
found a continuing high level of support for renewable
energy sources. More than three quarters of those in the
UK support the use of renewables to generate electricity,
fuel and heat, a figure that has remained stable since the
previous quarter.
This is encouraging, given that the areas represented by
RenewableUK (being wind, wave and tidal) offer huge potential
to meet the likely energy gap that is coming.
In the wider power generation marketplace, there are planned
closures of around 20 gigawatts (GW) of coal, oil and nuclear
power stations by 2025. Combined with this, there is uncertainty
over the long-term strategy for nuclear power and increased
volatility in the price and availability of gas.
Industry viewpoint
This combines to raise uncertainty over
the security of the UK’s energy supply and
DECC’s survey reflects this, with more
than four out of five people concerned that
energy prices may rise steeply. The UK is
rich in wind, wave and tidal energy and by
developing these resources, the country
can maintain control, manage costs and
contribute to carbon reduction targets. The
UK’s immediate target is to meet 15% of
the UK’s energy demand with renewables
by 2020 and looking further ahead to 2050,
the government is committed to reducing
greenhouse gas emissions by at least 80
percent, with renewable energy being a
central solution to achieve this.
But when it comes to delivery, there is still
a great deal of debate. Of the technologies,
onshore wind is the most advanced and
well-proven but it experiences opposition
from rural communities, where wind
resources make such installations attractive.
Offshore wind farms offer high
generating capacity with lower impact on
the population. In spite of this, proposed
developments encounter some very real
concerns from people over its visual impact
on sea views, the resulting effect on tourism,
commercial and property developments
and the environment. There is likely to be
similar debate for and against tidal and
wave generators when they are developed
on a commercial scale.
So although the vast majority of the
public support the sector in general,
experience has taught that when it comes
to specific schemes, public engagement
is vital to gain buy-in, dispel concerns and
explain the need for renewables, as well
as to communicate the bigger picture and
dispel myths that have grown up.
A major step forwards in the UK’s
policy was announced in July, when the
government published draft strike prices
for wind, wave and tidal energy. While
RenewableUK welcomed the clarity
brought about by the strike prices, which
set out guaranteed prices for the electricity
generated, they are set at a level which
means the industry will need to meet
ambitious cost reductions, which will be
challenging and difficult to achieve.
It’s vital that the government doesn’t
stifle investment by overambitious cost
reduction targets and the government now
needs to set out the framework in which the
strike prices will sit, including the timeframe
in which the strike prices will apply. This
framework will give the full picture of how
wind, wave and tidal energy will work in
detail and what level of investment is viable.
One thing that is clear to me as the
CEO of the UK’s leading renewable energy
trade association is that commitment to
investment in high volume schemes will
drive technological development and cost
reduction will follow from that. Without
the economic carrot of attractive returns,
industry is unlikely to invest in the R&D
needed to chase cost reduction targets.
The other aspect to consider is that
investments by large industrials both builds
the supply chain and delivers jobs.
The challenges are still substantial but
the rewards will be worth the effort to
overcome them: as well as a long-term
supply of clean and sustainable electricity
we are poised to create around 70,000
highly skilled direct jobs and attract around
£200bn in inward investment.
With the new Energy Bill due to become
law by the end of the year and a renewables
industry keen to deliver viable schemes,
I am cautiously optimistic that the right
framework will lead to investment in wind
and marine energy, enabling us to realise
the economic potential of the UK’s natural
resources.
Focus on renewables
FFWD 4 |13
05
ABB’s renewables portfolio
ABB’s
renewables
energy
portfolio
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Focus on renewables
ABB has built on more than 100 years
of experience in power and automation
technology to develop a complete
portfolio of services for the renewable
energy industry. This covers virtually
any requirement, from individual
components for a wind turbine
installation through to the turnkey
delivery of grid connection schemes.
Most recently, ABB has become a
leading supplier of solar inverters
through its acquisition of Power-One
and its investments in wave and tidal
power are at the leading edge, with the
technologies on the verge of becoming
commercial.
ABB’s renewables portfolio
Wind turbines
Solar
Generators
Motors
Converters
Low-voltage equipment
Switchgear
High voltage PASS hybrid switchgear
Cables and connectors
Protection and control
Solar inverters (through Power-One)
Low voltage products for PV applications
Products and solutions for trackers
PV power plants
Products and solutions for solar thermal systems
Service
Installation and commissioning
Planned maintenance contracts
Emergency breakdown support
Infrastructure
Electrical balance of plant (EBoP)
Wind farm interconnection
AIS and GIS substations
Offshore substation platforms
Underground and subsea cable transmission
Overhead line transmission
Power grid connection
Control and protection systems
Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) technologies, including SVCs
HVDC Light®
Network management
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07
Grid connections
Creating the ideal
connection
Grant McKay, ABB Marketing
and Sales Manager for
offshore wind transmission
connections in the UK,
reviews the technology
options for offshore wind farm
connection projects.
The construction of offshore wind farms presents some
significant engineering challenges in getting the power
generated back to the main interconnected transmission
system onshore efficiently, reliably and cost-effectively. This
can be done using both high voltage alternating current (HVAC)
and high voltage direct current (HVDC) technologies. However,
careful consideration needs to be given to the characteristics
and location of each project to determine the most appropriate
solution in each case.
A general rule of thumb is that for connections of less than 60 km
HVAC is the appropriate choice, while for distances above 100
km HVDC offers significant advantages. However, project specific
characteristics can play a major part in determining the optimum
solution in each situation.
Regardless of the final technology choice, ABB offers market
leading turnkey solutions for the reliable delivery of large scale
offshore wind generation onto national transmission systems.
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Focus on renewables
HVAC is the predominant technology
used for the electricity transmission and
distribution networks across the world. It
is flexible and easily facilitates connection
as a meshed network. However, it has
limitations when it comes to transmitting
large volumes of power over long distances
when using underground or subsea cables.
To date, HVAC has been used to connect
all of the UK’s offshore wind farms at export
voltages of 33 kV and 132-150 kV. The
connection distances for these have been
up to 50 km via 3-core submarine cable
and single core land cable circuits.
For long lengths of HVAC cable, reactive
compensation is required in the form of
shunt reactors. As the length and voltage
of HVAC cable circuits increase, shunt
compensation may be required on both
ends of the cable circuit and, potentially
at an intermediate point along the route.
In order to meet the National Grid
connection requirements some dynamic
reactive compensation will also be
required. This is generally provided by a
Static Var Compensator (SVC) or a Static
Compensator (STATCOM), sized against
the connection capacity of the wind farm.
With recent developments in XLPE cable
technology, HVAC transmission connections
for large offshore wind farms can now be
considered at higher voltages, specifically
220 kV. This increases the power carrying
capacity of each cable circuit while also
reducing losses.
For each HVAC system, detailed studies
and simulations need to be carried out to
ensure that the system will remain stable
under all possible operating conditions
and that phenomena such as harmonic
resonances can be avoided.
Within the ABB offshore wind connec­
tions team, we have both the expertise in
power system analysis and the advanced
analytical tools required to define the
optimum transmission system. We have
extensive expertise in the design and
delivery of large and complex offshore
platforms and a long- standing track
Grid connections
The world’s largest lifting vessel, Thialf, craning DolWin alpha into position in the North Sea
record of successful delivery of onshore
transmission substations. These capabilities
together with the unrivalled range of
ABB HVAC equipment and proven XLPE
cable technology allows ABB to provide
the complete turnkey HVAC electrical
transmission system.
A good example of this scope of work
is the Thornton Bank project in Belgium
described in more detail on page 16.
