Upon fully operational, the 1200kV ultrahigh-voltage AC circuit-breaker is expected to have a switching capacity of 10,400MW, equivalent to handling electricity generated by 10 large power plants.
The ABB-designed circuit breaker has been deployed at the 1,200kV national test station, which is constructed by India’s central transmission utility Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) at Bina in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
ABB Power Products division head Bernhard Jucker said: "Ultra high-voltage technologies are especially suitable for large countries such as India where power often has to be transmitted over large distances from generation to load centers in the most efficient way."
The circuit breaker and the hybrid switchgear solution feature a gas-insulated disconnector, current transformers and monitoring and diagnostic equipment.
PGCIL chairman and managing director Nayak said: "PGCIL is fully engaged in developing a robust and integrated national grid along with reliable partners in technology like ABB.
"This development takes us a step further in the development of our ultra high-voltage transmission network."
Additionally, the circuit-breaker can protect critical components from environmental exposure as well as provide resilience to earthquakes.
Image: ABB developed 1200kV switchgear. Photo: courtesy of ABB.
