ABB technology to improve power quality in Sardinia

2013-7-1 Your transformer news

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, will supply a synchronous compensation solution, to be installed at the Codrongianos power station in northern Sardinia. The $20 million turnkey project includes design, supply, commissioning and maintenance services. The order placed by Terna, the leading Italian transmission system operator (TSO), will be executed in association with Ansaldo Energia.

Key product supplies include transformers, a range of low- and medium-voltage switchgear, disconnectors, start-up and excitation systems, cables and other auxillary equipment. ABB will also supply control and protection systems as well as monitoring and diagnostic solutions for the plant. The project is scheduled for commissioning in 2014.

“This synchronous compensator solution is designed to enhance reliability, efficiency and functional safety of the electrical system,” said Brice Koch, Head of ABB’s Power Systems division. “ABB technologies are being deployed across the world to improve power availability and quality by enabling more flexible, reliable, efficient and smarter grids.”

A synchronous compensator is designed to quickly adjust power conditions in the transmission grid by either generating or absorbing reactive power as needed, regulating voltage and improving the power factor.

The power plant will include two systems, each comprising a 250 megavolt ampere (MVA) synchronous compensator, excitation system, startup and cooling systems, a 330 MVA step-up transformer for connection to the 380 kilovolt (kV) grid, medium-voltage switchgear, and the auxiliary, protection, management, control and monitoring systems.

Terna was the first independent TSO in Europe and has the sixth largest network in the world with more than 63,500 kilometers of power lines.