HVDC Light® – Depending on the rating of
the offshore wind farm concerned, an HVDC
transmission option may be financially viable
even for shorter distances. ABB’s HVDC
Light® package represents the most up-todate system for power transmission. While it
is constantly being developed and improved,
HVDC Light® is not new technology. Based
on VSC (Voltage Source Converter) power
electronics technology pioneered by ABB,
HVDC Light® has been well proven in the
field over the past 15 years.
HVDC Light ® is ideal for integrating
dispersed, renewable generation, especially
wind power, into existing AC grids. It is also
used for smart transmission and smart grids
due to its great flexibility and adaptability.
The connection between the onshore
and offshore HVDC convertor stations is
made by pairs of single core XLPE cables.
There are none of the reactive power
issues associated with HVAC cable circuits,
allowing the possibility of far greater power
transfer capability.
As with HVAC systems, detailed studies
and simulations are carried out to ensure
that the HVDC control system is tuned to
work in harmony with both the wind turbine
network and the onshore transmission
system.
Three characteristics make HVDC Light®
the ideal solution for linking up offshore
wind farms
Provision of highly flexible reactive power
– This supports voltage stability and allows
full compliance at the connection point to
the National Grid, enabling the high power
levels of off- shore wind farms to be fed into
the network without any adverse effects
on the system.
Black-start capability – The transmission
system can be run up from a powerless
state, e.g. if the wind has stopped blowing.
Network decoupling – When a DC trans­
mission system is used, a wind farm's
offshore network is decoupled from the
power grid on the mainland by the DC
link, preventing resonances an instabilities.
Major DolWin1 milestone
ABB recently reached a major HVDC Light®
milestone in delivering the world’s most
powerful offshore HVDC converter station
when the DolWin alpha platform was craned
into position. The platform, weighing 16,000
metric tonnes, was positioned by the world’s
largest crane vessel in August.
ABB is delivering the turnkey project
to engineer, design, supply and install
the DolWin1 offshore wind connection for
TenneT, the leading European transmission
system operator. During its operational life,
it will convert power from wind farms off
the German coast and transmit it ashore
via 165 km of HVDC sea and underground
cables with a capacity of 800 MW.
Watch a video of the positioning operation of the new DolWin alpha platform at youtube.com/abbpower.
For an offshore HVDC convertor station, large offshore platforms are required. More details of ABB’s innovative approach to the design and delivery of these
platforms can be found on page 10.
Focus on renewables
FFWD 4 |13
09
Offshore platforms
Self-installing platforms
for offshore HVDC projects
Peter Jones, Engineering Manager Grid Systems ABB UK,
explains the background to the development of ABB’s new
self-installing gravity-base structure (GBS) platform concept
for offshore HVDC projects
A self-installing HVDC converter
substation platform
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Focus on renewables
Offshore platforms
ABB is currently working on a contract
worth around $1 billion for TenneT, the
Dutch-German transmission grid operator,
to create the 900 MW DolWin2 power link
that will connect offshore wind farms in the
North Sea to the German mainland grid.
DolWin2 is ABB’s third offshore wind
connection order for TenneT, following
the 800 MW Dolwin1 link, which is now
drawing to completion, and previously the
BorWin1 project. Both the BorWin1 and
Dolwin1 projects feature conventional fixed
platforms to house the offshore converter
stations. However, the DolWin beta platform
is based on a new GBS design concept,
building on experience gained from semisubmersible floating platforms for the oil
and gas sector.
Wind farms in the DolWin cluster –
including the 400 MW Gode Wind II project
and other wind farms – will be connected
by 155 kV AC cables to the HVDC Light®
converter station platform situated in the
North Sea. This will then transmit the
electricity at +320 kV DC via 45 km of
subsea cable and 90 km of land cable to
the onshore HVDC station at Dörpen-West,
where it will be converted to 380 kV AC
and connected to the German main grid.
BorWin1 HVDC Light® converter station
The platform challenge
The first HVDC link to connect an offshore
wind farm with an AC grid was the 400 MW
BorWin1 project. Based on HVDC Light®
technology, this 200 km link connects
the Bard Offshore 1 wind farm located off
Germany’s North Sea coast to the HVAC
grid on the German mainland.
The drawback of the conventional fixed
platform (jacket and topside) featured on
BorWin1 is that installation/lifting is only
possible in the better sea conditions found
during May to September. Furthermore, with
a 1,000 MW HVDC station weighing in at
around 10,000 tons, it requires the world’s
largest crane vessel, which has implications
for both costs and availability, and multiple
offshore lifts. Most designs are also not
suitable for shallow water.
to fabricate platforms with no design risk,
although current experience is limited to
large platforms of over 10,000 tonnes.
ABB has worked with Aibel, the
Norwegian offshore engineering company,
to develop a new self-installing gravity-base
structure (GBS) platform design, based on
proven technology from the oil and gas
sector. It provides a global design for 700
to 1,100 MW projects and detailed designs
for 800 and 900 MW applications with a
design life of 30 years.
Intended for use with wind farms in sea
depths of between 15 and 45 metres, the
GBS platform is constructed onshore. All the
platform systems are fully commissioned in
dock, minimising offshore hook up works.
The platform is then towed into position
by tugs and secured on the seabed
by its own weight and ballasting. This
approach significantly reduces the weather
dependence of the installation operation
and offshore commissioning is limited
to energisation and trial runs following
installation of the HV cables.
Platform alternatives
One alternative is the jack-up self-installing
(floating) platform. Its installation has no
need for a large crane vessel, instead using
a complex design of jack-up system and
platform to handle the offshore jack-up
operation. Many yards have the capability
Reduced environmental impact
The GBS platform is designed to reduce
environmental impact. It has the potential
to simplify the requirements for seabed
preparation, while the elimination of noisy
piling operations ensures there is no impact
on wildlife. The platform is also easy to
remove and decommission at the end of
its service life.
Optimised operation and
maintenance
Optimisation of operation and maintenance
were key factors in the design of the GBS
platform. It is intended for remote operation,
but is also prepared for helicopter and boat
access. The provision of living quarters
and equipment storage facilitates the use
of the platform as a service point. Indoor
walkways are provided and the living and
working sections are localised to ensure
working safety. Systems for large equipment
replacement projects are incorporated.
GBS moves from concept to reality
The first ever GBS platform, for Dolwin2,
which is believed to be the world’s largest
offshore wind platform, is currently under
construction on behalf of ABB and Aibel
at the Dubai shipyard, Drydocks World.
The Dolwin beta platform will have
a capacity of 900 MW and include
accommodation facilities and a helicopter
deck. Following fabrication, it will be
delivered to Aibel's yard in Haugesund,
Norway, for fitting out. DolWin2 is scheduled
to come on line in 2015.
Focus on renewables
FFWD 4 |13
11
Switchgear
A higher calling
John Edwards, ABB’s General Manager for High
Voltage Products in the UK, explains why there
is a growing trend towards higher voltage grids
for offshore wind power networks.
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Focus on renewables
Switchgear
Pressure to reduce both the cost of renew­
able energy and reliance on government
subsidies continues to mount, with June’s
publication of strike prices for renewables
for the next five years, which set ambitious
cost reduction targets for the industry, with
guaranteed prices for onshore and offshore
wind dropping steadily to £95 and £135
per megawatt-hour (MWh) by the end of
the period.
One response to this drive for cost
efficiency is a growing trend towards
maximising the economies of scale that
can be realised from the deployment of
a significant volume of wind generation
far from shore. An example of this is the
ever-increasing power output ratings being
developed for wind turbine generators;
rather than the 2 – 3 MW turbines that are
commonplace today for onshore application,
the future will see offshore wind turbines
growing to 5 MW and above, operating
in parks producing many hundreds, and
in some cases, thousands of megawatts.
equivalent 33 kV units and there are lower
losses in the array cables. Also, arranging
wind turbines in loops will improve
operational availability by creating a ring
network and it’s also possible to reduce
the number of substation transformers.
