ABB, the prominent power and automation technology group, has been awarded an order worth around $60 million by American Electric Power to replace a 30 year old HVDC back-to-back converter station in Texas. The new station is expected to be operational by 2014.
The project scope includes engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of an HVDC back-to-back transmission system capable of delivering 220 MW in either direction. The new system will have black-start capability, which enables fast grid restoration in the event of a power outage, allowing power to be used from the other end of the link. This is an important feature as the converter station is an integral part of the Oklaunion HVDC transmission link - an asynchronous interconnection between the Texas (ERCOT) and Oklahoma (SPP) power grids.
“In addition to enhancing grid reliability and power stability, our HVDC solution will enable the efficient transmission of electricity across this important interconnection,” said Brice Koch, head of ABB's Power Systems division.
Other key components to be supplied as part of the turnkey solution include converter valves and ABB’s MACH2 control and protection system, which will help meet stringent system performance requirements.
The existing converter station will remain in operation during the construction of the new station to minimise the impact of replacing the system.
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