ABB to supply flexible power link to connect distribution grids
ABB is to deploy a 20MW flexible power link to connect separate distribution grids to increase capacity.
27th July 2016 by Networks
The link is part of a trial being conducted by Western Power Distribution, called the Equilibrium project, to connect two separate 33kV distribution network groups in Devon, southwest England, to balance voltage and power flows.
The link is expected to increase local capacity by as much as 344MW without traditional reinforcement.
The project is being funded through the low carbon networks fund. If the project is successful the use of flexible links could potentially release 1.5 gigawatts of capacity in the UK by 2050.
ABB will also provide and install a back-to-back frequency converter solution which allows the power transfers across separate distribution grid groups.
Flexible power links release capacity more quickly and at significantly lower financial and environmental cost than the traditional method of building new connections from each distribution network group back to the nearest primary station.
Oleg Aleinikov, managing director of ABB’s grid integration business, part of the company’s power grids division, said: “This innovative flexible power link application helps pave the way for the deployment of more intelligent and dynamic networks in the future,”
“The entire power value chain is seeing radical changes on the supply and demand side, calling for a more flexible and smarter grid, and ABB is enabling this through innovative technologies, as part of our Next Level strategy.”
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