In essence, a 66 kV array offers greater
performance headroom, flexibility and
potentially lower investment costs. But it
demands a new approach to switchgear,
which needs to be exceptionally compact.
This is why ABB has introduced the PASS
M00 to meet the fast-growing demand for
66 kV systems.
Introducing PASS M00
ABB’s 72.5 kV PASS M00 has been
introduced to meet the changing needs
of offshore HV arrays. The multi-function
switchgear is a hybrid of conventional air
insulated switchgear (AIS) and metal-clad
gas insulated switchgear (GIS) modules.
They combine to deliver all the necessary
substation switchgear bay functions,
Case study
ABB has drawn up a design that uses PASS
M00 modules as switchgear for a 72 kV
collection grid. The compact design of the
PASS M00 switchgear made is possible to fit
a complete HV substation within the tower
of a 5 MW turbine, with the advantages of:
–– reduction in the number of arrays
necessary to export the energy produced
–– reduction in the number of cables in
parallel for each feeder
–– increase in the power capacity/current
ampacity of a single feeder
–– reduction in the losses in subsea AC
internal grid array cables
–– decrease in the voltage drop in the
feeder/string
–– decrease in the short circuit value of
internal grid apparatus
–– elimination of the need to construct an
offshore HV/MV platform substation when
offshore wind parks are close to land
Rated Power
Trend
towards
larger
turbines
PASS M00
for new
generation
wind parks
V39 – 500 kW V80 – 2.0 MW
1980
V90 – 3.0 MW
1990
Scaling up in the offshore wind sector
requires more turbines with higher output
power ratings, spaced farther apart in wind
park arrays installed at a greater distance
from the shore. This has led to a greater
emphasis on the need to optimise the
offshore collection grid and customers are
now demanding arrays that operate at 66
kV rather than the traditional 33 kV seen
onshore and for current offshore wind parks.
This higher voltage solution has many
attractions. Financially, there’s lower CAPEX
for inter-array collection infrastructure,
potential to cut costs by increasing the
number of wind turbines connected to a
single array, less cable is needed, and it’s
possible to construct a single platform to
collect power from all of the wind turbines
in an array.
Technically, 66 kV substation trans­
formers are significantly lighter than their
2000
V112 – 3.0 MW
V164 – 7.0 MW
2010
including circuit breaker, one or more
combined disconnector/earthing switches,
cable connections and current transformers.
Integrating all of these into a single compact
module eliminates the need for discrete
pieces of kit.
The multifunctional PASS M00 can also
integrate current and voltage transformers,
surge arresters and protection and control
systems. It is available for single and double
busbar configurations, has an optional single
and triple pole operating mechanism and is
ideally suited for use as a standard product
in the design of new modular substations
or for retrofit applications.
Being transportable in a standard
shipping container without packaging,
no special arrangements are needed for
shipping and transportation. PASS M00 is
delivered ready to install, with no need for
on-site gas treatment or HV testing.
PASS M00 is ideally suited to HV wind
park collection grid applications where
its advantages are:
–– compact due to full gas insulation
–– fast installation with no on-site HV test
required
–– high reliability
–– fast repair due to modular assembly
–– remote control provided by motor
operability
–– s traightforward integration with oil
insulated, gas insulated and dry power
transformers and flexible inter nal
configuration
Focus on renewables
FFWD 4 |13
13
Service
Life cycle services
for offshore wind
projects
ABB’s portfolio of life cycle
services is designed to increase
our customers’ return on
investment and keep offshore
wind projects operating with
maximum efficiency and
reliability throughout their
service life.
Comprehensive services portfolio
ABB’s services span the entire product
ownership life cycle, from pre-purchase
engineering, installation and commissioning,
technical support, online and classroom
training, preventive maintenance schedules,
spare part kits and spare parts management,
to retrofit and refurbishment.
Custom made service contracts
We understand that every turbine manu­
facturer or wind power plant operator has
their own unique service needs. We aim to
provide customers with the right mix based
on service contracts.
Individual services can be bundled into
one contract. Contracts can be implemented
at any stage of product ownership,
throughout the product’s life cycle and
can be built around a mix of services,
including spare part agreements, preventive
or corrective maintenance agreements,
technical support and training.
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FFWD 4 |13
Focus on renewables
Service contracts provide customers
with improved cost controls, increased
operational efficiency, lower capital
expenditures, reduced downtime and
extended product lifetime.
Training improves efficiency
and
performance
Wind turbines are complex machines.
Understanding how to integrate and operate
ABB products efficiently provides the basis
for improved product quality and reduced
production costs.
We offer specialised training for many
products to suit the needs of wind turbine
manufacturers, power plant operators and
service providers. Training can be provided
through our own training centres, through
e-learning classes or even at a customer's
own site. Training can help customers keep
right up-to-date with the latest product
developments and information.
Engineering and technical support
ABB’s engineers can work with turbine
manufacturers during the product speci­
fication phase to ensure all of the technical
questions and issues are addressed.
Engineering and technical support is available
by phone, email, or on-site visits, as specified
in a service contract.
Regional service hubs
ABB has established certified regional service
hubs around the world. They can perform
repair, refurbishment and retrofit work.
Service highlights
–– Global services for the complete life cycle
–– Tailor-made service contracts; Classroom
and online training; Pre-sales engineering;
Regional service hubs
–– Spare parts management
Contestable connections
Eliminating the
connection bottleneck
ABB is a leading
Independent Connection
Provider (ICP) with proven
capability to deliver new
connection projects from
day-to-day maintenance
for Distribution Network
Operators (DNOs) to
multi-million pound
contestable connections.
Working with DNOs
Procuring and delivering utility connections
is a major concern for the developers of
renewable energy projects, both in terms
of cost, risk and on-time delivery. Many
DNOs are heavily over-subscribed for new
connections and are sometimes unable to
offer a new connection and its associated
works within the desired timescale, which
can affect the viability of projects.
ABB’s successful approach to new
connections can reduce this bottleneck
by allowing the DNO to focus on the ‘noncontestable’ element of a project – in
essence they just need to verify that there is
a connection point available with sufficient
capacity. ABB can then deliver a projectfocused single interface to design and
construct the actual connection substation
to the DNO’s own standards.
Once complete, the substation can be
handed over to the host DNO to manage and
earn the associated revenue, an approach
that sees ABB working in partnership with
DNOs and relieving the burden on their
internal resource.
Years of experience
Since Ofgem, the UK’s regulator of gas and
electricity markets, first brought competition
to the new connections market in 1997,
ABB has completed many new connection
projects. Projects include connections for
private developers and end users from 11
kV up to 132 kV, which is beyond the scope
of most ICPs.
The specific benefits of working with
ABB will vary from project to project. In the
majority of cases we can offer significant
cost and time savings, but the real
advantages often lie in our commitment,
technical expertise and customer focus.
Indeed, many customers are delighted to
find that, when we are invited to tender for
a new connections project we often find
more innovative options or approaches to a
particular new connection requirement which
can reduce time, money or programme risk
– all of this is detailed in a comprehensive
tender document.
NERS Accredited
ABB is one of a select group of companies
to be accredited under the National
Electricity Registration Scheme operated
by the Lloyd’s Register Group on behalf
of the UK DNOs. This scheme provides
technical assessment of service providers
who elect to be assessed for accreditation
for contestable works associated with the
installation of electrical connections.
