February 16, 2011 - ABB won an order worth $63 million from China Southern Power Grid to design, supply, install and commission 800 kilovolt (kV) ultrahigh-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transformers for a converter station that will form part of the Nuozhadu-Guangdong transmission system. "We are pleased to continue supporting China’s efforts in further developing its power transmission and distribution network,” said Bernhard Jucker, head of ABB’s Power Products division. “These transformers are designed for high reliability, efficiency and optimized life cycle costs.” 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.
The 800 kV UHVDC transformer is a key component of ultrahigh-voltage power links that deliver large amounts of electricity over very long distances. There are many challenges involved in building such transformers – for instance, increasing the technical specifications of the transformer’s insulation, and redesigning critical components like bushings. UHVDC technology enables more efficient use of renewable energy sources, reduces dependency on fossil fuels and helps cut carbon dioxide emissions. It is particularly suitable for large countries like China, where the centers of power consumption are often far from power sources.
UHVDC is a technological development of HVDC, pioneered by ABB more than 50 years ago, and is the biggest leap in transmission capacity and efficiency in more than two decades. ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 124,000 people.
