ABB energises transformer at record 1.2 mn volts

Power and automation technology firm ABB has energised a 1,200-kilovolt (kV) ultrahigh voltage power transformer installed at Bina, Madhya Pradesh, as part of efforts to strengthen the grid and enhance load capacity.

"ABB has developed, manufactured and energised a 1,200-kilovolt (kV) ultrahigh voltage power transformer to support India's plans to build a 1,200 kV transmission system, supplementing the existing 400 kV and 800 kV transmission grid as demand for electricity increases," the company said in a statement.

The 1,200 kV transmission system will help strengthen the grid and enhance load capacity up to 6,000 megawatts (MW), it added.

Transmission at higher voltages enables larger amounts of electricity to be transported across longer distances, while minimising losses and at the same time, less space is needed for fewer transmission lines which reduces the environmental impact and overall cost.
 

This 1.2 million volt transformer represents the highest alternating current voltage level in the world and is installed at the national test station at Bina, Madhya Pradesh in Central India, as part of a collaborative initiative by the country's central transmission utility, Power Grid Corporation of India. The transformer was manufactured and tested at ABB's facility in Vadodara.

The transformer was manufactured and tested at ABB's facility in Vadodara.

"This is a milestone achievement underscoring ABB's rich history and technology leadership in India, and our 'In country for country' approach", said Pitamber Shivnani, Local Division Manager, ABB Power Grids division in India.

"The achievement is a testimony to our customer commitment and comes at a time when India has resumed focus on high and ultra-high voltage transmission in line with development of large scale renewable energy projects," he added.

In addition to the transformer, ABB has also developed a 1,200 kV circuit breaker that was previously commissioned at the test station. This was the first hybrid Gas Insulated Switchgear in the world to be energised at this voltage level.