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ffwd 1 | 16 Focus on Power Grids New service pulls moisture from transformer oil 26 Joining forces with Microsoft for electric vehicle charging 5 National Grid sees inside switchgear 6 Time to grasp the UK microgrid opportunity 14 Introducing the world’s strongest vacuum tap changer 22 Welcome Power Grids ABB’s Power Grids division is the world’s leading supplier of power and automation products, systems and service solutions across the power value chain of generation, transmission and distribution serving utility, industry, transportation and infrastructure customers directly and through channel partners. The division is focused on addressing key areas such as the integration of renewable energies, growing network complexity, grid automation, and microgrids. The division also offers a full range of consulting, service and asset management solutions based on a lifecycle approach. 6 ffwd 1 | 16 David Hughes, Managing Director for ABB’s Power Grids division Radiography Power Grids Dear Reader, Welcome to the latest edition of FFWD, ABB’s newsletter for customers of our products, systems and services across the power value chain. Since the last edition of the newsletter, ABB has streamlined its approach and has moved from an organisation with five divisions to four. The new Power Grids division focuses on the changing needs of utility customers. To do so, it brings together ABB’s complete power and automation portfolio for power transmission and distribution. The new approach became effective on 1st January. One example of the renewed focus is the opening of our new power quality facility in Bromborough. Not only is the facility’s official opening featured on page 4 but you can also read about its first new product launch on page 16, which demonstrates that the facility is its goal of meeting our customers’ needs. We’ve also improved our service offering, with one example being our new oil processing rig on page 26. The new rig will ultimately improve availability and reduce the lead time for installing new power transformers. Another example of service news was the delivery of the first computed radiography service in the UK. The service uses x-ray technology to see inside switchgear without dismantling it and page 6 has the results of the first test, which was delivered for National Grid. As ever, ABB is looking to the future, which is why we’ve included a few articles on future technology. These include how we are taking new approaches to help our customers meet Ofgem’s RIIO framework (page 34), the potential for microgrids to enhance security of supply in the UK (page 14) and the technology behind our 525 kV HVDC cables (page 28). If you find news or views that pique your interest, then I hope that you’ll get in touch with me or a member of my team. All the best, David Hughes ffwd issue 1/16 • The customer newsletter of ABB Power Grids • Subscription newsletter available as printed or electronic copy. Subscribe online at abb.com/ffwd Contact and feedback [email protected] • Publisher ABB Limited, Power Grids division, Oulton Road, Stone, Staffordshire ST15 0RS. Phone 01785 825 050 2 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Contents 14 Microgrids 26 Pulling moisture from transformer oil 39 IET Innovation Awards News Transformers 04 Latest technology news from ABB 22 Introducing the world’s strongest vacuum tap changer 23 Comparing transformer efficiency Project focus 08 Replacing circuit breakers in Exeter for National Grid Rail 10 London Underground’s Package 5B for the Sub Surface Lines Site work 24 Civils Service 26 Arrival of new transformer oil vehicle Digital substations HVDC 12 Bodelwyddan project 30 An upgrade for the Gotland transmission link 31 Completing the Baltic Ring 31 Major upgrade for Great River Energy’s HVDC link Microgrids 14 Time to grasp the UK microgrid opportunity GIS technology Power quality 32 New eco-efficient gas for switchgear 33 Protecting New Jersey’s network from extreme weather 16 New capacitor shelf range Enterprise software 17 SCADA upgrade for Dubai International Airport Caithness Moray 18 Natural Power delivers as environmental clerk of works Cables 20 New cable ship commissioned 28 525 kV cable technology development Substations Innovation 34 Challenging the norm to meet Ofgem’s RIIO model Power consulting 36 Enhancing performance with system studies Product news 38 New VisiVolt for rail safety Events 39 Developments in Power System Protection 39 IET Innovation Awards 21 Underground substations Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 3 News Official opening for new UK Power Quality facility ABB’s UK Power Quality business entered a new era in October 2015 with the official opening of its new purpose-built facility at Bromborough on the Wirral Peninsular in Merseyside. The ribbon cutting ceremony was carried out by the Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Les Rowlands and Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South, which includes Bromborough. Following the move from Ellesmere Port, the new facility is already enabling ABB to provide an even better service to its growing customer base across the UK, especially in terms of speed of response. It is also providing the flexibility and capability for special project development work. From Bromborough, ABB supports industrial customers requiring two main types of power quality equipment: power factor correction (PFC) and harmonic filtering. PFC solutions enable industrial customers to reduce the load on their electricity supply, saving on electricity bills and freeing up capacity for new loads. Harmonic filters eliminate the troublesome harmonics (or noise) that can affect electrical supplies, causing unexplained shutdowns as well as premature failure. David Hughes, Managing Director for ABB’s Power Grids division said: “The move to this new facility is taking ABB’s Power Quality business into a new era and we were delighted to be joined by both our local Mayor and MP to help make this a truly special day for every member of the team at Bromborough. Power quality is becoming an increasingly important factor in ensuring business continuity and Bromborough provides the ideal platform for us to address the many new growth opportunities that are being created.” ABB’s Power Quality Manager Steve Joyce shows a capacitor assembly to Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South 4 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids News New Chief Technology Officer ABB has appointed Bazmi Husain as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), starting in January 2016. Husain, an expert in power and automation who has been with ABB for more than 30 years, will report to CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer. Electric vehicle charging points will connect to Microsoft’s Azure platform in the cloud ABB and Microsoft join forces to launch nextgeneration electric vehicle charging services platform ABB and Microsoft Corp have announced the worldwide availability of a new electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging services platform. Combining ABB’s leading EV charging stations with Microsoft’s Azure cloud-based services will ensure stability, global scalability and advanced management features for ABB customers. The collaboration will also take advantage of machine learning and predictive analytic capabilities to drive future innovations. The rapid increase in electric vehicles around the world goes hand-in-hand with a mature charging and energy infrastructure. There are currently just 106,000 publicly Husain is currently Managing Director of ABB India Ltd. In his new role, he will be based in Bangalore, India, with an office in Switzerland. As CTO, Husain will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of ABB’s global R&D, which serves the entire company, its scientists and engineers, and for the R&D activities within ABB’s divisions. Reporting to him will be the heads of R&D at group and division level as well as ABB’s venture capital arm, ABB Technology Ventures. With locations in seven countries, ABB’s corporate research centres bring together an international team of highly skilled scientists across a variety of disciplines. ABB spends $1.5 billion annually on R&D and employs some 8,500 technologists. accessible EV charging stations globally, and global revenue from electric vehicle charging services is set to grow from $152.6 million in 2015 to $2.9 billion by 2023, according to Navigant Research. Under the new collaboration, all ABB chargers will be connected to the Microsoft Azure cloud and surrounded by value-adding services, allowing operators and manufacturers and partners to take advantage of a world-class platform. As CTO, Bazmi Husain is responsible for overseeing ABB’s R&D Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 5 News National Grid catches some rays National Grid has become the first operator in the UK to make use of ABB’s new computed radiography service. ABB delivered the x-ray inspection during condition assessment of two GIS units at Greystones 275 kV substation near Middlesbrough. Greystones was once the feed-in point for a power station that has since been decommissioned and dismantled, with National Grid adopting the site. The firm is now installing a new fleet of shunt reactors at several sites and is planning to re-use the two GIS units at Greystones to control two of these shunt reactors. Having adopted the 20-year-old GIS from another operator, National Grid does not have a full maintenance history of the switchgear. It called on ABB to evaluate the condition of the equipment before returning it to service or carrying out remedial work. In addition to a conventional condition assessment, National Grid accepted ABB’s recommendation to use the new technique of computed radiography. The service uses an x-ray source and digital capture equipment to see inside switchgear while keeping it intact. It reveals an accurate picture of the condition of equipment, including wear on contacts and the existence of any defects. Richard Moore, Manager for ABB’s High-Voltage Service team in the UK said: “National Grid is committed to delivering value for money for its customers under Ofgem’s RIIO framework, which encourages innovative approaches to delivering services. Because our new Computed Radiography service enabled ABB to give National Grid an accurate picture of the condition of the Greystones switchgear, they are able to proceed with the shunt reactor project with confidence.” The condition of Greystones’ switchgear was revealed 6 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids ABB developed the service in the US to help its customers achieve significant savings in the time and expense associated with the inspection of high voltage switchgear. Radiographic inspection enables operators to get an informed picture of switchgear’s condition, even while it is live. In comparison, conventional inspection requires long outages. These are required to disconnect and earth switchgear before capturing insulating gas and then dismantling, inspecting and reassembling switchgear. Not only is this time consuming and expensive but it also introduces risk. Computed radiography has several applications. These include condition assessment on individual switchgear or across entire fleets. It also has a role when installing new switchgear so that subsequent inspection will reveal the rate of wear on the contacts and therefore the remaining service life. News Switchgear for Kilgallioch Windfarm ScottishPower Renewables has selected ABB medium voltage switchgear for Kilgallioch Windfarm. When it enters service in 2017 the site will be the UK’s third largest onshore wind farm. In total 96 wind turbines will generate up to 239 MW, which will be enough to power the equivalent of 130,000 households per year. ABB’s role in the project is to supply, deliver, install and commission the 33 kV switchgear for each of the 96 turbines as well as the switchgear at the site substation. Deliveries will start in March 2016, with final handover planned for the end of October. Steve Blanche, ABB’s Account Manager for ScottishPower said: “This is a significant project