ABB is introducing the new PQ family of multi-functional products to improve grid stability, power quality and energy efficiency.
Electrical networks need to adapt as distributed energy resources (DER) like wind and solar contribute an ever-greater portion of the energy mix, and as large data centres, electric vehicle charging points and electrified railways come online.
In this environment, both producers and consumers of electricity are faced with the challenge of maintaining grid stability and power quality.
Many operators have already adopted passive technologies, such as capacitor banks and tuned harmonic filters. These provide a fixed amount of compensation or filter out the electrical pollution created by harmonics.
Active power electronic technology
However, as the grid evolves, more agile technologies will be needed – and that’s where active power quality comes in.
Active technologies are based on power electronics and enable variable, fast, smooth and accurate compensation for power quality problems such as power factor correction, active harmonic filtering and correcting for unbalanced loading.
Products based on active technology offer customers the benefit of being more compact in size than passive solutions – and that makes them ideal for applications where space is scarce or costly.
New PQ portfolio
Active technology is at the heart of the PQ portfolio, which includes five solutions that can be operated and controlled via an ABB Ability cloud-connected platform for real-time monitoring and analysis.
- PQflexC variable reactive power controller
- PQdynaC an ultra-fast reactive power and unbalance controller
- PQactiF an active harmonic filter
- PQStorI battery storage inverter with power quality functions
- PQoptiM for controlling and monitoring power quality parameters.
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PQpluS takes Battery Energy Storage behind the meter
ABB’s PQpluS battery energy storage system (BESS) has been developed for behind the meter applications to enable for commercial and industrial (C&I) users to reduce their energy costs and makes their network more resilient while improving the overall efficiency, reliability and availability of the power system. It actively manages the timing and profile of energy usage through the following functions:
- Peak shaving
- Power quality
- Back-up power
The PQpluS is available in a wide range of power (20 kW up to 2.5 MW) and energy (92 kWh up to 3300 kWh) ratings, making it the ideal choice for system integrators, aggregators and end users building their own system where energy storage is needed for utility scale applications. It can also be used where multiple energy sources such as wind, solar, and diesel generators operate in parallel and where the integrator’s system controller coordinates the overall operation. In addition to the energy usage functions, the PQpluS can be controlled by a 3rd party controller to perform:
- Load levelling
- Frequency regulation
- Integration of renewable energy
- Capacity firming
- Spinning reserve
Key PQPluS features include
Compact footprint – For applications in commercial buildings and industrial sites where real estate comes at a premium, the compact design of the PQpluS requires minimum space for installation.
Modularity – A wide range of standard modules reduces the time for engineering and offers a choice of different power/energy ratings to suit any specific application.
Built-in controller
While the PQpluS can be used with any third party controller for a wide range of applications, the built-in controller for applications such as peak shaving, load shifting, back-up power and power quality makes it an ideal choice for standard applications for C&I customers.
Indoor and outdoor versions
PQpluS comes in both indoor as well as outdoor variants. The outdoor version is available in a metal enclosure, making it easy to install and connect to the existing power and control system.
Improved Power Quality
Most loads in current power systems are non-linear in nature. They can cause network problems such as high harmonic pollution, low power factor and unbalance of loads. All these lead to additional system losses and lower the operational efficiency. The built-in power quality features of the PQpluS can filter the harmonics, perform load balancing and provide reactive power compensation.
User interface
The touch screen user interface provides users with full access to the PQpluS parameters. It can be used to review data and set parameters and can communicate with customer controller systems through Modbus RTU as well as Modbus TCP/ IP protocols.
