Transforming China's power
ABB has successfully tested a new type of high-voltage transformer for use in ‘power superhighways’ that transmit large amounts of electrical power over long distances.
The company developed the 800kV transformer for use in the world’s longest and highest-voltage power transmission link, located in China.
The 2,000km ultra-high-voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission corridor will run from the Xiangjiaba hydropower plant in western China to Shanghai.
It will boast a capacity of 6,400MW, capable of supplying about 31 million people.
The transformer is the first of several ordered by the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), and forms part of ABB’s apparatus to change the current from AC to DC and raise the voltage for transmission, before dropping it back at the other end.
ABB said that the technical challenges of raising the voltage to as much as 800kV included additional demands on a transformer’s insulation and on the design of critical parts such as bushings.
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Experts speculate over cause of Iberian power outages
I´m sure politicians will be thumping tables and demanding answers - while Professor Bell, as reported above, says ´wait for detailed professional...