ABB has a broad NERS registration
that covers design, project management,
cable laying, cable jointing, overhead lines,
substation installation and associated civil
engineering works.
Flexibility
Making a new connection is a critical part of
most projects. On major developments, the
one thing a client needs is flexibility. If the
project needs to go ‘off-plan’ for any reason,
it is vital that the electricity contractor can
adapt to meet the changing requirements.
In our role as an ICP, ABB understands
the evolving needs and priorities of different
projects. We also recognise the need to
work with all the equipment suppliers whose
products are approved by the local network
operator and understand the need for
financial flexibility. We can arrange contracts
with commercial terms that reflect the
competitive nature of the market, including
staged milestone payments as the project
progresses.
Why connect with ABB?
–– Comprehensive scope from low voltage
through 11 kV, 33 kV, 66kV up to 132kV
–– A single interface for the entire connection
project
–– Flexible, responsive service for fast-track
‘power-on’
–– Commercial flexibility with milestone
payments
–– UK-wide coverage; NERS accredited
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15
AC project focus
Thornton Bank’s grid
connection goes live
September 2013 saw
ABB complete the
delivery of the subsea
transmission link for
one of Europe’s largest
offshore wind farms with
the commissioning of the
325 MW grid connection
for the Thornton Bank
wind farm. The project,
carried out for Belgian
company C-Power
NV, was delivered on
schedule.
The transmission link was constructed as
part of an expansion of the Thornton Bank
wind farm. In the first phase of its development, six wind turbines with a total capacity of 30 MW were built and a temporary
connection to the mainland was built by
ABB. The second and third phases of the
project involved adding 48 wind turbines,
which takes the wind farm’s capacity to 325
MW, which is transmitted 30 km ashore via
the transformer station platform.
ABB was responsible for delivering
the grid connection as a turnkey project,
which included the system engineering,
design, supply and commissioning of
the AC subsea cables, land-based cable
systems and the offshore substation and
platform that houses it. The wind turbines
are connected via underwater mediumvoltage cables to the offshore transformer
station where the voltage is boosted to 150
kV and connected to the mainland grid.
The electricity is then fed into the grid at
the Slijkens HV substation, which is located
3km inland at Bredene.
The wind farm has a generating capacity
of more than 1,000 GWh (gigawatt-hours)
of electricity per year, equivalent to the
annual consumption of around 300,000
Belgian households. It will contribute around
seven percent of the country’s renewable
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Thornton Bank’s large transformer platform
energy commitment by 2020. Compared
with a traditional gas-fuelled power plant,
Thornton Bank will help avoid CO2 emissions
of 415,000 tonnes per year.
“Integrating renewable energy sources
to the grid is a key focus area as Europe
strives to balance the need for electricity
with minimising environmental impact,” said
Brice Koch, head of ABB’s Power Systems
division, “The close collaboration with
C-Power combined with ABB’s technologies,
domain competence and experience were
key success factors in the smooth execution
of this project.”
ABB’s scope
–– Engineering of the entire system including
offshore platform
–– 370 MVA Offshore HVAC Substation
Supply and connection of:
–– 2x38 km of 170 kV Export subsea cable
–– 60 km of 36 kV Array subsea cables
–– 6 km of 170 kV Land cable
Watch a video about the Thornton Bank
grid connection at youtube.com/abbpower.
AC project focus
Substation upgrade for
the ‘Chapel in the Valley’
ABB has completed a
contractor for RWE power
renewables to upgrade
the substation serving
Cym Dyli, within the
Snowdonia National Park,
one of Britain’s oldest
hydroelectric power
stations which started
generation in 1906.
The project, featuring ABB’s state-of-the-art
UniGear primary MV switchgear, included
the modification of the site’s single existing
33 kV circuit breaker and the installation
of an additional second circuit breaker to
ensure fail-safe operation.
Construction of Cwm Dyli commenced
in 1906 to supply power for Wales’ then
prosperous slate industry. It also produced
electricity for the first ever transatlantic
transmission station set up by Marconi
in 1912, near the village of Waenfawr,
Caernarfon. Water for the site comes
predominantly from the Llydaw lake some
320 metres above the site high on the
slopes of Mount Snowdon and travels to
the powerhouse through a two kilometre
long pipeline. The site was rebuilt in 1989,
when the original Pelton wheel turbines were
replaced by a single Francis turbine capable
of producing 9.8 MW of green energy.
Reliability, safety and security
The substation equipment from the 1989
rebuild was nearing the end of its service life.
ABB has therefore upgraded the substation
with the latest switchgear and circuit breaker
technology to ensure the optimum reliability,
safety and security of supply. The existing
site circuit breaker was modified to meet
the latest standards while a new second
circuit breaker was installed in the form
of ABB’s well proven VD4 vacuum circuit
breaker fitted in a UniGear air insulated
switchgear (AIS) panel. Other work included
the installation of earthing transformers
and the modification of the protection and
control circuits with new current and voltage
transformers with metering capability.
Listed building
The Cwm Dyli project represented two
specific challenges relating to its age and
location. First, the Listed building (which is
known locally as the ‘Chapel in the Valley’
due to its design) required significant
attention to detail to obtain the requisite
planning permission for the work to be
carried out. Second, the valley location
made access difficult. When it was built,
three traction engines were needed to help
mule and horse teams haul heavy machinery
and other supplies the eight miles over the
Llanberis pass from the railway station.
This time ABB is relied on four-wheel-drive
vehicles.
In order to avoid working through the
winter, the ABB site team carried out the
preparatory civil works in Autumn 2011,
returning in Spring 2012 to carry out the
installation and commissioning of the
electrical equipment.
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17
STATCOMS
PCS 6000
solution for
Fullabrook
wind farm
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STATCOMS
Jon Clews, Principal Engineer in ABB’s
Power Electronics team in the UK,
explains how STATCOMs provide instant
and variable reactive power for wind
power plants (WPP), supporting grid
stability and meeting the high standards
set by grid codes.
Historically electricity generation has
been dominated by large synchronous
machines. These are fitted with variable
excitation systems, which allow fast and
significant changes to the power factor of
the generator and variable reactive power
output. In contrast, WPPs typically comprise
many distributed smaller generators. This
can mean that the reactive capability
range of some WPPs is not as wide as
conventional plants. ABB STATCOMs can
The ABB STATCOM range is based on
voltage source inverter (VSI) technology
and therefore has the ability to provide
symmetrical reactive power control, i.e.
both capacitive and inductive. Systems
based on VSI technology respond rapidly to
changes on the grid and are able to make
changes sub-cyclically and repeatedly,
which conventional switched capacitors
are not able to do easily.
However, using a STATCOM in com­
bination with switched capacitors, known
as a hybrid system, provides advantages
in cost, performance and footprint.
The STATCOM also has the ability to filter
harmonic currents, thus further reducing
costs as a separate harmonic filter system
is not required.
Using a STATCOM in combination with
switched capacitors, known as a hybrid
system, provides advantages in cost,
performance and footprint.
offer the right solution to provide additional
reactive compensation.
The significant increase in the level of
wind power has forced grid operators to
tighten their grid connection rules – also
known as grid codes – in order to maintain
grid stability. This is especially true in the
UK, which has the most stringent grid code
worldwide.
England’s largest wind power plant,
Fullabrook in Devon, developed by ESB
International with a total power output
of 66 MW, required additional support
to guarantee full grid code compliance.
The wind farm has been producing green
electricity for export to the grid since
autumn 2011.
It was economically attractive to combine
the reactive power contribution of the
turbines and ABB’s PCS 6000 STATCOM.