for ABB that demonstrates that not only does our well proven switchgear meet ScottishPower Renewables’ stringent technical requirements but it also represents good value for money in the demanding onshore wind market.” The wind farm is located 5 km south of Barrhill in South Ayrshire and 5 km north of New Luce, Dumfries and Galloway. It will cover an area of 32 square kilometres, which lies across the boundaries of South Ayshire and Dumfries and Galloway Councils. First power production is due in November 2016, followed by full operation of the site in the first half of 2017. Turbine switchgear The turbines will be equipped with SafePlus secondary switchgear, which is a compact and reliable type of switchgear manufactured by ABB in Norway. The philosophy behind SafePlus switchgear is that it delivers high performance in a compact unit. It will be supplied in Compact Secondary Substations (CSSs) that are engineered, assembled and tested at ABB’s facility in the UK. They arrive on site in a secure and self-contained unit ready to plug and play. Substation switchgear The power from the turbines will be received at a central substation, where ABB’s ZX0.2 primary switchgear will control the incoming feeds from the 96 turbines. ZX0.2 switchgear is rated at up to 36 kV and is designed for secondary substations. ZX0.2 switchgear is manufactured in Germany for high levels of safety, reliability and flexibility. It has a compact footprint and can be installed against a wall or freestanding inside a substation, which helps to minimise the size of the facility. For Kilgallioch W indfarm, ABB is supplying ZX0.2 switchgear that integrates ABB’s Relion protection and control devices. Both types of ABB switchgear to be deployed at Kilgallioch are ENA (Energy Networks Association) assessed. Indicative photomontage of Kilgallioch Windfarm Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 7 Project focus Finding a better way with National Grid The new HPL breaker in place at Exeter Steve Pickering, Local Product Group Manager for ABB’s Grid Integration Service team, explains how a recent substation circuit breaker replacement exercise has shown that project timescales can be cut from months to weeks by an innovative and collaborative approach to design, installation and commissioning 8 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Project focus The existing circuit breakers were to be replaced with ABB’s well-proven HPL 400 kV circuit breakers. So as part of the project ABB fast tracked their production to allow delivery to site ahead of the planned outage period. The scheme design was based on a like-for-like replacement of the existing plant. The existing foundations, structures, protection and control systems to be retained for re-use with adaptors/interface components provided where required. Site Works Philosophy On site the National Grid and ABB teams worked in a spirit of collaboration to achieve a safe site working process to deliver the following programme within the 26-day outage period: Work was completed during a 26-day outage National Grid’s RIIO (Revenue= Incentives + Innovation + Outputs) regulatory framework agreement with Ofgem, the UK regulator, calls for the replacement of a large volume of time expired 400 kV substation circuit breakers within a four-year window. However, it was clear that the traditional approach to this type of project would present National Grid with significant challenges in terms of both costs and the time required. One of the most important limiting factors was the scheduling and availability of planned outages in which the work could be carried out. National Grid decided to explore new ways of working and in collaboration with ABB the Exeter substation project was developed as a trial site to demonstrate that it was possible to refurbish a 400 kV bay within a four-week outage period. This outage period is critical as the impact on the transmission system can be considerable if the circuit is not returned to service in the agreed period. Also the shorter the outage period then the greater number of opportunities to refurbish breaker bays will arise. Design Philosophy Working in collaboration with National Grid, ABB agreed to take a proactive approach to establishing the scope and design for Exeter substation. The aim was to establish a fast track approach to National Grid’s usual transmission design and project delivery processes. The team was able to achieve a clear definition and understanding of the scope of works and expectations with all stakeholders, challenging normal practices to ensure the project delivered in terms of both efficiency and value. This enabled the entire project – from order placement to final commissioning and return to service – to be completed in approximately 12 weeks. Site survey, to ensure agreed site establishment philosophy and facilities. –– Stage 1 – Dismantling and removal of existing air blast breakers = 4 days –– Stage 2 – Assembling the scaffolding to create a safe working area = 1 day –– Stage 3 – Core drilling of the existing base/structures to accept the new HPL base structure = 1.5 days –– Stage 4 – Positioning the new breaker operating mechanism boxes = 2 days –– Stage 5 – Assembling the new HPL circuit breakers = 3 days –– Stage 6 – Commissioning and return to service = 14.5 days The final result was that the project timescale was cut from months to weeks by this innovative and collaborative approach to design, installation and commissioning. The trial has also shown that reducing the outage time does indeed open up a greater number of opportunities to refurbish breaker bays. The Exeter trial has demonstrated that this approach to circuit breaker bay refurbishment is: safer, simpler, faster and cost-effective. Together ABB and National Grid are ‘Finding a better way’. Watch a time-lapse video of work at Exeter on YouTube at: www.bit.ly/abbexeter Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 9 Rail MV switchgear to deliver more power for London Underground trains ABB’s specialised medium voltage switchgear is being deployed in a turnkey project to upgrade the 11 kV and 22 kV power network serving London’s new generation Sub-Surface trains ABB has won a major turnkey contract to design, manufacture and supply medium voltage (MV) switchgear to upgrade the 11 and 22 kilovolt (kV) power networks serving London Underground’s SSR (Sub-Surface Railway) Lines. The SSR Package 5B contract is part of an overall power supply upgrade to support the introduction of 191 brand new air conditioned trains. The new trains, which will be in service by the end of 2016, will provide more frequent and reliable passenger services and greatly improved accessibility on the Circle, District, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines. One of 191 new S-Class trains Transport for London 10 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids The SSR Package 5B project is the first to be awarded under London Underground’s new framework that sets out pre-determined terms and conditions for suppliers contributing to its power upgrade programme. The main focus for ABB over the two year project is at Mile End substation where existing time-expired switchgear will be removed and replaced with 10 panels of ABB’s UniGear ZS1 primary metal-clad switchgear, rated at 11 kV together with 35 panels of ZX2 gas insulated switchgear rated at 22 kV. The project also includes associated protection, control and monitoring schemes utilizing ABB’s IEC 61850 Relion RET 615 and 620 relays to ensure full compatibility with other switchgear on the network and ease of integration into the London Underground SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. ABB is also installing a master MITS panel at Mile End and slave panel at Greenwich Generating Station to enable backup generation to be brought onto the network as required while meeting the G59 regulations for the connection of generator devices to run in parallel with the main electrical utility grid. Rail Transport for London An important element in the project is for ABB to work in close cooperation with the contractor responsible for the power cabling within the tunnels (SSR Package 5A) to ensure efficient connection of the cables to the switchgear and to commission them into service. “The need for programme certainty throughout a very challenging project schedule was the main reason for London Underground placing this critical power upgrade package with ABB,” said David Hughes, Managing Director for ABB’s Power Grids division. “Our total focus on delivery using MV equipment that is tried and trusted in previous London Underground projects was the decisive factor.” The new rolling stock is air conditioned UniGear ZS1 flexibility to add additional panels as operational needs change. The switchgear, which is manufactured in ABB’s MV switchgear centre of excellence in Brno, in the Czech Republic, is one of the very few MV panels of its type that complies with stringent railway industry requirements. The 11 kV panels to be installed are a special railway version of ABB’s UniGear ZS1 range of MV primary metal-clad switchgear. As well as featuring a compact installation footprint, the modular design of the UniGear ZS1 also provides the ZX2 The 22 kV panels are from ABB’s ZX family of compact modular metalclad gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) developed to meet the growing demand from Distribution Network Operator (DNO) and industrial customers for cost-effective, flexible and expandable, primary MV substation solutions. The double busbar ZX2 version features a laser-welded stainless steel enclosure, compact modular construction and plug-in technology that facilitates simple, controlled connections of busbars, cables, test bushings and voltage transformers. All maintenance-free live components, such as switching devices and busbars are contained under SF6 in gas-tight enclosures. This eliminates the effects of ageing processes and environmental influences to ensure maximum operator availability and a long service life. The ZX design also offers easy cable access (accessible from the rear in the ZX2 version), generous provision for conventional control and protection devices, dedicated cable test sockets and full mechanical interlocking between the disconnector/earthing selector and the circuit breaker. Current transformers can be mounted either in the circuit breaker gas compartment or externally on the HV cables. Alternatively, options are available for current and voltage sensors. Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 11 Digital substations National Grid trial for digital substations at Bodelwyddan National Grid is starting its first UK trial of ground breaking digital substation technology at its new 400 kV Bodelwyddan substation in Denbighshire, northeast Wales. The project at Bodelwyddan substation will demonstrate how different technologies can be used at different ends of a feeder circuit using a mixture of conventional and non-conventional technology. Proving that old and new technologies can mix is vital because we are now in a technological transition period, moving from traditional copper-based installations to modern fibre-optic based systems. Conventional substation 12 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Benefits of digital substations Traditional substations have always relied on copper cables wiring together primary equipment like circuit breakers, conventional current and voltage transformers and protection relays to control of the electricity. But digital technologies, communications and standards that facilitate fibre optic connections are driving the evolution of something new – digital substations. This ground breaking technology is now installed and under operational trial at National Grid’s new 400 kV (kilovolt) Bodelwyddan substation. Interconnecting substation components with optical fibre is clearly preferable to wiring them up with hundreds of individual copper cables. Not only are digital systems easier to install, they have proved to be safer and more reliable, and can reduce the quantity of copper in a substation by about 80 percent, a substantial cost saving. The digital world is moving quickly, however, in tandem with new developments in primary equipment. A growing trend is the use of non-conventional instrument transformers (NCIT), such as voltage dividers or Rogowski coils combined with optical data links, and also pure optical sensors. Smaller than conventional equipment, their linear measuring capability and higher accuracy make sensors very useful for protection and metering purposes. NCITs make a substation simpler, cheaper, smaller, more efficient and safer by replacing secondary wirings and eliminating the dangers associated with open CT (Current Transformers) circuits in general. While ABB has been involved with NCIT technology since before 2000, a new chapter began for digital substations in 2009 when they first began adopting IEC 61850- Digital substations 9-2 process bus standards for transmitting sampled analog values, which delivers a standardized interface for protection and control devices. For example, ABB supplied more than 300 NCITs for use in Queensland, Australia more than 15 years ago, and the utility has yet to see a single failure in the primary sensor. Then in 2011, the first of six Australian substations with NCITs installed were upgraded to a new secondary system, utilizing the IEC 61850-9-2 process bus and retaining the existing primary sensors. Bodelwyddan substation Site trials are an invaluable tool, providing info mation and experience that helps utilities and manufacturers develop new architecture for substation systems. The latest of these trials has just been commissioned at National Grid’s new 400 kV Bodelwyddan substation in Denbighshire, northeast Wales in the UK. National Grid is keen to investigate new technologies and processes, and ABB brings a great deal to the table, including exceptional expertise in modern digital substation systems that safely and efficiently bridge the gap between the analog and digital worlds. The NCIT (non-conventional instrument transformers) and process bus system has been installed on one of the three-ended line feeders at Bodelwyddan substation – the Deeside-Pentir circuit. This circuit is a relatively long overhead line – over 80 km long – crossing an area exposed to frequent thunderstorms, making it ideal for a trial installation with protection devices. ABB has provided a feeder bay solution using the new architecture in parallel with Bodelwyddan process bus trial system architecture overview Bodelwyddan 400kV S/S ELK-CP3 Non-Conventional Instrument Transformer Metering DALEK Trial Relay Panel CP-MUP Merging unit 1 RED670 Line Differential Protection Pentir 400kV S/S RED670 Line Differential Protection AFS Ethernet Switch Process Bus Piggy-back site trial The trial has been established on a ‘piggyback’ basis, This means that while the digital equipment will function and respond to operational conditions, the tripping outputs will not be wired into the circuit breaker tripping system. Instead, the equipment will be monitored to assess its performance. In addition to the protection system, two Landis+Gyr revenue meters have been installed, one connected to the NCIT through the IEC 61850 9 2 process bus and the other one to conventional metering circuits. This setup allows direct comparison of metering values from non-conventional and conventional metering systems to demonstrate the suitability of the non-conventional system for revenue metering. The Bodelwyddan pilot is expected to yield a great many real-world benefits, including: Conventional CTs CP-MUP Merging unit 2 Deeside 400kV S/S Conventional Current Transformer Station Bus RED670 Line Differential Protection PDAW Panel Elec. to FO Converter Conventional Voltage Transformer the traditional hardwired Standard Bay Solution (SBS) at the Bodelwyddan end on the Deeside-Pentir feeder. To enable the trial, ABB has installed a set of GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) NCITs at the Bodelwyddan end of the Deeside-Pentir feeder, which is used in conjunction with two merging units (MU). At the remote ends of the feeder, a trial system is connected to conventional CTs with hardwired connections. L+G ZMQ802 Revenue meter M900 LAN Time MicroSCADA & IED Engineering Workstation Conventional CTs –– Building confidence in terms of future technology such as IEC 61850 and NCITs –– Gaining long-term experience under real life conditions –– Assessing the performance and capabilities of the technologies applied –– Reflecting the learning from the trial into future customer policies, with respect to architecture, product applications and engineering processes (tools, etc.) Digital substation Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 13 Microgrids Time to grasp the UK microgrid opportunity Mention the term microgrid, and most people tend to think of providing access to power on remote islands or in poorly served regions in developing markets. But recent developments are highlighting a big potential role for microgrids in mature power markets, including the UK, where it’s becoming clear that new ways of thinking about power supply capacity, stability and resilience are needed. A spate of media reports over recent months have highlighted how it’s not just in developing markets where generating capacity, grid stability and resilience are key areas of concern. Apart from the longer-term discussions around UK generating capacity, we’ve seen a growing number of reports of a variety power grid issues around the country. Consumers are being asked to reduce their electricity consumption during 14 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Peter Jones, Technology Strategy Manager, ABB Power Grids division periods of high grid load. Local communities are taking power generation projects into their own hands. And local grids in major UK cities are struggling to cope with the number and scale of construction projects under way, with one major new building in London having to bring in power from a feed two miles away at considerable additional expense. We are now seeing profound changes away from the traditional model of large-scale, centralised generation and transmission. In particular, synchronous thermal plant is being replaced by asynchronous embedded renewables, with a consequent reduction in the system inertia offered by spinning reserve. The attraction of microgrids is that they can play a valuable role in the UK energy market – in a way that could benefit existing players, new entrants and consumers alike. This may require some new ways of working and disruption to old business models, but the opportunity beckons. A recent Navigant Research report identified over 400 microgrid projects currently under development globally. While Ernst & Young have estimated that in the 20 countries analysed by the company, microgrids could provide anywhere between USD64 billion and USD171 billion in electricity cost savings for commercial companies by 2020. In the UK, the savings would be equivalent to between 21 and 30 per cent of overall electricity costs. These savings would arise from the ability to take advantage of the changing cost dynamics of newer technology, including energy storage systems, the falling costs of solar and wind energy systems, as well as reduced exposure to increasingly volatile fossil fuel prices. Microgrids resilience. Ultra-reliable power is attractive for a variety of businesses and institutions such as hospitals and microprocessor manufacturing. But one sector in particular is growing like no other: data centres. Today’s state-of-the-art facilities draw tens of megawatts and energy costs are perhaps only second to uptime on the data centre’s list of priorities. Data centres are therefore uniquely suited to microgrid applications. Microgrids combine a range of generation sources with energy storage and intelligent load management The time has come for microgrids In many respects, microgrids are scaled down versions of traditional power grids. A key difference, however, is the closer proximity of generation sources and user loads. Microgrids are not just for renewable energy – they can be based on traditional diesel gensets for example. However, typically they integrate multiple sources such as solar, wind power, biomass, small hydro, geothermal, waste-to-energy and combined heat and power (CHP) systems. Microgrids are also increasingly being equipped with energy storage systems, especially as lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries become more cost-competitive. By combining a range of generation sources with energy storage and intelligent load management, microgrids provide reliable, economic and environmentally friendly power supply. They can also be used as black start power or to bolster the grid during periods of heavy demand, especially in providing vital ancillary services such as frequency support. Grid-connected microgrids can be seamlessly ‘islanded’ from the main grid when needed, for example during periods of peak power grid usage, or during a primary power grid failure. In this mode, the microgrid isolates its local generation and loads from a faulty grid and operates independently for prolonged periods. The system is controlled through a microgrid control system, such as ABB’s Microgrid Plus System, that can incorporate demand–response so that demand can be matched to available supply in the safest and most optimal way. A flywheel- or batterybased grid stabilizing system like ABB’s PowerStore may be included to offer real and reactive power support. The microgrid control system provides dynamic control across all the various energy sources, enabling autonomous and automatic selfhealing operations. Real-world solutions ABB has already delivered more than 30 microgrid solutions around the world to help both utilities and commercial and industrial customers improve supply stability and Legion House An excellent example of a microgrid has been installed by ABB at ‘Legion House’, an office building in Sydney’s central business district – Australia’s first carbon-neutral and autonomous heritage-listed building. It now generates its own power on site through biomass gasification –fuelled by wood chips and waste paper collected from the 50-storey office block – and can operate completely independently of the mains electricity grid. The gas-fired generators serve as the building’s base electrical load while the battery-based energy storage system dampens the effects of instantaneous load steps. The system exports spare electrical power to the adjacent tower building. The battery power system is also used to serve the overnight electrical load as well as minimize the generator operating hours. The microgrid’s stabilization and batterybased energy storage systems ensure the tenants have continuous access to a reliable electricity supply. They stabilize the internal (islanded) power network against fluctuations in frequency and voltage that can be caused by essential building services such as elevators and air conditioning systems. The solution uses advanced control algorithms to manage real and reactive power that is rapidly injected or absorbed to control the power balance, voltage, frequency and general grid stability. Microgrids deliver security of supply In the face of rising energy demands and the growing favourability of renewable generation sources, microgrids offer a highly flexible, modular and scalable solution. Even in advanced economies like the UK, they can be used to increase the reliability and quality of power supply in both grid-connected and isolated operation. They can also reduce energy costs and enhance their predictability as well as helping to reduce carbon footprint and overall environmental impact. Now is the time for the UK to embrace microgrids. Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 15 Power quality New QCap QS capacitor shelf range ABB has launched a new range of shelf capacitors to improve power factor (PF). PF is the ratio of ‘real’ power that does the work to the ‘apparent’ power that needs to be supplied by the electricity supplier. They made their first public appearance at the official opening of ABB’s new Bromborough facility (see full story on page 4). Inductive loads such as motors, pumps and fans cause the power factor to drop, which takes up ‘head room’ in the power distribution system, effectively reducing capacity, reducing equipment life and potentially leading to financial penalties from utilities. Installing Power Factor Correction (PFC) equipment alleviates this. 16 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Modular format for panel builders The new QCap QS shelf range is based on ABB’s well-proven QCap capacitors in a modular format for panel builders to integrate into low voltage distribution panels and switchboards that will operate under the conditions specified in the IEC 60831-1 standard. Three units are available at 50 or 100 kvar, with the larger size being available with or without a detuning reactor. The units have been designed for straightforward installation and to ensure exception reliability and efficiency during operations. ABB has opened its new ABB Power Quality facility in Bromborough to better serve customers Enterprise software Upgrade for Dubai airport SCADA ABB is helping Dubai International Airport to increase passenger capacity by upgrading the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. During the project, ABB will replace the central computers, deploy the latest version of its Network Manager software and connect these to the existing network of field devices. Dubai International is the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic, with flights to more than 260 destinations. It is also the world’s third busiest hub in terms of international air freight. In 2014, it handled more than 70 million passengers and 2.4 million tons of cargo. Fast growth Since ABB implemented the airport’s first SCADA system in 2004, the airport has grown five-fold. Today it provides a common power distribution automation system and handles data signals from around 100,000 sources, including remote terminal units, bay control units and main distribution boards. In the current system, field-based sensors continuously monitor detailed data related to the power network in real time, and provide the operator with analytics to support decision making processes and optimize operations. Reliability and efficiency By upgrading the SCADA system, the airport will benefit from increased operational reliability and efficiency. This will provide the basis on which the airport will be able to increase capacity. According to Dubai Airports’ strategic plan for 2020, the operator is planning $7.8 billion investment that will grow passenger numbers to 90 million per year, as well as cargo handling. To achieve this, the number of stands will increase to 230 and an additional 675,000 square metres of terminal space will be constructed. “This upgrade will provide advanced automation of the power distribution network and enable reliable and efficient power supplies to the world’s busiest international airport, optimizing the use of resources and minimizing disruption to passengers” said Claudio Facchin, President of ABB’s Power Grids division. “Grid automation and leveraging our software portfolio to deliver enhanced customer value are key elements of our Next Level strategy supporting our Internet of Things, Services and People approach.” Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 17 Caithness Moray Meeting our environmental commitments ABB is currently working on a £500 million contract to deliver the Caithness Moray HVDC transmission link. Kelly Wyness, Principal Hydrologist at Natural Power, explains how the environmental consultancy is helping to ABB keep its programme on track. Inspecting the works for the Caithness Moray project 18 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Caithness Moray Large and complex projects like the Caithness Moray HVDC power link present many risks and challenges. In anticipation of these challenges, ABB appointed Natural Power in 2014 to provide an environmental framework and on-going advice throughout the project. Natural Power is an independent environmental consultancy that was formed in 1995 to meet the growing demand for renewable energy projects. We support all renewable energy sectors, including onshore wind, offshore renewables, solar, hydro and renewable heat as well as the grid and infrastructure that are essential for transmission of renewable energy. Pre-construction strategy and surveys As a major new transmission link with onshore and offshore elements, the Caithness Moray project was right up our street and we’ve been heavily involved since the first phase of ABB’s work. Our first task was to draft the environmental documentation to give ABB’s customer Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and other consultees, the assurance that environmental considerations were high on ABB’s list of priorities. That document formed the basis of all of our work that followed, including the project environmental management plan, which set out the roles and responsibilities and the legislation. Below this, we developed site-specific construction and environmental management plans to cover individual sections of the project: the Spittal to Noss Head land cable, Port Gordon to Blackhillock land cable, Blackhillock construction compound, the Spittal and Blackhillock Convertor Stations and the Noss Head and Portgordon HDD Landfalls. These documents include detailed recommendations for drainage mitigation and ecology mitigation for ABB to adhere to, as well as the results of pre-construction surveys to identify wildlife such as badgers, otters, reptiles and birds, as well as the potential impact on water supplies and drainage networks. Reasonably practicable It’s been a comprehensive process and we see our role as providing ABB with advice to ensure it does what is reasonably practicable to protect the environment. Our knowledge of legislation and experience of working with regulators and principal contractors like ABB helps to find a balance between the priorities of the construction work and environmental protection so that the project is delivered to programme and the environment is protected and managed at reasonable cost. Inverness-based team The Caithness Moray project is a substantial piece of work and we’ve had around 15 people working on the project at different stages so far, with most people being based in our Inverness office. Because the cable route runs through land and sea routes and has landfall points, we’ve called in experts in onshore ecology, ornithology, hydrology and marine mammals. At the moment, we’re providing a lot of day-to-day support as Natural Power is acting as ABB’s Environmental Representative, with a dedicated environmental manager and senior technical advisors. We also have several consultants acting as environmental clerk of works for different sections of the project. It’s a role that involves getting out and about to support construction teams, provide advice and gather data on the impact of the works. Multi-disciplinary team I’m in charge of Natural Power’s hydrology team, which specialises in environmental management, including surface water drainage, groundwater management, water resources, and pollution control and monitoring programmes. For the Caithness Moray project we work in close collaboration with our colleagues in the onshore and offshore ecology teams. What’s most important about our role is that our advice keeps ABB’s work in line with environmental requirements, UK and European legislation while keeping the project on track in line with the programme and inside the limitations of the site. That’s the satisfying part of the role, knowing that you’re doing a job well, responding to unexpected challenges and utilising a pool of talented people. Water quality monitoring took some peat depth surveys to validate previous survey information and we confirmed that the peat is up to five metres deep in places. This presents a major challenge for conventional excavation techniques as the cable must be buried underneath the peat. Peat is a priority habitat and is also very wet and waterlogged. Excavating an open trench safely would require a lot of space for both excavation and correct storage of peat, whereas the narrow working corridor that ABB is allowed would not accommodate this. Our surveys and recommendations have given ABB the insight to consider other options, such as directional drilling. Our findings helped ABB to decide to carry out horizontal directional drilling below that entire section of peat, which was the most practical and cost-effective method of minimising the impact of the cable route. Our advice also helps ABB to maintain the mitigation in areas where work is drawing to a close to reduce any impacts on watercourses, water resources and habitats. The experience shows that we have a good practical and open relationship with ABB and that they are able to trust our advice and adapt their approach based on the evidence we provide. Acting on survey knowledge One unusual challenge that arose on the cable route from Spittal to Noss Head was a particular area with deep peat. We underPower Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 19 Cables The new vessel will be a key differentiator for ABB’s high-voltage cable business Investing in the world’s most advanced cable-laying vessel ABB has ordered a new state-of-the-art cable ship to boost its capacity and flexibility to install and service high-voltage (HV) subsea cables ABB has ordered the world’s most advanced cable-laying vessel to boost the capacity of its submarine cable operations while achieving greater efficiency and precision. The new ship, custom-built to ABB specifications, will measure approximately 140 by 30 meters. It will be constructed at Kleven shipyard in Norway for delivery in 2017. 20 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Thanks to the highest class (DP3) dynamic positioning technology the ship will be able to maintain its position with a high precision. “This next-generation vessel incorporating state-of-the-art ABB technologies will be a key differentiator for our high-voltage cable business, enhancing flexibility and execution ability,” said Claudio Facchin, president of ABB’s Power Systems division. “It will also improve operational efficiency and customer focus, supporting profitable growth in line with our Next Level strategy.” The new ship will deploy many of ABB’s own leading marine technologies. The award-winning Onboard DC Grid and power distribution solution, for instance, will use a single DC circuit for ship propulsion to reduce power consumption. The vessel will set new standards for reliability and accuracy and will be equipped with roll-reduction tanks and the subsea operations will be executed and monitored by a remotely operated vehicle using cameras and sonar, avoiding the need for divers. The vessel will feature a complete ABB Integrated Automation System and three Azipod propulsion units. Together with an energy storage system for marine applications it will cut fuel consumption by 27 percent and reduce maintenance compared to traditional AC systems. Sensors, monitoring hardware and software will enable data to be sent to shore via a satellite link, to allow the onshore technical support centres to work closely with the ship as part of ABB’s Integrated Marine Operations solution. Advanced advisory software for motion monitoring, forecasting and decision support will also be on board. Substations Going underground Finding space for a large substation in a busy city centre is a major challenge, and one that is only growing as demand for power grows. Not only are town planners protective of city centre sites, but the high value of the land means that there is great pressure to give the land a public use. Digging down can be the logical answer and the latest generation of compact GIS means that it is growing more feasible. For example, ABB’s new generation ELK-3 420 kV GIS is one third smaller than previous comparable switchgear. Its reduced size means that it is possible to squeeze substations into smaller spaces than ever before, or free up space at existing substations for other uses. There are many underground substations already in operation worldwide. Using experience of the technology, planning regulations and construction methods, as well as operation and maintenance, ventilation and end-oflife requirements, ABB has developed a methodology specially for underground substations. The concept enables up to 98 percent of a substation to be concealed below ground level, with only cooling ducts and access routes visible above ground. This means that substations can deliver a reliable power supply to consumers while hiding below buildings, car parks, traffic roundabouts or public spaces. ABB’s HV Substations app for iPads A High Voltage Substations iPad app is available from ABB through iTunes. Viewers can click through immersive threedimensional views of substations to learn about the technology and benefits of GIS and AIS substations and how ABB can deliver these on a turnkey basis from concept to handover. Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 21 Transformers Introducing the world’s strongest vacuum tap changer The VUCG is designed for rated currents of up to 1,800 A 22 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Innovative design of transformer component will reduce the cost of power transformers “Achieving a power rating this high means transformer windings will now be less expensive to produce, which will help reduce the total cost of transformer ownership for customers,” said Petter Nilsson, Global Product Manager. “ABB’s high current vacuum tap changer reduces transformer costs, without compromising end product reliability. ABB is at the forefront of OLTC technology development, and this unit is just the latest example.” A new transformer component introduced by ABB in early 2016 will simplify the design of power transformers and reduce their cost. Lower life cycle costs Vacuum interrupter technology is at the heart of a new generation of tap changers, in which electrical arcs are extinguished in a vacuum rather than oil. The end result is lower life cycle costs, reduced maintenance, and longer operation as a result of radical reduction in contact wear. The new high-current OLTC was developed from a design that uses three parallel vacuum interrupters instead of one, which was challenging to develop. This has the additional benefit that because the breaking current passes through three vacuum interrupters instead of just one, wear is distributed evenly over the contacts, significantly reducing the wear on each individual contact. The new tap-changer uses the same proven vacuum interrupters as previous OLTCs, ensuring the same high quality and long service life. The VUCG 1800 is an on-load tap changer (OLTC) that regulates voltage by adjusting the ratio of turns in the windings in a transformer. Tap changers are essential to keep network voltage stable under variable load conditions. They are also widely used in industrial transformers to deal with variable network loads in rectifier and furnace applications. Until now, power transformers with a current rating greater than 800 A have had to split the current, adding complexity and cost to the design of power transformers. The VUCG 1800 is designed for rated currents of up to 1,800 A and removes the need for forced current splitting in the transformer windings. Transformers Comparing transformer efficiency ABB has introduced a new tool to help operators determine the optimal transformer for their applications. It calculates the total cost of ownership (TCO) of transformers to enable operators to compare and contrast the cost of owning and operating a transformer over its lifetime. The easy-to-use tool compares transformers on a whole life cost basis, with cost calculations based on the latest draft of the IEC 60076-20 standard. The purchase price and loss values of transformers differ widely. The real cost of a transformer includes both its purchase price and the cost of running it for its useful life, which can extend to 40 years. Looking in more detail, the calculation takes account of no load losses and load losses of the transformer and its cooling equipment, as well as the costs of commissioning, maintenance and downtime. Behind the TCO calculator’s simple interface, the calculation takes account of the transformer’s anticipated operating hours per year, average loading, lifetime, changing cost of energy over the lifetime and interest rates. The tool gives engineers a resource that helps to compare alternative transformers, monetary savings and environmental impact. This supports decision making and increases awareness of the financial and environmental costs of operation. Using TCO as a basis, ABB can tailor the design of a transformer to meet the unique requirements of a particular substation. It also allows the customer to evaluate multiple options to find the best fit. The TCO tool enables comparison of financial and environmental costs of different transformers Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 23 Site work Choosing a civil partner Yvonne Passey, Head of Supply Chain for ABB’s Power Grids division in the UK, explains how ABB evaluates civil engineering contractors and how it approaches contractor selection for new HVDC (high-voltage direct current) projects such as converter stations. Civil contractors are an essential and sometimes overlooked aspect of delivering power infrastructure projects. Their work plays a vital role in supporting and protecting assets throughout their lifetime. A good contractor will not just deliver work packages safely and on time, but will also provide honest feedback, leading to more effective design, better ways of work and faster overall delivery. That’s why we have a rigorous process in place to evaluate potential contractors and select the right civil contractor for each work package. Choosing the right contractor for the work ABB relies on contractors with many specialisms. These include civil, structural and building contractors for substations and converter stations, plus contractors to install submarine and underground cables. As well as other specialists, we also look for suppliers to deliver services such as geotechnical and architectural surveys. This will ensure that we satisfy all of the requirements of our clients and regulators such as local authorities. 24 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Most have a strong local focus, bringing the benefit of familiarity with local regulations, ground conditions and weather conditions. They also have logistical advantages in sourcing materials, manpower and equipment locally. Hiring a local contractor also reaps the benefit of good community relations that outlasts the project itself. Contractor qualification ABB’s qualification process ensures we have a trusted pool of contractors that meet our standards of project delivery and safety as well as financial accountability and reporting. When we’re ready to tender a project, we choose candidates from this pool based on their expertise, size and capabilities. For example, we’d choose a contractor with cable installation experience for a cable project and a different contractor to construct foundations. Depending on the type of work and the size of the package, our approach changes. Work packages in the substation market Site work are often small in size and there are many competent contractors that can deliver on a design and construct basis. However, for converter stations, work packages tend to be larger and more specialist in nature so we will separate design and construction work and focus on a contractor’s technical capabilities. Whatever the project, our ultimate goal is to reduce the risk and deliver safely and to programme for ABB’s customers. Supplier evaluation Under ABB’s ‘Suppliers Charter’, we take a consistent approach to all sub-contractors. We decide whether to accept a potential new contractor based on our sub-contractor qualification process. We ask potential suppliers to complete a rigorous self-assessment questionnaire. This delves into a contractor’s operational experience, size and capabilities. It covers codes of conduct, level of liability insurance cover, plus environment and quality systems and ISO accreditations. Because safety is paramount we ask detailed questions about health and safety systems and environmental records, with particular attention paid to lost time incidents. We also evaluate the technical competence of the firm and its financial status to ensure that we consider it for the right type and size of projects. Because we’re evaluating them as a partner, it’s important to gain a full understanding of them as a company and ensure that they meet ABB’s high standards. Lastly, we send a team of experts including global resource experience to visit the contractor in person to carry out an audit to verify the contractor’s approach is consistent with ABB requirements. We also call on supply chain specialist Achilles to assess any potential new contractor. Achilles draws on its extensive knowledge of suppliers in the power and technology community to ensure they meet our criteria in terms of health and safety as well as on a legal and financial basis. Pulling on global experience Since introducing HVDC technology in 1954, ABB has been awarded more than 110 projects, representing a total installed capacity of more than 120,000 megawatts and accounting for around half the global installed base. In the case of contractors for specialist projects such as converter stations, we draw on the support of ABB’s global experts during the final phase of evaluation. For an HVDC converter station, for example, the team for our final evaluation will include a global expert in HVDC technology from Sweden. Once accredited, suppliers’ details are recorded on a central database, meaning that ABB in the UK can access expert suppliers from overseas if necessary. Challenges for converter stations As we introduce HVDC power transmission into the UK, we are building a network of suppliers with the right skill set and also the right approach. Converter stations are typically larger and more complex than substations so we are selecting contractors with strong experience of building electrical infrastructure. In addition to the stringent requirements of our evaluation process, we also need the contractors to go the extra mile in terms of collaboration and innovation. So ABB takes many different aspects into account when considering which contractors to invite to tender. New technology calls for the development of new skills across the supply chain and for suppliers to take a proactive approach. Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 25 Service Pulling moisture from transformer oil Robert Slinger, Operations Manager for ABB’s Transformer Service Business Unit, introduces a brand new service from ABB that will be available in 2016 to support the installation and maintenance of oil-filled transformers for UK customers ABB has ordered a dedicated rig to pull moisture from transformer oil. The service is essential when installing and commissioning new transformers or to extend the lifetime of transformers that are in operation. By adopting its own rig, ABB will improve flexibility and availability of oil processing for customers. The need for oil processing Oil-filled power transformers take the form of a tank that contains the core and windings of the transformer. They are filled with insulating mineral oil, which insulates and cools the windings. In addition, transformer windings are often insulated with cellulosebased paper. Effectiveness of transformer oil as an insulator is measured by its dielectric strength. Moisture content in transformer The unit contains an oil processing rig and an accommodation trailer 26 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids oil can reduce its dielectric strength and damage the paper so it is important to reduce moisture. Typically, a transformer with less than one percent moisture content in the paper could last 40 years, whereas moisture content of four percent or higher will reduce the anticipated life to 10 – 15 years. And because transformers are a major capital expense with a long lead time, it’s important to optimise their operation. Service Specialist equipment removes trace moisture from transformer oil That’s where oil processing comes in. It is required when preparing to fill a new transformer with insulating oil for the first time. While the mineral oil delivered to site is high quality, it must be processed to remove trace moisture