ABB SHORT-CIRCUIT TESTS THE HIGHEST VOLTAGE GENERATOR STEP-UP POWER TRANSFORMER

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ABB SHORT-CIRCUIT TESTS THE HIGHEST VOLTAGE GENERATOR STEP-UP POWER TRANSFORMER
18 June 2001 - ABB Automation Technologies

ABB has successfully short-circuit tested a single phase 500-kV generator transformer with 107,5 MVA. This was the highest voltage generator transformer ever to have undergone and passed such rigorous testing. The company considers this as part of its objective to make power technology products ever more efficient, safe and reliable to customer needs.

ABB conducted the test at CESI, an independent laboratory in Italy, according to IEC standards on behalf of the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority, which had ordered 16 ABB step up transformers for the Ghazi Barotha project, a 2,000 megawatt hydroelectric power plant northwest of Islamabad. The tested generator step-up transformer was manufactured according to the global ABB design concept called TrafoStarTM. The test data confirmed that TrafoStarTM is a strong and robust transformer that meets the highest design and safety standards, supplementing standard calculations used to determine the transformer's stress-related performance potential.

Since the 1960s ABB has met customer requests to put transformers through short circuit testing. Over time, the transformers that are tested have become larger and more sophisticated, supporting high-voltage power transmission over increasingly large power grids built to meet rising electricity demand. A large transformer damaged by a short circuit not only undermines the power network, its replacement can take several months. Robust and strong transformers therefore are central to the smooth operation of power generation, transmission and distribution systems.

In a laboratory environment, transformers are tested with much higher levels of power than when they are already connected to power networks. Laboratory test results therefore provide customers with performance data that supports their risk assessment, budgeting and planning efforts.

In general, short circuit testing produces additional product performance validation that can be referenced by utilities' customers. This testing process also supports ABB's continuous efforts to enhance the design and construction of its power technology equipment, which is part of its objective to anticipate and meet worldwide demand for new and improved electrical systems technologies.

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About: ABB Automation Technologies
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs around 105,000 people.
ABB has streamlined its divisional structure to focus on two core businesses: Power Technologies and Automation Technologies. The Oil, Gas and Petrochemicals division is slated for divestment.

ABB Power Technologies serves electric, gas and water utilities as well as industrial and commercial customers, with a broad range of products, systems and services for power transmission, distribution and automation.

ABB Automation Technologies blends a robust product and service portfolio with end-user expertise and global presence to deliver solutions for control, motion, protection, and plant integration across the full range of process and utility industries.

In addition to ABB's automation activities directed at the oil and gas industries, ABB Lummus Global continues to design and supply production facilities, refineries and petrochemical plants.

ABB's former Upstream business, divested in July 2004, is now part of Vetco International (www.vetco.com).

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