The turnkey solution provided by the temporary consortium led by Ansaldo Energia includes a synchronous compensator generator not connected to the plant’s turbines, which is designed to swiftly adjust power conditions in the transmission grid either by generating or absorbing reactive power. This regulates voltage and improves the reliability and quality of power supplies by enhancing the power factor.
A second compensator and its related control systems will be delivered by the end of the year.
The solution will ensure a stable power supply and enhanced power quality for the island’s 400 kilovolt (kV) power network. ABB’s voltage compensation technology therefore helps operators respond to grid requirements much more efficiently. It also adds value to the SA.PE.I. high-voltage direct current (HVDC) undersea transmission link between the grids of Sardinia and Italy, which was also built by ABB.
Full safety achieved
Despite the reduced surface of the construction site and the presence of more than 150 people, full safety was maintained while laying cables and handling over 1,200 tons of equipment.
The first synchronous compensation system was commissioned and then connected to the Sardinian grid on September 28, 2014.
"In addition to meeting the customer’s needs by enhancing the reliability, efficiency and operational safety of Sardinia’s electrical system, we also fulfilled a tight contractual schedule -thanks to our experience in managing complex projects and excellent collaboration with Ansaldo Energia," said G.B. Ferrari, head of ABB’s Power Systems division in Italy.
Each synchronous compensation system provided to Terna Rete Italia includes a 250 megavolt ampere (MVA) synchronous compensator, an excitation system and a static frequency converter system for startup, a 330 MVA step-up transformer for connection to the grid, a medium-voltage generator circuit breaker and auxiliary systems for cooling, protection, control and monitoring.
Ansaldo Energia is supplying the synchronous compensators, while ABB’s scope of supply includes transformers, generator circuit breakers, air-insulated bus ducts, low- and medium-voltage switchgear, cables and auxiliary equipment.
The Codrongianos power plant is unmanned; the protection and control systems and remote monitoring and diagnostics are also being supplied by ABB. The turnkey project includes design, supply and commissioning of the solution as well as maintenance services.
