Transformers
review
A world in transformation 6 Power below the waves 33 Transforming industry 45 Sustainable and available 64
ABB
The corporate technical journal
Special Report Transformers
Transformers are essential pieces of electrical equipment that help to transmit and distribute electricity efficiently and reliably. They also help maintain power quality and control, and facilitate electrical networks. ABB is a global leader in transformer technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their energy efficiency while lowering environmental impact. Our key technologies include small, medium and large power transformers, as well as traction and other special-purpose units and components. In this special report of ABB Review, we present some of the latest developments and innovations from our wide range of transformers and components, which can be found across the entire power value chain and are critical components of the grid.
2
ABB review special report
Contents
Transformers in transformation Transformer applications
6
A world in transformation ABB is the world’s largest transformer manufacturer and service provider A legacy of transformation ABB is a leader in voltage and power breakthroughs
11
17
UHVDC Meeting the needs of the most demanding power transmission applications Responding to a changing world ABB launches new dry-type transformer products The quiet life ABB’s ultralow-noise power transformers Power below the waves Transformers at depths of 3 km Shrinking the core Power electronic transformers break new ground in transformation and transportation Balance of power Variable shunt reactors for network stability control Workhorses of industry Industrial transformers in a DC environment
22
29
33
37
41
45
Trends in transformation
53
Smart transformer Transformers will have to do a lot more than just convert voltages Composing with components Innovative and high quality transformer
A world in transformation 6 Power below the waves 33 Transforming industry 45 Sustainable and available 64
ABB
The corporate technical journal
Special Report Transformers
Transformers are essential pieces of electrical equipment that help to transmit and distribute electricity efficiently and reliably. They also help maintain power quality and control, and facilitate electrical networks. ABB is a global leader in transformer technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their energy efficiency while lowering environmental impact. Our key technologies include small, medium and large power transformers, as well as traction and other special-purpose units and components. In this special report of ABB Review, we present some of the latest developments and innovations from our wide range of transformers and components, which can be found across the entire power value chain and are critical components of the grid.
2
ABB review special report
Contents
Transformers in transformation Transformer applications
6
A world in transformation ABB is the world’s largest transformer manufacturer and service provider A legacy of transformation ABB is a leader in voltage and power breakthroughs
11
17
UHVDC Meeting the needs of the most demanding power transmission applications Responding to a changing world ABB launches new dry-type transformer products The quiet life ABB’s ultralow-noise power transformers Power below the waves Transformers at depths of 3 km Shrinking the core Power electronic transformers break new ground in transformation and transportation Balance of power Variable shunt reactors for network stability control Workhorses of industry Industrial transformers in a DC environment
22
29
33
37
41
45
Trends in transformation
53
Smart transformer Transformers will have to do a lot more than just convert voltages Composing with components Innovative and high quality transformer
References: [1] United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division: Population Estimates and Projections Section. World Urbanization Prospects, the 2011 Revision: Data on Urban and Rural Populations. Retrieved 31st July 2012 from http://esa.un.org/unpd/ wup/CD-ROM/Urban-Rural-Population.htm [2] International Energy Agency. World Energy Outlook 2010 Edition. Retrieved 31st July 2012 from http://www.worldenergyoutlook.org/ publications/weo-2010/ [3] United Nations Environment Programme. Global Renewable Energy Investment Powers to Record $257 Billion. Retrieved 31st July 2012 from http://www.unep.org/newscentre/Default. aspx?DocumentID=2688&ArticleID=9163 Changing trends 75 Transformer service. Lifecycle support backed by over 100 years of experience. With over 100 years of experience and a large global installed base, we understand the value of life cycle support and total cost of ownership. We put our domain expertise and leading-edge technologies at the disposal of our customers, to help them maximize the return on their transformer assets by ensuring optimized performance, high reliability, lower life cycle costs and reduced environmental impact. ABB has over 50 transformer facilities and more than 25 service centers worldwide, offering a range of engineering solutions, condition monitoring, and preventive and predictive maintenance, off-site and on-site repair, as well as refurbishment and spare part services. www.abb.com/transformers