STOKE & STAFFORDSHIRE FOCUS FEATURE SPONSOR
GRID SYSTEMS CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE
Stone in Staffordshire is home to ABB’s centre of excellence for the implementation of the very latest in grid technologies. This includes both HVDC and FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) that covers a number of technologies that enhance the security, capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems.
EAST-WEST INTERCONNECTOR One of the most important recent projects to be co-ordinated from Stone is Eirgrid’s East-West Interconnector, which was commissioned in September 2012 and which now provides a 500 MW link between the Irish and UK power grids using HVDC technology. The interconnector strengthens the reliability and security of electricity supplies in each country and is enabling Ireland to expand its wind power capacity.
The transmission link runs underwater for 196 km and underground for 70 km with minimal environmental impact. The only visible parts are the converter stations at each end (pictured) that switch AC (alternating current) to DC (direct current) and back. The XLPE cable provides both the strength and flexibility needed to endure the sever conditions of the Irish Sea.
Rated at 2000 kV, this is the highest voltage HVDC Light link using this type of cable. The higher voltage enables a transmission capacity of 500 MW, the highest ever for an HVDC Light underground cable. ABB was responsible for system engineering, including design at the centre of excellence in Stone, supply and installation of the sea and land cables, and both converter stations.
PROVIDING THE GRID CONNECTION FOR PEN Y CYMOEDD
In summer 2013, ABB’s engineers in Stone won the contract to build the grid connection for the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Energy Project, which will be the largest onshore wind farm in England and Wales when it enters operation in 2016.
The 76-turbine, 228 MW wind farm, in South Wales is a significant investment for Vattenfall and for the Welsh economy. The company’s commitment to sourcing a significant amount of project resource locally within Wales was a major factor in ensuring the contract. Other factors were their ability to deliver the project within Vattenfall’s timescale, as well as the strength of their comprehensive solutions that not only includes the substation equipment but also the reactive power and associated control systems.
FIRST UK PROJECT
A very significant development is that this is the first UK project in which ABB’s state- of-the-art substation protection and control systems, working in combination with our STATCOM solution, will be used to control and regulate the output of the wind turbines to ensure they remain within the rigorous power quality standards designated by the National Grid’s Grid Code.
ABB
60
www.windenergynetwork.co.uk
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