As the wind turbines have more inductive
than capacitive output capability, a mainly
capacitive contribution is required.
This solution was made possible by the
close cooperation between ABB and the
turbine manufacturer, whose overall WPP
control system controls the sum of reactive
power from the plant.
ABB's compact PCS 6000 (Power
Converter System) represents a quantum
leap in high power technology, particularly
in terms of technical performance and
economic operation. The PCS 6000 is an
efficient and effective power system package
that is specifically designed to interconnect
normally incompatible networks. The flexi­
bility of the system allows it to be applied
to a wide range of applications. The PCS
6000 is particularly competitive in terms of
installation time and space requirements.
Furthermore the high efficiency and low
maintenance lead to low operational costs.
The new generation PCS 6000 is
designed for applications of up to 32 MVA
per unit. Higher powers can be achieved
easily by paralleling multiple PCS 6000
systems.
ABB’s PCS 100 platform is a flexible,
scalable system which can be confi­
gured for a variety of power quality
applications including voltage stabilising,
grid interconnection, reactive power
compensation and energy storage.
In the energy storage configuration,
ABB’s PCS 100 ESS (Energy Storage
System) provides wide bandwidth perfor­
mance with a flexible and highly modular
power electronic configuration.
It is possible to use the PCS 100 ESS
with both new and 'second life' batteries
from electric vehicles to store the surplus
energy generated by a source, such as a
wind farm and return it to the electricity
grid when required. This offers a range
of options to reinforce and enhance the
performance, quality and reliability of smart
electricity grids.
The PCS 100 ESS is available in load
capacities of 100 kVA to 10 MVA and allows
control of both real power (P) and reactive
power (Q) based on the system requirement.
Advanced control features in the 'Generator
Emulation' mode of operation enable this
storage system to function as a true power
system component. The PCS 100 ESS
offers power system load levelling, grid
stabilisation, grid compliance for renewable
and generation systems and power quality
improvement.
To the power system, the PCS 100
ESS looks like a traditional synchronous
machine. This is achieved through power
electronics and advanced control alone, i.e.
there are no large spinning masses. Even
inertia can be modelled within the system
enabling it to deliver to, or draw power
from, the grid dependent on the system
frequency and rate of change. Should the
grid supply be lost the PCS 100 ESS can
detect this, disconnect itself from the grid
and shut down.
In some applications it is desirable
to keep sections of load supplied, so
alternatively the system can be set to
operate in island mode where the system
disconnects from the main grid but
continues to supply local loads. When the
grid returns the systems will automatically
resynchronise and return to grid connect
mode.
Combined reactive power control
and energy storage
To further demonstrate the flexibility of the
PCS 100 range, the facilities of the PCS
100 ESS and PCS 100 STATCOM can be
combined into a single unit. By connecting
batteries to the DC link of the PCS 100
STATCOM, both load levelling and peak
shaving can be added to the control of
reactive power. This provides the end user
with a compact and flexible power quality
solution.
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19
Cables
HVC cables make
the ideal connection
ABB has the proven capability
to design and install the ideal
high-voltage (HVC) cable
system for a wide variety
of onshore and offshore
renewable energy projects
worldwide.
ABB has exclusively chartered the world’s largest cable
ship, the Lewek Connector
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The world’s highest voltage 3-core AC subsea cable
ABB is delivering a turnkey contract to design, supply and
commission a cable system which is the most powerful 3-core
AC submarine power cable in the world.
The order, worth around $30 million, from Energinet.dk, the
Danish transmission system operator, is to supply a high-voltage
submarine and underground power cable system for the Little
Belt strait in Denmark. It is one of several government-initiated
projects to replace high-voltage overhead lines and transmission
pylons in environmentally sensitive areas.
ABB is supplying single-core 420 kV underground cables with
a total length of 30 km and two, 3-core 420 kV submarine cables
with a total length of 15 km. The project includes cable terminations
Cables
and laying of the submarine cable. Benefits
of installing a 3-core 420 kV submarine cable
instead of three separate single-core cables
are that costs are reduced considerably,
as is the cables’ footprint so that it has a
lower impact on the seabed.
The cable is manufactured in a single
continuous length, without factory joints,
drawing on ABB’s significant expertise and
sophisticated extrusion technology.
ABB’s repair services include:
–– cable testing
–– fault location
–– repairs of:
HVDC cables up to 500 kV
HVDC Light® cables up to 320 kV
AC cables (XLPE or oil-filled) up to 420 kV
–– annual inspections and maintenance
of submarine and underground cable
systems
Power export cable for Humber
Gateway offshore wind farm
ABB also has extensive experience of
handling all types of HVC accessories
from leading manufacturers of high voltage
accessories. It also has expertise with low
pressure oil-filled cables up to 420 kV AC,
transition joints between XLPE cables
and oil-filled cables, straight joints, and
the repair and installation of oil-filled cable
terminations.
ABB’s complete portfolio of cable system
services makes fault location, repair
and other services for submarine and
underground cable systems available 24
hours a day.
Long experience of AC and DC cable
installation and repair worldwide has enabled
ABB to develop efficient approaches to
minimise downtime. Storing spare parts and
other essential equipment at the customer’s
site has the advantage of ensuring availability
and the fastest possible service.
Power export cable for Humber
Gateway offshore wind farm
Laying submarine cable for an offshore
wind installation
ABB is supplying the power export cables
for the Humber Gateway offshore wind
farm. The contract with E.ON UK includes
2 x 14 km circuits of 132 kV 3-core AC
submarine cable, with integrated fibre optics
and accessories, that will connect Humber
Gateway, one of the UK’s largest offshore
wind farms, to the mainland grid.
When completed, in spring 2015,
Humber Gateway will consist of a 73-turbine
array that will generate up to 219 MW of
electricity, enough energy to power up to
170,000 homes. The wind farm will be
located 8 km off the East Yorkshire coast,
just north of the mouth of the river Humber.
Lewek Connector installation vessel
defies the waves
ABB has chartered the Lewek Connector
(formerly known as AMC Connector), a
state-of-the-art cable ship, to boost its
capacity to meet the growing demand for
submarine cable project management and
installation services.
The vessel, chartered by ABB under a
long term agreement, is equipped to handle
a total payload of 9,000 tons, divided onto
two turntables, making her ideal to install
long and heavy subsea power cables.
The Lewek Connector’s design enables
her to comfortably operate in significant
wave height (Hsig) of 4-5 metres, which
means that she has an operating window
at the leading edge for installation and
construction vessels.
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21
Protection and control
Offshore wind farm project
adopts IEC 61850 philosophy
ABB has delivered a state-of-the-art sub­
station protection and control system, based
on the IEC 61850 international standard
for substation automation, for EDF Energy
Renewables’ Teesside Offshore Wind Farm,
a 27-turbine wind farm at Redcar, Teesside.
The project was ABB’s first UK imple­
mentation of the global IEC 61850 standard
and was delivered at the wind farm’s onshore
connection at Warrenby substation, which
was built by Morrison Utility Services.
The wind farm’s 33 kV subsea cables are
connected to the grid at Warrenby, which
uses two grid transformers to step up
power to 66 kV to feed into the regional and
national grids via the Northern Powergrid
network.
Complete protection and control
system
Morrison Utility Services appointed ABB to
provide the complete protection and control
system for Warrenby substation.
According to Andy Osiecki, ABB’s
General Manager for Power System Network
Management, “The Teesside Offshore
Wind Farm project has been a significant
challenge, working not only with a new
customer, but also a whole new technical
approach and fast-track delivery. The whole
process from design, engineering, building
the panels, carrying out the FAT (factory
acceptance test) and shipping them to site
was accomplished in just three months.”
