Forty two kilometers of rail tunnels
New twin-bore tunnels are being constructed to deliver the new rail tunnels through which Crossrail trains will operate. In total, five tunnels will be constructed and will have a total length of about 42 kilometers.
ABB will deliver 14 traction transformers through 2014
The requirements for the transformers are huge. Due to regular short circuit currents that are characteristic for railway applications, the transformers need to be very reliable and robust. 'Within the next months, we will deliver 12 customized 104 MVA, 400 kV and two 104 MVA, 275 kV transformers to London to support the energy supply of the planned high speed track,' explained Andreas Rössig, Area Sales Manager from the transformer factory in Bad Honnef, Germany.
For documenting the high and robust quality of the transformers, the first traction transformer was comprehensively tested. Testing included a short circuit test with more than 1,000 Amperes was conducted in Netherlands, Arnheim, at the KEMA institute. Further tests were also observed by the Dutch institute.
'In addition to the high quality, an extra benefit for National Railway is that the transformers are designed to be very flexible in their installation options while having low losses and low noise levels,' said Andreas Rössig.
The short circuit testing was conducted by KEMA directly on the transport ship.
