Many ABB customers are now finding that their current medium voltage (MV) power distribution infrastructure no longer has the flexibility or capability to handle additional network loads. This is especially true for expansion projects in the industrial process and oil and gas sectors, but also applies to the renewable energy and railway industries.
The traditional approach is to either upgrade the existing substation or to build a new one alongside it. This can be an expensive and lengthy process with the added drawback of considerable site disruption and the possible need for lengthy power outages as circuits are transferred. That’s why a growing number of customers are taking advantage of ABB’s fast-track solution, based on modular systems in the form of containerized switchgear.
Plug and play
The key advantage of ABB modular systems is that they are fully pre-engineered units, delivered to site ready to ‘plug and play’. This approach ensures a more cost-effective overall project that is some 20 percent faster to complete than the conventional build on site route – typical timescales are 30 to 40 weeks from order to delivery. It also provides a smooth changeover with only a short outage required, since it is just a question of transferring over the cables.
Reduced risk
A main benefit of ABB’s approach to modular systems is our total focus on reducing customer risk. Rather than dealing with several equipment suppliers and contractors they have a single interface with ABB that provides full visibility of the entire project from procurement to delivery, effectively eliminating the possibility of unpleasant surprises.
A further advantage is that all of the critical equipment is installed and tested under factory controlled conditions. This keeps the actual work on site to a minimum. With only a few contractors required, health and safety is enhanced and disruption to normal operations is minimized.
What’s in the box?
ABB modular systems have the flexibility to be tailored to meet customer needs. A typical installation might comprise:
– Primary 11 kV and 33 kV switchgear (ZX1.2 gas insulated or UniGear air insulated)
– Secondary 33 kV switchgear (SafeRing gas insulated)
– Protection relays
– Transformer
Choice of compact containers
Modular systems are offered in a choice of robust outdoor containers in steel, GRP or concrete to meet individual site requirements. They are designed to last as long as the application – at least 40 years.
The actual size of the container varies from five to 20 metres in length, with a typical container being 10 metres long, 5 metres wide and 4 metres high. This compact design enables the container to be easily transported on a standard low-loader. It also provides a small installation footprint, and this is sometimes a key consideration at sites where space is limited, which is often the case in the process industries.
Minimal civil works
At site the container is simply craned into position. Civil works are minimal since all that is required is basic foundations, either a concrete base or stilts for the container to rest on – this results in a significant reduction in project costs.
Growing UK interest
In the UK, modular systems are clearly an idea whose time has come. In the past two years ABB has completed over 20 installations for applications including chemical plant, gas storage projects, windfarms and railway power upgrades. The consistent feedback we have from customers shows that they come to ABB for our innovative switchgear products, the capability to save space on their site and our depth of experience in delivering time and cost critical projects.
For more information please email [email protected] or call 01925 741111
www.abb.com/mediumvoltage