Flexible open system architecture
ABB’s adoption of the IEC 61850 standard
offers significant technical advantages
through its flexible open system architecture,
including a standardised model of the IEDs
and their data and communication services,
full interoperability between electrical
devices from different vendors, reduced
cabling and effective future-proofing of the
infrastructure by making it easy to extend
and update as needs change.
Relion® family
The protection and control system for
Warrenby substation is based on IEDs
(intelligent electronic devices) from ABB’s
Relion ® family, which was developed to
deliver the IEC 61850 standard.
Not only does the scheme include
Relion RET 650, RET 630 and RET 615
transformer protection and control devices
but it also incorporates an AVC (automatic
voltage control) device supplied by another
manufacturer, highlighting the ease of
integration with third-party equipment.
One technical challenge met by ABB
was to meet the needs of engineering
recommendation G59, which sets out the
standards for connecting generating plant
to the distribution grid.
“Teesside Offshore
Wind
Farm is a vital reference
project
that confirms
ABB’s capability to
deliver
IEC 61850
substation projects”
concludes Andy
Osiecki. “It is proof
positive that this key
new development
in
substation design is now
making the transition from
the laboratory to practical
real-world applications.”
Factory Acceptance Testing
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Protection and control
A typical TCSC installation
A GB first for FACTS
technology
National Grid has selected ABB’s TCSC
(thyristor controlled series compensation
equipment) in the country’s first
installation of this type of equipment,
which will boost the power transfer
capacity from Scotland to England.
The project is part of National Grid’s
preparations for Great Britain’s electricity
transmission network to meet the target
for 15 percent of the UK’s energy to
be produced from renewable energy
sources by 2020.
The TCSC equipment, which is scheduled
to go live in 2014, is one of a number
of infrastructure enhancements on the
existing AC power system which together
will increase the power transfer capacity
between the Scotland and England network
boundary by around 1 gigawatt (GW).
The project will be delivered through
National Grid’s Electricity Alliance Central.
Its scope includes design, supply, installation
and commissioning of TCSC equipment at
the Hutton 400 kV (kilovolt) substation in
Kendal, Cumbria, with associated works
being carried out at the nearby Harker,
Heysham, Penwortham and Stanah
substations.
TCSC is a type of equipment that uses
thyristor control to regulate the power flow
and ensure that the power supply system
remains stable. It uses the technique of
series compensation, which improves power
system stability and allows more power to
be transferred through existing circuits.
It is part of ABB’s FACTS (Flexible
Alternating Current Transmission Systems)
portfolio, which allows more power to be
transferred over long distances when using
AC by enhancing the security, capacity
and flexibility of power transmission and
distribution systems.
The series compensation equipment to
be installed at Hutton substation will use
thyristor control to increase the power flow,
mitigate SSR (subsynchronous resonance)
and ensure that the power supply system
remains stable. It is the first time that TCSC
equipment will be installed in GB and so is
a landmark contract.
“We are delighted
that National Grid has
selected ABB’s TCSC
equipment for its first GB
installation in this critical
infrastructure project. It’s
an important recognition
of ABB’s position as
a cost effective global
market leader in
FACTS, with a complete
portfolio of solutions
and key components
manufactured in-house,”
said Jon Downs, ABB’s
Director for Utility
Substations in the UK.
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23
Wave and tidal
The world is
Aquamarine’s
Oyster
In May 2013, the wave power sector
took a significant step forward when
ABB-funded Aquamarine Power Ltd was
granted full consent for the construction
of a 40 MW wave energy farm, making
it the world’s largest fully consented
ocean power site, able to power nearly
30,000 homes. Up to 50 of Aquamarine’s
Oyster devices will be installed at the
wave energy farm off the north-west
coast of the Scottish island of Lewis,
which is one of the best wave energy
locations in Europe.
Once the necessary grid infrastructure has
been put in place, Aquamarine will begin
the deployment of its Oyster devices, which
resemble clam shells with the lower part of
An Oyster 800 wave energy device
the shell attached to the seabed and the
upper part containing a flotation device.
During operation, the oncoming waves
cause the floating half of the Oyster to move
up and down, driving a hydraulic piston.
The Oyster array will force water ashore
through a high pressure pipeline, which will
drive a conventional hydro electric turbine,
Going with the flow
ABB is also funding technology at
the cutting edge of tidal power with
its support to Scotrenewables Tidal
Power Limited (SRTP). ABB announced
an investment in SRTP in late 2012 in a
move which also gives the firm access
to ABB’s technical expertise.
A prototype tidal power generator on tow
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ABB’s investment is part of a wider
deal with contributions from the Scottish
Government, oil company Total and
Norwegian shipping and renewable energy
specialist Fred. Olsen.
SRTP is now working on the design,
construction, installation and testing of
converting the pressure into electrical
energy.
"This is a significant milestone for our
company," said Aquamarine Power’s Chief
Executive Officer Martin McAdam, "The goal
of our industry is to become commercial,
and to do this we need two things – reliable
technologies and a route to market.”
the next generation of the Scotrenewables
Tidal Turbine, a commercial-scale generator
known as the SR2000, which is rated at
two MW.
Scheduled for completion in spring 2014,
the SR2000 incorporates learning from a
250 kW prototype and will be installed in
Orkney’s Lashy Sound, where it will be
the first unit in a tidal power demonstrator
project.
Solar
ABB acquires Power-One
In July 2013, ABB completed the acquisition of Power-One, the
leading provider of renewable energy and energy-efficient power
conversion and power management solutions.
Solar inverters are a fast-developing technology
The acquisition means that ABB is now a
leading global supplier of solar inverters,
which play a critical role in converting
the sun’s energy into electric current and
controlling its flow into the power system.
The inverters convert solar photovoltaic
power, which is generated as DC power,
into AC power.
Solar inverters are one of the fastestdeveloping technologies in power elec­
tronics, requiring substantial research
and development. They are also the most
attractive part of the solar PV value chain.
ABB's leading portfolio in power and
automation, global footprint, R&D base
and service organisation make it a natural
player in solar PV. By combining the two
companies, ABB has broadened its market
for solar inverters globally, with high quality
products and technology leadership.
Power-One has one of the market’s
most comprehensive offerings of solar
inverters, ranging from residential to utility
applications.
It employs almost 3,500 people and is
headquartered in Camarillo, California, with
operations in China, Italy, the United States
and Slovakia covering sales, manufacturing
and R&D. It also has a worldwide network
of field-based service technicians. During
its 40-year history, Power-One has emerged
as a leader in power efficiency and power
supply products for industries including
renewable energy, servers, storage and
network, industrial and network power
systems.
“The acquisition of Power-One expands
our renewables businesses and provides
substantial opportunities to create value
for our customers, employees and
shareholders,” said ABB’s CEO, Ulrich
Spiesshofer. “The combination of PowerOne and ABB is fully in line with our 2015
strategy and creates a global player with
the scale to compete successfully. We
are pleased to welcome the Power-One
employees on board.”
“We are happy to join the ABB family and
look forward to a bright common future,”
said Richard J. Thompson, CEO of PowerOne. “Together we can better address the
growing worldwide demand for innovative,
renewable energy solutions and strengthen
our global leadership. ABB is the right
partner and now is the ideal time for our
companies to join forces.”
ABB’s leading portfolio in power and
automation, global footprint and service
organisation make it a natural player in the
solar PV market, where it has been active
for many years.
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25
HVDC
Hybrid HVDC circuit breaker
set to transform the market
It’s almost a year since ABB published the news that it has developed the world’s
first HVDC (high voltage direct current) circuit breaker, leading to recognition
that included MIT Technology Review naming the breaker as one of the 10
breakthrough technologies of 2013.