contents. The service may also be required during the lifetime of the transformer in the case of moisture ingress into the transformer. Dedicated rig To deliver the service, ABB has purchased a dedicated oil processing rig. The rig is housed in a truck with a staff welfare facility in a separate trailer. Together the total length from nose to tail is equivalent to a large 40 foot heavy goods vehicle. On board the truck is specialist equipment supplied by Micafluid of Switzerland for moisture removal and oil heating. New transformer installation For brand new transformers, high quality mineral oil is delivered to site in a tanker but before it fills the transformer, trace moisture must be removed. The oil will arrive on site around 80 percent of the way through the build. The first step is to attach a vacuum pump to the transformer to remove water vapour along with the air inside it. Oil is then pulled from the oil tanker and through the processing rig, which heats the oil then passes it through a degassing chamber and into the transformer, which fills slowly. Once filled, the vacuum is released and the oil is pulled from the transformer, through the plant and returned to the transformer in what is called a pass. Typically, several passes are required until the rig has met the exact specification of moisture content and dielectric strength. Life extension for existing assets The other aspect of the service is to extend the service life of existing transformers. During this service, ABB’s rig will arrive on site and carry out several passes, where oil is drawn from the transformer and pulled through the rig for heating and degassing. ABB’s life extension service is available for transformers from any manufacturer and is likely to be most popular with utilities and other applications where reliability and availability are paramount. If there is sufficient demand, ABB will consider extending its service capability to include removal of acidic compounds and sludges from transformer oil. There are two major benefits to oil reclamation, the first being environmental as it reduces waste. Second, oil reclamation is more effective than oil replacement as it draws impurities out of the paper insulation inside the transformer, therefore regenerating the paper as well as the oil. Practicalities A typical transformer will contain between 10,000 and 120,000 litres of oil and the time required to remove moisture will range from 12 hours to around five full days, with the rig operating 24/7. To support the process on site, two technicians will man the rig, which requires sampling the oil at regular intervals. They will be housed in the staff welfare facility in the trailer, which also includes a state-ofthe-art laboratory for analysis and testing of samples. Additional 24-hour support from Micafluid experts is in place through a support contract so that any issues can be resolved without delay. Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 27 Cables World’s most powerful extruded cable system Anders Gustafsson, R&D Manager at ABB’s high voltage cable factory in Karlskrona in Sweden, takes a closer look at the technology behind ABB’s new 525 kV extruded HVDC cable system. 28 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Cables A single pair of ABB’s latest 525kV HVDC extruded cable will be able to transmit up to 2.6 GW of power from renewable energy resources 2.6 GW capacity … enough to serve the electricity needs of Paris , City of Lights ABB launched a new extruded HVDC cable system rated at 525 kV DC that is capable of transmitting up to 2.6 GW of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power on underground or subsea routes. Since their introduction in the 1990s there has been rapid development in extruded HVDC cable technology, driven by the need to connect remote energy sources. Key components of the new cable system include a cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) DC insulation material, an oil- and porcelain-free termination that uses ABB bushing technology, as well as a land joint and a flexible sea joint. The cable ABB developed a new insulating material for the cable in close collaboration with Borealis, the major polyethylene and polypropylene manufacturer. Having studied several options, the team ultimately selected a new grade of non-filled XLPE material As well as good mechanical, chemical and electrical properties, the insulation material meets additional requirements for DC voltage. Low DC conductivity is particularly important because conductivity of insulation material increases with electric field and temperature, therefore increasing the risk of failure due to thermal runaway. DC also presents extra requirements during cable manufacture. While AC cable must be free from faults such as voids, cracks and contamination, the environment for DC cable manufacture must also be free from particular chemical compounds. Joints Joints are essential as they form the connection between cable ends. Land cables are delivered in many short lengths, which are connected on-site using prefabricated joints, whereas cable ships can carry many kilometres of subsea cable, which can be jointed together under factory conditions. Factory joints on the new 525 kV cable resemble the actual cable. Conductors are welded and semiconducting and insulating layers are completed with moulding or extrusion. The process requires clean factory conditions and takes up to two weeks. On the other hand, a prefabricated joint can be installed within a couple of days inside a controlled container to protect the jointing environment. It includes all of the same elements as the body of the cable as well as extra protection to ensure the mechanical and electrical stability of the joint. are filled with insulating SF6 gas and have been designed for electrical stability using similar principles to prefabricated joints. Testing The final stage in development of the new system was testing of cable and accessories. ABB followed the electrical testing requirements in CIGRE Technical Brochure No. 496, as well as mechanical testing as established in the IEC standards. The cable successfully passed testing as a prototype, and through testing of individual components and as a complete cable system including terminations and land and sea joints. Ultimately, the new cable has opened up the potential to transmit at least 50 percent more power over extreme distances than ever before. By stepping up to the higher voltages, transmission will be more reliable and experience lower losses than ever before. Terminations Terminations for the 525 kV extruded cable are based on ABB’s 800 kV HVDC bushing technology. The terminations are designed to connect to overhead bus bars, either indoors or outdoors. The terminations are made up of a polymeric composite insulator that will not shatter, and a corona ring that is designed for varying environmental conditions. They Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 29 HVDC Upgrading the first ever HVDC link capacity. In turn, this ensures the highest possible performance. The new system is designed to run permanently for a life greater than 30 years. It also incorporates advanced fault registration and remote control functions. ABB’s scope of work for the project also includes upgrades to the cooling system and a modern operator interface that will help to extend the lifetime of the link as well as providing improved availability and functionality. ABB has been called in by Vattenfall Eldistribution AB to the island of Gotland in the Baltic Sea to deliver a £15 million upgrade to the world’s first commercial HVDC power transmission link. ABB first installed the link in 1954 and has progressively upgraded it in the decades since, so the project takes ABB back to the roots of the game-changing technology. The 150 kV link has the capacity to transmit 320 MW of power over a distance of 100 km from Västervik on Sweden’s mainland to Ygne substation on the island of Gotland. The link provides power for 58,000 residents of Gotland and enables the islanders to export wind power to the mainland. ABB’s work to upgrade the link will enhance capacity and security of supply, and enable the growth of wind power generation on the island. During the project ABB will install its MACH (Modular Advanced Control for HVDC) control and protection system, which will act as the brain of the HVDC link. 30 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids After several decades of round-the-clock operation, the link’s existing analogue control system was still in working order but was in need of modernisation to maintain high availability and avoid unforeseen outages. The most important part of the control system is the converter firing control and in the MACH control and protection system it is built around high performance computer components that give unequalled calculation Revisiting Gotland When it was energised in 1954 the Gotland HVDC transmission system was the first commercial example of HVDC technology in the world. Since then, ABB has progressively upgraded the transmission link, with the latest upgrade being another step in this journey. The island was the setting for another ‘world first’ in 1999 when ABB introduced the world’s first interconnection using HVDC Voltage Sourced Converter (VSC) technology, also known as HVDC Light. HVDC LitPol interconnector completes the Baltic Ring ABB has handed over a 500 MW interconnector that links the grids of Lithuania and Poland. The LitPol interconnector is the final link in the European Union’s Baltic Ring initiative, which has the objective of interconnecting the grids of nine countries around the Baltic Sea: Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia and Latvia. grid reliability while paving the way for power trading” said Patrick Fragman, Managing Director of ABB’s Grid Systems business, part of the company’s Power Grids division. “The completion of this link reinforces our focus on efficient project execution as well as on our leading technologies to deliver enhanced customer value, in line with our Next Level strategy.” The LitPol back-to-back station interconnects Lithuania and Poland LitPol is ABB’s 15th interconnection in the Baltic region to date and ABB handed it over to Lithuanian transmission system operator Litgrid in late 2015. The link takes the form of a classic voltage source conversion-based HVDC back-to-back station. A conventional alternating current connection was not possible as the Lithuanian and Polish grids are not synchronised. ABB was responsible for the design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of the converter station, including high-voltage equipment, power transformers, thyristor valves and MACH control system. “The LitPol Link helps interconnect the Baltic region, improving power security and Great River Energy’s HVDC upgrade An HVDC power transmission link in the US is also benefiting from upgrade and lifetime extension from ABB. The Great River Energy has appointed ABB to deliver a $130 million upgrade to its +/- 400 kV transmission system. control and protection systems and other related equipment at the converter stations. “Maintaining Great River Energy’s high reliability standards for this vital system is not only critical for delivering power in the short term, but also because it will continue to provide a corridor for delivering energy from North Dakota in the future,” said Greg Schutte, Great River Energy’s Project Leader. The link transmits 1,000 MW over a distance of 700 km between the Coal Creek power station in North Dakota and the city of Dickinson in Minnesota. Since the system was commissioned by ABB in 1978 it has provided more than 99 percent availability and ABB upgraded the link to use the MACH control system in 2002. During the current upgrade project, ABB’s scope includes upgrades of the converter valves, valve cooling systems, Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 31 GIS technology World’s first switchgear installation with new eco-efficient gas For decades, sulpur hexafluoride (SF6) has been the predominant insulation medium for switchgear due to its technical properties. ABB has been developing and deploying alternatives to this greenhouse gas on