ABB, the wind industry’s power technology and grid interconnection solutions provider, announced several developments at AWEA WINDPOWER 2013 conference and exhibition. Technologies unveiled there include: High voltage dc breakers for wind ABB recently developed a powerful high-voltage direct current (HVDC) breaker that will significantly impact the use of wind-generated electricity. The HVDC breaker removes a
Tres Amigas ‘transmission superstation’ a step closer to commissioning
April 29, 2013 : 1 Comment
This article comes from SNL and is authored by Marcy Crane FERC on April 9 signed off on an agreement among Tres Amigas LLC, the Southwestern Public Service Co. and the Southwest Power Pool Inc. that will let the Tres Amigas “superstation” interconnect with Southwestern’s transmission system. The commission’s acceptance of the interconnection agreement (ER13-912) is the latest milestone reached by Tres Amigas
MIT Technology Review recognizes ABB innovation among top 10 technologies
April 26, 2013 : 0 Comments
Development of hybrid high-voltage dc (HVDC) breaker will help shape the power grid of the future ABB has been recognized by MIT Technology Review for its hybrid high-voltage direct current (HVDC) breaker, placing it among the ten most important technology milestones of the past year. This is an annual list highlighting the top ten breakthrough
NREL’s Gearbox Collaborative provides more insight why gearboxes fail – and a solution
April 18, 2013 : 0 Comments
It’s not often that a technical conference leaves attendees with an ah-ha moment, but it happened at the recent Gearbox Reliability Collaborative sponsored by NREL at its offices in Golden, Colo. All presentations were good, but three in particular answered interesting questions raised by those preceding. An early presentation by Aaron Greco from the Tribology
First phase of offshore wind transmission moves ahead
January 21, 2013 : 0 Comments
Atlantic Wind Connection (AWC) says New Jersey has been selected as the first phase for its multi-year offshore wind transmission project. This phase of the project is called the New Jersey (NJ) Energy Link. The selection was based on the state’s commitment to developing an offshore wind industry and the large potential for clean renewable
Building the smarter micro grid
January 15, 2013 : 0 Comments
This executive summary is from the report Power the Fight: Capturing smart microgrid potential for DoD installation energy security. It may be useful to others planning smart micro grids. Nearly 99% of the more than 500 DoD installations nationwide are dependent on the commercial grid for power. While the U.S. commercial grid is reliable
Spacer cable a way to upgrade existing distribution infrastructure
December 28, 2012 : 0 Comments
A manufacturer of overhead and underground power-distribution products says its Spacer Cable is an excellent way to upgrade the distribution infrastructure. Common challenges posed by existing infrastructure includes upgrading circuits in alleyways, road-widening projects, back lot bare-wire services, and reconductoring existing circuits. Manufacturer Hendirx says its Spacer Cable can offer lower project and operations costs,
High-V dc circuit breaker solves 100-year old electrical problem
December 17, 2012 : 0 Comments
The development of a dc breaker for high voltage transmission will help shape the grid of the future. ABB, a power and automation technology developer, announced a breakthrough in the ability to interrupt direct current, solving a 100-year-old electrical engineering puzzle and paving the way for a more efficient and reliable electricity supply system. After
Grid company invests $40 million in transmission company
November 28, 2012 : 0 Comments
Clean Line Energy says that National Grid USA will make a $40 million investment in Clean Line Energy. National Grid is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world and connects approximately seven million natural gas and electric customers in the Northeast to vital energy sources. Clean Line says it continues to make steady progress
Hybrid circuit breaker switches in 5 msec
November 9, 2012 : 0 Comments
A circuit breaker for high voltage direct current combines fast mechanics with power electronics, and will be capable of interrupting power flows equivalent to the output of a large power station within five milliseconds — 1/30th of a human-eye blink. The breakthrough removes a 100-year-old barrier to the development of direct current transmission grids, which