HVDC Valve hall
The breakthrough removes a 100-yearold barrier to the development of DC
transmission grids and will enable power
utilities to increase the capacity of power
lines, reduce footprints and use subsea and
underground high-voltage cables.
During the ‘war of the currents’ in the
late 19th century, DC (promoted by Thomas
Edison and GE) was pitted against AC
(supported by Nikola Tesla and Westing­
house). AC won the battle at the time as
it was simpler to control and well suited
to the applications of the day, but DC has
the advantages of higher capacity, smaller
footprint and lower transmission losses,
particularly over long distances.
It is the lower losses and the suitability
for undersea lines which has seen DC grow
in importance in recent years and although
there are HVDC lines in operation today,
they are simple point-to-point lines. A fault
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would cut off power completely, whereas the
advent of HVDC circuit breakers will allow
utilities to build grids, which offer greater
security of supply.
Targets to reduce carbon emissions
and integrate renewables have prompted
the UK Government to conclude that the
logical step for ensuring a reliable lowcarbon energy supply is through subsea
interconnectors. The next decade will see
huge growth in this area and the UK is
working with France, Germany, Norway
and Sweden to create an offshore energy
grid to link wind farms and other energy
sources through the proposed North Sea
Offshore Grid.
Without an adequate means of control, all
of these interconnectors would be relatively
simple point-to-point lines, which is why the
recently developed HVDC circuit breakers
are being heralded as a game-changer.
The vision is to integrate the UK in a
reliable Europe-wide super-grid, which pools
wind and wave energy from the North Sea,
hydro power from Scandinavia and the Alps
and solar power from southern Europe and
potentially even geothermal energy from
Iceland. When the wind dies down or the
sun doesn’t shine, energy can be imported
via subsea interconnectors without the need
for traditional high-carbon fuels.
The new circuit breaker marks the
culmination of many years’ effort to create
a breaker capable of blocking and breaking
DC currents at thousands of amperes
and several hundred thousand volts while
minimising losses.
The next step is to deploy the breaker in
pilot installations, where it will prove itself
by protecting DC transmission systems and
prevent power outages.
HVDC
East-West
Interconnector
goes live
In August 2013,
ABB completed
the new East-West
Interconnector
transmission link
between Ireland and
the UK for EirGrid,
the Irish transmission
system operator.
A typical converter station
The interconnector establishes an impor­
tant link between the Irish and UK grids,
enabling cross-border power flows and
enhancing grid reliability and security of
electricity supplies.
Because power can flow in either
direction at up to 200 kV, the new link
also facilitates power trading between
the two countries and connects Ireland
to the European grid. As Ireland expands
its wind power capacity, it can export
surplus electricity to the UK, and can
import power when required. HVDC
Light’s ‘black start’ capability can help
restore power quickly in the event of
an outage, without the aid of external
energy sources.
A 262 km cable system connects
Woodland in County Meath, Ireland
and Deeside in North Wales, with 186
km subsea cable and a total of 75 km
underground cabling running between the
two converter stations. The cables are
equipped with extruded polymeric insulation
that provides strength and flexibility to
endure the severe conditions of the Irish Sea.
A fibre optic link was laid with the cable
to meet the communication needs and
during the operation to lay the cables, a
remote-operated vehicle on the sea bed
was used to protect the new cable and
pre-existing cable installations sea life as
well as sea life.
“This is yet another example of the grow­­
ing role of HVDC transmission technology
when enabling key emerging trends like
integration of renewables and interconnec­
tions” said Brice Koch, head of ABB’s Power
Systems business. “ABB remains a market
leader in this field and we shall continue to
push the boundaries of HVDC technology,
building on our past legacy.”
HVDC Light is ideally suited to transmit
power over long distances, feed isolated
loads into the power network from offshore
sites and transmit power from remote
sustainable sources to the places people live
and work. It also a solution that anticipates
the development of a multi-terminal HVDC
grid of the future, which will combine DC
transmission with low losses together with
the stability currently enjoyed on the AC
transmission grid.
Although the interconnector is currently
the highest-rated HVDC Light connection,
it will soon make way for two larger ABB
projects that will form the grid connections
for offshore wind farms in the North Sea,
the DolWin1 and DolWin2 grid connections,
rated at 800 MW and 900 MW are planned
to be in operation in late 2013 and in 2015.
Focus on renewables
FFWD 4 |13
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Transformers
EcoDry
transformers
cut energy
losses
ABB’s EcoDry range of
ultra-efficient, dry-type
distribution transformers
can reduce transformer
energy losses by up to
70 percent compared
with standard dry-type
transformers. This helps
reduce energy costs and
improve environmental
performance.
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Focus on renewables
EcoDry transformers achieve higher
efficiency levels through the use of stateof-the-art materials and components,
including amorphous metal as the core
material, as well as the latest simulation
methods for loss-optimised design. They
are available in ratings from 100 to 3,150
kVA, with operating voltages up to 36 kV.
In operation, transformers incur two types
of losses. The first of these, no-load losses
are always present and constant and occur
in the transformer’s core due to hysteresis
and eddy current losses. The second, load
losses, are a function of the loading on the
transformer and take place in its electrical
circuit, including windings and components.
Because transformer applications
vary, losses on an individual transformer
can be predominantly either no-load or
load losses or a combination of both.
To meet these varying demands, ABB
developed three models in the EcoDry
range: the EcoDryBasic, EcoDry99plus
and EcoDryUltra.
The EcoDryBasic is designed for power
utilities, where a low load profile is typical
and where no-load losses account for the
major proportion of total losses.
On the other hand, industrial plant
operating close to full capacity results in
mean loading of the distribution transformer
of 60 percent or more and significant load
losses. The EcoDry99plus is designed to cut
losses for this type of industrial application.
Combining the advantages of these, the
EcoDryUltra minimises both the no-load
and load losses simultaneously, making
it ideal for variable load applications such
as renewable energy or for medium load
situations, where two transformers serve a
pumping or ventilation system at medium
load (for redundancy).
Worldwide, ABB estimates that around
two percent (or 25 GW) of all electricity
generated is lost as a result of distribution
t r a n s f o r m e r i n e ff i c i e n c y. R e d u c i n g
overall losses with products like EcoDry
transformers can reduce overall losses,
contributing to energy savings, lower
operating costs and reduced environmental
impact.
Transformers
Upgrading Sloy substation
ABB’s engineering team in
East Kilbride is delivering
a fast-track project to
build a new high-voltage
gas-insulated switchgear
(GIS) substation and the
decommission the old
air-insulated switchgear
(AIS) at the Scottish
and Southern Energy
(SSE) Sloy hydroelectric
power station in the Loch
Lomond & Trossachs
National Park.
Built in 1950, the plant is the most powerful
in Scotland, with a capacity of 152.5 MW,
which is enough power to supply almost
250,000 people in Glasgow and the
surrounding area.
Scottish and Southern Energy Power
Distribution (SSEPD) is upgrading the
substation because the existing substation
has reached the end of its 40-year design
life. The new substation will also meet
demand from Sloy’s new pumping station,
which will enable SSE to pump water up
from Loch Lomond to Loch Sloy during
times of low electricity demand and release
it to generate an extra 100 gigawatt hours
(GWh) of electricity annually to meet peak
demand.
Because the latest GIS equipment takes
up only one fifth of the space taken by the
conventional AIS that it is replacing, the
new GIS substation will be housed inside a
The new GIS substation takes up only one fifth of the area of its AIS predecessor
building, which will be low profile and clad
with granite tiles to fit in with its national
park surroundings.
