The world's largest power high-voltage DC transformer technology has achieved new breakthroughs

[China Instrument Network Instrument Development] ABB recently successfully tested the world's largest power 1100 kV UHV DC transformer, including high-end and low-end transformers, once again writing a new chapter in the history of global power. The transformer was jointly developed and produced by ABB and State Grid Corporation of China. It will be used in the Changji-Guoquan ±1100 UHVDC line. The line will deliver electricity from Xinjiang to Anhui, and a series of successful tests have laid a solid foundation for the completion of the line.

The electricity load in China is concentrated in the east, and a large amount of energy resources are distributed in the west and northwest. The ever-increasing demand for electricity has driven the construction of UHV lines, thereby increasing transmission capacity and reducing losses.

The Changji-Guquan UHVDC transmission line is the world’s first ±1100 kV UHV DC line, setting a new world record in terms of voltage class, transmission capacity and distance. The project's transmission power has reached 12 million kilowatts, which is equivalent to the power of 12 large-scale power plants. Compared with the ±800 kV UHVDC transmission projects currently in operation, the transmission capacity has increased by 50%, and the project has also caused the original 2000 kilometers. The transmission distance has been increased to more than 3,000 kilometers, and it plays a key role in achieving large-scale grid-connected renewable energy sources in remote areas.

After the project is put into operation, it will supply 8 500 kV and 2 1000 kV AC lines with electricity equivalent to twice the average annual electricity consumption in Switzerland. At the same time, this breakthrough technology is also the first time to connect a ±1100 kV UHV DC transmission line to a 750 kV AC line. In addition, ABB also developed and successfully tested a series of other key equipment for this project, including converter valves, bushings, and DC circuit breakers.

Fang Bing, ABB's power grid division president, said: "This technological breakthrough has strongly supported long-distance, low-loss, and large-capacity transmission. At the same time, it also interconnects DC and AC power grids, laying the foundation for future cross-regional and cross-national grid interconnection and interoperability. ABB and our partner, State Grid Corporation of China, once again demonstrated their leading position in the DC transmission technology field and jointly built a stronger, smarter and greener grid."

ABB took the lead in applying HVDC technology 60 years ago. As a global market leader, ABB has participated in more than 110 HVDC projects with a total installed capacity of more than 120 million kilowatts, which accounts for about half of the global installed capacity. UHVDC transmission technology has further enhanced HVDC transmission, representing the highest level of power and efficiency for more than two decades. In 2010, ABB provided power products for the National Grid Corporation's Xiangjiaba-Shanghai ±800 kV UHV DC transmission line, which is also the world’s first ±800 kV UHV DC transmission line for commercial operation.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a global technology leader in the field of electrical products, robotics and motion control, industrial automation and power grids. It is dedicated to helping customers in the power, industrial, transportation and infrastructure industries to improve their performance. Based on more than 125 years of history of innovation, ABB is continuously pushing forward with the energy revolution and the fourth industrial revolution and writing the digital future of the industry. ABB Group operates in more than 100 countries and employs 136,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities including R&D, manufacturing, sales and engineering services in China. 40 local companies, 17,000 employees are located in 139 cities, and online and offline channels cover more than 300 cities nationwide.

(Original title: ABB: New breakthrough in world's largest power high-voltage DC transformer technology)