ABB showcases advanced technologies for future offshore wind power integration

Innovative HVDC platform, latest converter technology, multi-function hybrid switchgear and advanced cable systems among displays at Global Offshore Wind conference and exhibition UK

Zurich, Switzerland, June 12, 2012 –ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, is showcasing its capabilities and several innovative technologies for future grid integration of offshore wind power, at the Global Offshore Wind Conference and Exhibition in London, from June 13-14, 2012. ABB is also the core sponsor of the event.

Offshore wind integration projects are extremely complex as well as capital and risk intensive and grappling with forces of nature only adds to the challenge. This calls for a high degree of domain expertise, experience and project management skills combined with advanced technologies, efficient resource allocation and seamless supply chain co-ordination.

One of the main highlights on display at the exhibition is a self installing gravity-base structure (GBS) offshore platform, designed to address the challenge of constructing and transporting large offshore platforms to host converter stations in demanding and remote locations, sometimes hundreds of miles out in the high seas. The innovative, robust and scalable solution enables efficient fabrication, ease of installation and risk mitigation. It minimizes the amount of on-site offshore work allowing flexibility of execution around the year and obviates the need for heavy lifting vessels or jack-up operations.

More power generated from bigger wind turbines, increasing distance from shore and between wind turbines, more turbines in a single wind farm and higher voltage levels highlight the need to reduce power losses in the offshore collection grid. ABB will also display its compact, reliable and fast installation PASS M00 multi-function, hybrid switchgear modules, adapted to meet the specific needs of wind farm applications.

In addition to DC (direct current) solutions AC (alternating current) transmission technologies for offshore wind farms will also be in focus, and ABB will display its key offerings in this area at the exhibition. ABB is also showcasing its latest developments in both AC and DC submarine and land cables, a high voltage direct current (HVDC) Light converter station model and a multimedia application of ABB’s overall offering for the sector.

“Our unique portfolio and focus on technology and innovation combined with our experience and learning puts us in a market leading position when executing highly complex offshore wind integration projects”, said Martin Gross, head of ABB’s Grid Systems business, a part of the company’s Power Systems division.

Trevor Gregory, ABB’s North Europe Region head and UK Country Manager will deliver the keynote address at the event. ABB will also present a related HVDC technical paper at the conference.

ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs more than 145,000 people.