Transmission & Distribution Technology
DC-link between Norway and the Netherlands is the fi nal milestone of the interim tight volume coupling (ITVC) project between the two regional markets. Together, CWE and ITVC couple price and
volume, integrating a day-ahead market of more than 1800 TWh of power production and cover approximately 60 per cent of electricity consumption in Europe. Now the transmission system operators and power
exchanges involved in the scheme are looking towards further pan-European price coupling. Meanwhile Swiss company ABB is helping to
strengthen the power transmission network in Ukraine, following an order worth US$20million (€14million) from NPC Ukrenergo, Ukraine’s national power grid operator. T e order covers supply of 44 sets of SF6 (sulphur-hexafl uoride gas) circuit breakers rated at 800kV. T ey will be installed in fi ve 750kV transmission substations around the country (Fig. 2). T ese modern circuit breakers will replace outdated air blast-type circuit breakers that have been in operation for nearly four decades. ABB will supply the equipment and provide technical training. T e circuit breakers will be replaced in four phases, starting this year and ending in 2014. ABB’s ultra-high voltage 800kV SF6 circuit breaker
has innovative features that include a single operating mechanism per pole, replacing the two found in conventional 800kV breakers. T is provides greater reliability, reduced initial costs and considerable reductions in maintenance costs. T e shift from air blast technology also eliminates the need for air compression facilities. T e company will also supply control cabinets with
bay control devices for the circuit breakers, along with an on-line condition monitoring system built on ABB’s substation automation technology. Ukraine is one of a few countries in the world with a 750 kV network. T is project is part of the country’s eff orts to modernise and upgrade its power transmission
network, which includes the refurbishment of 220 kV, 330kV and 750kV substations. In 2008, the country received a US$200million (€143million) loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development to help fund the project.
Chinese transmission ABB is also busy in China, where China Southern Power Grid has placed a US$63 million (€45 million) order with it for the installation and commission of an 800 kV ultrahigh-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transformer for a converter station that will form part of the Nuozhadu-Guangdong transmission system. China Southern Power
Grid is one of two leading state-owned utilities in China responsible for building and operating the power grid in the southern part of the country. T e 800kV UHVDC
transformer is a key component of ultrahigh-voltage power links that deliver large amounts of electricity over long distances. T ere are many challenges involved in building such transformers – for instance, increasing the technical specifi cations of the transformer’s insulation, and redesigning critical components such as bushings. UHVDC technology enables more effi cient use of
renewable energy sources, reduces dependency on fossil fuels and helps cut carbon dioxide emissions. ABB says it is particularly suitable for large countries like China,
Major UK electricity distribution business changes hands U
S company PPL is buying Central Networks’ electricity distribution business from EON for £3.5billion.
Based in central England, this is the second-largest such business in the UK. Central Networks’ regulated
distribution operations, which serve fi ve million customers in the midlands area of England, are conducted through Central Networks East and Central Networks West. PPL currently owns Western Power Distribution, which provides regulated distribution services to 2.6million customers in England and Wales through
16
www.engineerlive.com
WPD South West and WPD South Wales. The WPD and Central Networks service territories are contiguous and PPL says it is expecting signifi cant synergies from the combined operations. After completing the acquisition, PPL
will own and operate the largest network of electricity delivery companies in the UK in terms of regulated asset value, at a combined £4.9billion. “Opportunities as compelling as this do not come along very often. The UK provides a progressive regulatory environment; Central Networks is
adjacent to our existing, high-performing operations; and there are very real opportunities for retainable synergies that further enhance what already is a compelling transaction,” said James H Miller, PPL chairman, president and ceo. Central Networks is responsible for the
operation of about 83 000 miles of lines in an area comprising central England, including the cities of Birmingham and Nottingham. WPD operates about 52 000 miles of lines in South West England and South Wales, including the cities of Bristol and Cardiff . ●
Fig. 2. The 44 circuit breakers will be installed in fi ve transmission substations around the Ukraine,
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68