the path towards greater ecoefficiency and lower environmental impact and is now commissioning the world’s first pilot with a new eco-efficient gas mixture. With global warming and climate change becoming worldwide concerns, products are increasingly being developed that have the lowest possible environmental impact. Research is ongoing to find alternatives to even well-established technologies. And this is the case with SF6, a man-made gas developed in the early 20th century which, Switchgear ready for delivery 32 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids due to its excellent properties for electric insulation and arc interruption is used extensively as the dielectric medium in high and medium-voltage switchgear. In addition to enabling safe and reliable operation, it has also made it possible to significantly reduce the size of switchgear installations, and SF6 will remain as the main insulation medium for years to come. SF6 is a greenhouse gas and its lifecycle management requires careful handling and can entail substantial costs, particularly when decommissioning ageing substations. As the demand for electricity rises world wide, especially in emerging countries, demand for high-voltage switchgear is also rising. This is driving the search for alternatives to SF6. ABB has achieved a recent breakthrough by commissioning the world’s first high- and medium voltage pilot gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) bays with a new eco-efficient gas mixture. This fluoroketone-based gas mixture is a chemical compound developed for switchgear applications in collaboration with 3M. The GIS bays for 24 kV and 170 kV voltage ratings are installed in a pilot substation in Zurich operated by leading Swiss utility ewz, which was inaugurated in August 2015. The fluorinated molecule has a chemical composition that decomposes under ultraviolet light in the lower atmosphere. Therefore, the molecule’s atmospheric lifetime is extremely short (less than 15 days versus 3,200 years with SF6) and it decomposes into negligible quantities of CO2 that are not harmful for the environ- GIS technology ment. Because of this, its Global Warming Potential (GWP) is less than 1, even lower than CO2 (GWP=1). In addition, the fluorinated molecule is practically non-toxic, non-flammable and neither the substance itself nor the effects of decomposition would deplete the ozone layer. This GWP is almost 100 percent lower than that of SF6, without any compromise on equipment quality and reliability. The new gas mixture is the only one available so far that meets performance criteria after being type tested according to IEC standards and has a GWP <=1. In addition, the lifecycle analysis (LCA) of the product shows that deployment of high-voltage GIS with this new gas mixture can lower CO2 equivalent emissions by up to 50 percent through the lifecycle of the equipment, the other half being attributable to raw materials, manufacturing and thermal losses. Despite the known challenges, in the search for alternatives, gas mixtures composed of fluoroketones with technical air or CO2 as a carrier gas have shown acceptable insulation and switching capabilities where this mixture has only a GWP <=1, no ozone The innovative Oerlikon substation in Zurich depletion potential (ODP), is non-toxic and non-flammable. In the insulation regime, testing performed at ABB laboratories has shown that transmission and distribution ratings can be addressed with a fluoroketone-based admixture, where the lower ratings (sub transmission) are also feasible with constituent gases of the atmosphere such as N 2 and CO 2. Power testing performances have also shown the high potential of fluoroketone-based admixtures for indoor applications as a switching and arc inter- ruption medium. An acceptable interruption performance has been established using a standard high-voltage circuit breaker. For lower ratings and low temperature applications, CO2 may be used as an alternative. As well as contributing to the efforts of reducing global warming, the new technology also brings end-users the possible benefits of simplified operations, as the use of SF6 entails significant regulatory work such as inventory management and other logistic requirements. Building resilience In the USA, New Jersey’s oldest and largest utility, Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) has turned to ABB to supply gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) in a major upgrade to two substations that will protect the network from severe weather and enhance power reliability. PSE&G is upgrading 50-year-old AIS (air insulated switchgear) Hillsdale substation to prevent power outages for residents in severe weather. It is converting Jackson Road AIS substation to allow for increased capacity without expanding the footprint of the site. The utility selected ABB’s 420 kV ELK-3 GIS because of its robustness, reliability and small footprint compared with AIS. ABB’s scope includes design, supply and commissioning of the switchgear. ABB’s ELK-3 GIS Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 33 Innovation Finding a better way Leigh Turley, Engineering Manager for Grid Integration division, explains how ABB is working with its customers to challenge the norm and to deliver projects more quickly, and reduce risks and costs. Driven by Ofgem’s RIIO (Revenue = Incentives + Innovation + Outputs) model, operators are under growing pressure to deliver improvements and upgrades to their power transmission and distribution networks at lower cost and risk. To help them achieve this, we are drawing on its experience of delivering projects around the world as well as its culture of challenging accepted norms. When looking for opportunities to drive down cost and risk, it’s important to consider new and different ways to approach engineering problems at every stage from inception through design, construction, commissioning and handover. Understanding the customer’s priorities, objectives and long-term operations are vital. It’s important to focus on potential savings that are viable and that will add value at every stage of a project from scope to commissioning. The approach encourages us to question systems, processes, planning consents, land take, team roles and responsibilities, installation, outage management, constructability, modular design, testing, and operation and maintenance. Not only are safety, health, environment and quality central to finding new ways of working but they can also benefit the programme, with off-site manufacturing being particularly helpful in improving on quality and reducing risk. A process for innovation The approach can be simplified as a process. After receiving a project scope document from the customer, we take the first step of reviewing it with the objective 34 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids of adding value and finding efficiencies. Our engineering team compares its ideas to see which ones add value, creating a hierarchy to evaluate the impact, cost, value and efficiency of potential savings or efficiencies. This is an essential tool in bringing focus onto the ideas that are simple to apply and add value, as well as the most important factor, which is whether it is likely to be acceptable to the customer. At this point, we present the new approach to the client, how it differs to the original specification and its potential benefits. Questioning the scope One recent example was challenging the stop required for a turnkey project to deliver a 132 kV substation, which included access gantries around switchgear for maintenance, as well as a lighting scheme, welfare facilities and a mess room. As an unmanned site that is going to require infrequent visits by a service engineer, there was major potential for savings. Eliminating permanent gantries and specifying ladder access to substation equipment only when it is required cuts out the cost of the gantries, reduces the building size, footprint and can simplify the planning process. Innovation In addition welfare facilities, mess rooms and formal parking are not necessary for every unmanned site, particularly when there is another site with such facilities nearby. Cutting such items from the scope will save the capital cost as well as cleaning and maintenance. Alternative lighting Lighting is another area with potential for savings. Conventionally, lights are installed around the fence line of sites, calling for excavation to install ducts, structures and connection to a lighting circuit. An alternative is to install spot lighting onto a substation building, which reduces cable runs and eliminates ducting and structures altogether. This approach impacts on health and safety, programme, raw materials and eliminates the cost of maintaining lighting structures. Saving site work Re-thinking the approach to site work is another area with potential for major savings as anything that saves time on site has major potential for cost savings. One technique is to raise substation structures above the ground, which removes the need to excavate, as well as risks of contaminated land or service strikes and their potential to delay the programme. Modular construction can also help, as demonstrated by ABB’s Portable Relay Rooms (PRRs). These contain all the required protection and control equipment and arrive on site pre-tested and ready to plug and play. Another example is to reduce risk and save time by replacing on-site assembly of re-bar with pre-fabricated assemblies that can be rolled out like a carpet. The approach even extends to the roles played by individuals in a team. Using individuals with multiple skills who can fulfil multiple tasks across more than one role means that project team can be smaller and more flexible. Smarter approach to outages Rethinking the approach to outages can reduce the length of an outage, consolidate more work into a single outage or lead to more flexibility. The objective is to optimise outages for the customer and reduce the overall risk to the network. For example by completing multiple work packages during a single longer outage, the customer can reduce the overall scope, eliminate further outages and improve system security. Overall, the one aspect that is truly essential to the process is honest and open communication. Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 35 Power consulting Model answers Fahd Hashiesh, Head of Power Consulting for ABB Power Systems in the UK, presents two case studies that demonstrate how offline system studies can enhance power system performance response with the existing load shedding scheme. It can be seen that the 22 kV bus frequency falls below the under frequency setting of the GTG (47.5 Hz) and it persists for approximately 1 second – which is very close to the generator under frequency settings. This caused the tripping of generators in the plant. It was evident that the existing load shedding scheme was not properly coordinated and new settings were recommended. The proposed under frequency load shedding scheme operates when the system frequency reaches 47.5 Hz, 0.25sec or a rate of change of frequency > 0.9 Hz/sec with 49 Hz and a GTG under frequency setting of was 47.5Hz, 1 sec. Fig 2 shows the 22 kV bus frequency response with the new load shedding scheme. In the frequency plot, the 22 kV bus frequency falls below the under frequency setting of the GTG (47.5Hz for 1sec), but it only persists for 0.2 seconds. This leaves a sufficient margin with the generator under frequency settings. There is therefore no generator tripping and hence no plant blackouts. The effective planning, design and operation of industrial and commercial power systems requires engineering studies to evaluate existing and proposed system performance, reliability, safety, and economics. Studies, properly conceived and conducted, are a cost-effective way to prevent surprises and to optimize equipment section. In the design stage, these studies can identify and avoid potential deficiencies in the system before it goes into operation. In existing systems, studies can help to locate the cause of equipment failure and misoperation and determine corrective measures for improving system performance. To show how system studies