After working through the winter months,
ABB completed the new substation
building in March 2013, ready for delivery
and installation of switchgear and other
Old substation
substation equipment. The new substation
will be ready for handover on schedule
by the end of 2013 and required careful
logistical planning to enable working
throughout the winter months in the remote
Trossachs site, which is accessible only by
a single private road.
Work on the new substation is taking
place alongside the existing substation and
once the circuits have been transferred, the
old substation will be dismantled and the
land returned to its natural condition. The
project scope includes construction of the
new substation as well as installing seven
km of 132 kV cross-linked polyethylene
(XLPE) insulated cable to connect the
switchgear with the overhead line circuits.
The contract is being managed from
ABB’s office in East Kilbride, which
opened at the start of 2012 to support
major investments to expand and upgrade
Scotland’s transmission and distribution
systems. The team at the East Kilbride
offers combined expertise in substations,
HVDC, FACTS, power cables, onshore
and offshore wind, power generation and
railway electrification.
Commenting on the project, which is
ABB’s first major substation construction
project for SSEPD, Jon Downs, ABB’s
General Manager for utility substations
in the UK, said: “Sloy is an example of
how compact GIS technology enables
the creation of low-impact substations in
even the most environmentally sensitive
locations.”
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FFWD 4 |13
29
MV modular systems
Modular systems are ideal
for renewable energy projects
David Hughes, Head of Power Products for ABB in the UK, explains how
medium-voltage modular systems can ensure fast-track project delivery while
minimising site disruption and effectively eliminating customer risk.
T
he majority of the UK’s medium
voltage (MV) power distribution
infrastructure dates back to the
1950s or 1960s and has served us well
over this time. However, many operators
are now finding that their ageing equipment
is simply not up to meeting their changing
needs. In particular, it doesn’t have the
flexibility or capability to handle additional
network loads. This is especially true for
the renewable energy sector.
The traditional approach is to either
upgrade the existing substation or to build
a new one alongside it. This can be an
expensive and lengthy process, with the
added drawback of considerable site disruption and the possible need for lengthy
power outages as circuits are transferred.
That’s why a growing number of customers
are taking advantage of ABB’s fast-track
solution, based on modular systems in the
form of containerised switchgear.
Plug-and-play
The key advantage of ABB modular systems
is that they are fully pre-engineered units,
delivered to site ready to plug-and-play. This
approach ensures a more cost-effective
overall project, which is some 20 percent
faster to complete than the conventional
build on site route – typical timescales are
30 to 40 weeks from order to delivery. It
also provides a smooth changeover, with
only a short outage required, since it is just
a question of transferring over the cables.
Reduced risk
One important benefit of ABB’s approach
to modular systems is our total focus on
reducing customer risk. Rather than dealing
with several equipment suppliers and
contractors our customers have a single
interface with ABB that provides full visibility
of the entire project, from procurement
to delivery – effectively eliminating the
possibility of unpleasant surprises.
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Focus on renewables
A further advantage is that all of the
critical equipment is installed and tested
under factory-controlled conditions. This
keeps the actual work on site to a minimum.
With only a few contractors required, health
and safety is enhanced and disruption to
normal operations is minimised.
Choice of compact containers
Modular systems are offered in a choice
of robust outdoor containers in steel,
GRP or concrete to meet individual site
requirements. They are designed to last as
long as the application – at least 40 years.
Growing UK interest
In the UK, modular systems are clearly an
idea whose time has come. The consistent
feedback we have from customers shows
that they value ABB for our innovative
switchgear products, the ability to save
space on site and our depth of experience
in delivering time and cost-critical projects.
Minimal civil works
At site the container is simply craned into
position. Civil works and project costs are
minimised, since all that is required are
basic foundations, either a concrete base
or stilts for the container to rest on.
What’s in the box?
ABB modular systems have the flexibility
to be tailored to meet customer needs. A
typical installation might comprise:
–– primary 11 kV and 33 kV switchgear
(ZX1.2 gas insulated or UniGear air
insulated)
–– secondary 33 kV switchgear (SafePlus
gas insulated)
–– protection relays
–– transformer
Power systems consulting
Providing
the model
answer
Stuart Grattage, Head
of Engineering for ABB’s
Power Systems business,
explains how computer
modelling can help utilities
and system operators
optimise their offshore
wind farm projects.
Several boundary conditions must be
considered to achieve the cost and energyefficient network connection of offshore
wind farms. The objective is to minimise
capital investment and operating costs,
alongside transmission losses, while at
the same time maximising operational
reliability. This is a complex process and
ABB’s team of consulting experts has the
specialist knowledge and expertise to create
the optimum customised package, whilst
ensuring grid code compliance.
Having developed a suite of powerful
system analysis tools and advanced
modelling techniques, ABB is able to map
the performance and variation of electricity
transmission and distribution networks.
This approach enables assessment of key
network characteristics such as:
–– load flow
–– short-circuit current
–– harmonics
–– flicker and voltage dips
–– transient stability
–– protection coordination
–– earthing systems
Considering these on a system wide basis
helps to develop, evaluate and prioritise
investment options as well as understand
the implications of connecting new
generation, such as offshore wind, into
the network. These techniques have been
proven with utilities in the UK and worldwide.
Rigorous and credible
Our key aim in system analysis is to provide
customers with an independent, rigorous
Computer modelling can help to optimise wind farms
and credible assessment of how their
existing network performs, using advanced
techniques to identify causes of poor
performance or reliability. Modelling can
also evaluate how the network will perform
under various improvement schemes so
that customers can target future investment
programmes to increase network reliability.
Typically, our team of highly skilled and
experienced analysts will build a network
model by importing details of hundreds of
miles of overhead lines, underground cables
and subsea cables, as well as potentially
thousands of substations, directly from
the customer’s database. By incorporating
all the relevant information concerning
equipment ratings, cable lengths, switching
times and repair times, ABB can construct
what is effectively a working scale model
of every switch and connection within
the network, which mirrors the electrical,
operational and performance characteristics
and constraints of the real-life network.
Statistical analysis
The modellers will then analyse this replica
network and profile how it will perform
over a period of time, within the limits of
confidence. This allows the development of
a risk assessment of the potential variability
in performance.
One outcome is the identification of
potential options for network improvement.
In previous studies, these have included
extending the remote control facilities
to reset switches remotely without the
need for an engineer’s site visit. Other
potential options have included network
reinforcements, such as the upgrade of
existing switchgear and the construction
of new substations.
By modelling, an operator will gain
the knowledge of whether measures can
produce significant improvements in network
performance and quantify the degree of
those improvements.
Demonstrating value and efficiency
The advantage of computer modelling an
electrical network is that it enables ABB
to provide a rigorous, fully auditable and
quantified assessment of its performance
over the complete range of operational
scenarios as well as suggesting options
for improvement. Not only is this type
of independent analysis essential before
connecting new generation plant to a
network, but it also supports customers
when demonstrating to regulatory authorities
the value and efficiency of proposed
investment.
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FFWD 4 |13
31
Harnessing the power of wind?
Naturally.
Transforming the power of wind into electricity, integrating it efficiently into the grid
and maintaining network reliability are key challenges. They drive the evolution of
more flexible and intelligent power systems, aiming to balance unpredictable and
intermittent supply with demand. ABB’s HVDC Light ® technology plays a central
role in enabling long-distance transmission and cross-border grid connections,
underground and underwater, to deliver reliable, high-quality power supplies with
minimal losses. www.abb.com/hvdc
ABB Ltd
Tel. +44 (0)1785 825 050
Fax. +44 (0)1785 819 019
E-mail. [email protected]