ABB Power Grids in the UK is ready to solve the toughest power system challenges with its power consulting capabilities.
It considers power challenges from every angle and uses technologies such as virtual reality to enable customers to ‘walk through’ projects.
Many of the technologies on the UK grid were deployed more than a half-century ago, at a time when concepts like renewable energy or the widespread use of air conditioning were only vague dreams. The demands of today’s power systems require judicious use of new technologies integrated with old. Who could have imagined the physical and cyber security challenges organizations would face in our modern world? Or the opportunity to improve operational efficiency through increased grid intelligence? Or the types of business models that open up when technologies like distributed energy resources blur the line between producer and consumer?
This is where ABB is able to help, because we understand the challenges of today’s power networks from every point of view. Our consultant engineers and analysts represent the best talent from all across the industry – people with years of experience in putting power solutions into action. That means they can help you avoid project pitfalls from conception to implementation. They can also provide support in strategic areas like digitalisation, techno-economic analyses and e-mobility.
Our team also has extensive digital simulation expertise, develops specialized software, and uses a variety of commercially available power system software modelling packages. In addition, we utilize proprietary ABB-developed software for specialized analysis of power systems and associated economic and financial analyses.
An independent view
Power Consulting operates as an independent organization that is product- and system-agnostic with deeply embedded knowledge of technologies, standards, and local grid codes worldwide. We can help identify the challenges and recommend solutions for your specific needs.
How can ABB Power Consulting help you?
- Grid digitalisation – roadmaps, processes, strategies, investment analysis… preparing for the future today
- Renewables – Qualifying and quantifying your plans and options
- Disruptive technologies – Preparing your power system to adapt to evolving technologies
- Evolving business needs – Developing practical solutions to address your emerging economic challenges
- Cyber security – Evaluating potential vulnerability threats to your network… reducing risks
- Regulations and policies – Resolving your regulatory compliance responsibilities
- Some examples of how ABB Power Consulting has helped UK customers include:
Computed Radiography for National Grid
ABB delivered a Computed Radiography assessment for high-voltage (HV) switchgear at National Grid’s Greystones 275 kV substation. The assessment was able to determine that switchgear used previously as a grid feed-in point for a decommissioned power station was suitable for a second lease of life for the connection of shunt reactor units.
Maintaining the voltage for HS 1
A major project for the High Speed 1 (HS1) route delivered a reactive power compensation solution on the 68-mile line to prevent the line voltage dropping below 25 kV. A detailed technical evaluation established the issue as the level of inductive reactive power demand from the system’s isolation transformers. This was addressed by installing bespoke power compensation units at nine AC/DC compounds to cancel out the inductive power demand of the transformers on the line.
Grid Code compliant connection for the largest onshore wind farm in England and Wales
Consulting was a key element in ABB’s project for Vattenfall to build the grid connection for the Pen y Cymoedd Wind Energy Project, which was the largest onshore wind farm in England and Wales when it entered operation in 2016.
Load flow analysis and relay coordination were vital for the designing of the substation protection and control systems and STATCOM solution to control and regulate the output of the wind turbines.