are applied in practice it is useful to review two case studies in detail. Blackout analysis for an oil and gas plant An oil refinery was powered by a single GTG (gas turbine generator) generating 18 MW in addition to 22 MW of power imported from the grid to meet a load demand of 40 MW. A three phase fault on the grid side had resulted in a heavy voltage dip in the plant, and the grid incomers had tripped on directional overcurrent protection, isolating the plant from the grid. After islanding, the GTG was tripped on under frequency protection resulting in a total plant blackout. In the islanded plant condition, the load shedding scheme should shed the loads based on the critical need to avoid generator tripping at high load demand i.e. under frequency (UF). In this case the generator tripped on UF even after the loads had been shed. To investigate the root cause of generator tripping, a dynamic analysis was carried out by modelling the generators with dynamic parameters, automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and governor models. The existing under frequency load shedding scheme operated when the system frequency reaches 47.5 Hz for 0.25 sec or a rate of change of frequency > 0.9 Hz/sec with 48.5 Hz and the GTG under frequency setting was 47.5 Hz, 1 sec. Fig 1 shows the 22 kV bus frequency Blackout analysis for an oil and gas plant 60.5 50.7 49.7 50.1 GTG UF Relay Pickup 47.5Hz/1sec 48.9 49.5 48.9 ~1sec 48.1 Bus Frequency 47.3 45.5 GTG UF Relay Pickup 47.5Hz/1sec 47.7 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Fig 1: Frequency plot with existing load shed scheme 36 48.3 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids 9 10 Time 47.1 0 0.4 0.8 Bus Frequency 0.2sec 1.2 1.6 2 2.4 2.8 3.2 Fig 2: Frequency plot with proposed load shed scheme 3.6 4 Time Power consulting Power Consulting Driven by continued evolution in the UK’s power infrastructure market, it is more important than ever to have a thorough understanding of the complex regulatory landscape and a strategy for dealing with it. ABB’s Power Consulting team has been established to provide support. It provides the expertise, tools and detailed models to ensure that new grid connections are fully grid code compliant, eliminating the risk of heavy penalties or missed opportunities. As a strategic product group within ABB’s Power Grids division, Power Consulting is made up of 125 technical experts located globally (USA, Brazil, India, Germany, UK and Spain). It provides deep know-how to customers on extensive matters related to electrical power systems (operation, planning, Substation equipment failure analysis The objective of this analysis was to investigate the root cause for the failure of a 400 kV substation CT (current transformer) during shunt reactor switching – the CT is located before the shunt reactor). The entire substation was modelled in PSCAD (a software tool for simulating electromagnetic transients) and all the elements were modelled as a frequency dependence model. The substation was modelled with seven bays – four bays for incoming lines, one A FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems) installation design, expansion and asset management). This expert team offers new approaches and solutions in areas like transmission systems, HVDC, FACTS, system controls, energy efficiency, power market analysis, asset evaluation, industrial systems, system and equipment design and selection, integrated T&D planning, renewable integration, power quality and grid code compliance. Most importantly, the team is able to offer a unique combination of technical and economic perspectives. bay for the shunt reactor and two bays for 400/220 kV transformers. The following scenarios were applied to investigate the root cause for the CT failure: (i) 400 kV shunt reactor breaker switching with different chopping currents (ii) R e-ignition phenomena after breaker contacts have been separated The shunt reactor breaker switching analysis was carried out for a range of chopping currents. Fig 3 shows that the transient recovery voltage across the breaker (the TRV) at a 20 A chopping current is 690 kV, which exceeds the TRV limits of the 400 kV breaker i.e.624 kV. There was therefore a strong possibility that re-ignition was taking place across the breaker contacts. The occurrence of re-ignition was confirmed by monitoring the breaker re-ignition voltages. Fig 4 shows the 400 kV breaker re-ignition voltage of 800 kV exceeds the TRV limits of the breaker i.e. 624 kV. To limit the TRV across the breaker, the following mitigation methods were proposed (a) Pre-insertion resistor (b) Controlled switching. Substation equipment failure analysis 1.0 Voltage (KV) 800 Re-ignition Voltage 0.8 Voltage (KV) 600 0.6 400 0.4 200 0.2 0 0.0 -200 -0.2 -0.4 -400 -0.6 -600 0.0850 0.0900 0.0950 0.1000 0.1050 0.1100 0.1150 Fig 3: Voltage across breaker for current chopping 20A 0.1200 0.090 0.100 0.110 0.120 0.130 0.140 0.150 0.160 Fig 4: Re-ignition voltage in the 400kV breaker Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 37 Product news Following calls from the rail industry, it has now launched the VisiVolt type C, which is optimised for voltages in the tightly defined range of 25 to 27.5 kV, the international standard range for electrified railways. VisiVolt enhances rail safety Safety is at a premium for the rail industry. In its annual report on safety on UK railways, the Rail Safety Standards Board (RSSB) identifies unguarded electricity supplies as presenting a hazard to rail infrastructure workers. Exposure to live conductors is avoidable – for example, there is potential for poor communication between workers to lead to someone approaching a distribution panel that is live. With this in mind, the industry has been calling for products that improve safety in such circumstances by providing an additional and independent source of information about voltage status. In response, ABB has developed a new version of its VisiVolt passive voltage indicator especially for high voltage rail conductors. The VisiVolt is attached to a conductor and shows at a glance whether it is live. It offer operations personnel a degree of visual certainty if the overhead line is live before isolation and earthing is carried out. Because it provides safety assurance, our customer Network Rail is putting the VisiVolt through its Product Approval process. 38 abb.co.uk/ffwd Power Grids Passive voltage indicator The VisiVolt exploits the fact that live conductors generate an electric field close to their surface. At its centre it has an LCD (liquid crystal display) that is activated by the conductor’s electric field. The electric field creates a capacitive current and polarises the LCD panel, which shows a large lightning arrow symbol when the conductor is live. Its presence means that workers can see at a glance whether equipment is live, even from outside a substation enclosure. Workers don’t need any extra tooling or electronics to check for voltage. One alternative method is to adopt capacitive discharge testing kits. But these require the installation of intelligent post insulators with neon lamps to indicate voltage, and also an external power supply. New version optimised for rail ABB first introduced two models of the VisiVolt in 2006, with the LCD optimised for voltages common in medium voltage power distribution systems operating from three to 36 kV. Since then it has proven successful in operation on medium voltage networks in Europe and beyond. Indoor and outdoor applications The VisiVolt is around the size of a smartphone and has a silicone elastomer housing that is bright orange for good visibility. It was developed to withstand wide fluctuations in temperature and humidity as well as rain and UV exposure. It can be permanently attached with tie wraps for indoor and outdoor substations. Because it uses a passive LCD to monitor for electric field and has no moving parts, it doesn’t need a power supply or batteries, making it a low maintenance and low cost way to enhance safety. Once installed, it can remain operational for many years without the need for maintenance. Potential for UK applications The VisiVolt is well suited to rail applications anywhere in the world such as on switchgear and transformers in trackside substations. Major rail electrification infrastructure projects in the UK mean that electrical safety is becoming more important and simple products like the VisiVolt can play an important role in preventing access to and raising visibility of live conductors. It can be attached direct to insulated or bare conductors and can be installed on systems where indicators are not typically installed, including open switchgear and overhead systems. Flexible mounting means that it can be installed simply on any cross section or diameter of conductor. Not only does it give visual indication of the presence of voltage, but the VisiVolt can also make localisation of faults easier. Overall, it contributes to a higher level of safety for operating and servicing trackside substations and overhead lines. By actively warning personnel, the VisiVolt has potential to protect lives and prevent accidents and their consequences. Jay Mehta, ABB’s Sector Manager for rail said: “With VisiVolt there is no need to access the electrical compound you can just walk up to the fence line and use a visual check to establish whether conductors are live. There is no need for extra electronics or tooling.” Events Developments in Power System Protection ABB was a headline sponsor of the DPSP (Developments in Power System Protection) conference on 7 to 10 March in Edinburgh. The conference brought together more than 250 experts in power system control and protection from more than 30 countries. Delegates from industry, academia and business attended to learn about the latest thinking in application, ownership, management, design and development of system protection and control systems. ABB experts made presentations during 15 conference sessions on a wide range of topics that focused on the latest technologies, business practices, applications and techniques in control and protection. ABB also contributed two poster presentations and ABB’s Dr Murari Saha chaired a session on Thursday 10 March on new algorithms and software solutions. David Hughes, Managing Director for ABB’s Power Grids division, said: “ABB signed up as a headline sponsor of DPSP because the conference gave us an unrivalled opportunity to share knowledge, network and learn about experience of control and protection in an informal setting as well as through the conference programme.” Desolenator takes ABB Sustainability Prize ABB’s David Hughes with Desolenator’s Jiajun Cen and Gal Moore, and celebrity host Ortis Deley from Channel 5’s The Gadget Show In November ABB senior management attended a glittering awards ceremony in London for the IET Innovation Awards, where ABB was once again sponsor of the Sustainability category. The winner, from a very strong field, was Desolator, which developed an innovative clean technology device that uses solar energy to purify water for people in developing countries. It is the most affordable and sustainable residential water purifica- tion and desalination system on the market (removing 99 percent of all contaminants). It produces 15 litres of drinking water per day, runs on solar energy alone, lasts 20 years and requires little to no maintenance. Power Grids abb.co.uk/ffwd 39 Our substation portfolio at your fingertips? Definitely. ABB has created a new app for the Apple iPad to help its customers fully understand its substations portfolio. The app contains details on all of ABB’s substations products and how they fit within a substation layout. The ABB Substations APP includes details about GIS and AIS switchgear, transformers, protection and control equipment, as well as a myriad of other equipment. It lets users explore our substations solutions within an interactive 360˚ virtual landscape, with the ability to zoom in on particular products or installations to learn about technical details. Acting as a dedicated product catalogue, the app is now available via iTunes. www.abb.com ABB Ltd Tel. +44 (0)1785 825 050 Fax. +44 (0)1785 819 019 E-mail. [email protected]