ABB commissions China’s first locally designed and manufactured HVDC converter transformer

Beijing, April 14, 2009 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has commissioned its first locally designed and manufactured HVDC converter transformer in China. The transformer, recently rolled off the production line at ABB Chongqing Transformer Co. Ltd., further confirms the company’s consistent efforts to promote technology transfer as well as localized R&D. With its further expanded product lineup in China and consistently reliable equipment, ABB continues to contribute to the fast development of the local power infrastructure.

Bernd Muehe, head of the Power Products division of ABB’s North Asia Region and ABB China, said, “The successful commission of the first HVDC converter transformer is a key milestone for ABB’s transformer business in China, signifying the consistent improvement of our local technology strength and manufacturing ability. Our ability to deliver reliable technology and products will greatly contribute to the construction and development of China’s power industry.”

The 297MVA/500kV HVDC converter transformer is the first of its kind designed and manufactured by ABB in China. Before being ready for use, the transformer had to successfully pass through a wide range of stringent internal tests including lightning surges, switching surges, and AC and DC Voltage-withstand tests, demonstrating the product has met global standards for technology and performance.

The transformer is to be installed in the Deyang 500kV converter station in Sichuan province, as part of the DC interconnection project linking the power networks of the Northwest and Central China. In addition, 13 more units manufactured by ABB Chongqing Transformer Co. Ltd. will be delivered to the State Grid Corporation of China for the DC interconnection project and will be put into operation by the end of 2009. After the completion of the DC interconnection project linking the power networks of the Northwest and Central China, the interaction between the two grids is expected to be significantly improved, enabling cross backup and emergency support between the power grids. The project will help ensure a sufficient and reliable power supply to the areas in Eastern and Midwestern China.

ABB pioneered HVDC technology to transmit bulk of power over long distances with improved efficiency in order to increase economic return and environmental performance. As the heart of HVDC system, the HVDC converter transformer not only enables power transmission between two voltage levels, but also provides galvanic separation between AC and DC systems and permits optimum operation under varied load with its large tapping range.

ABB Chongqing Transformer Co. Ltd. is the group’s largest production base for transformers and insulation components. In 2008, the company opened a global transformer design center to provide tailored product design to its domestic and overseas customers through leveraging the group’s technology resources worldwide. To date, the company has worked on a large number of key national power projects, including providing a 840MVA/550kV three-phase power transformer to the Right Bank Project of the Three Gorges Dams, and a 500kV power transformer to the 500 kV transformer substation in the North of Beijing which provided power for the Beijing Olympics.

The HVDC converter transformer is further proof of ABB’s efforts to introduce its worldwide advanced technology to China and make the best of its local R&D strength to address the demands of customers in China. Furthermore, its products have been exported to Singapore and Australia and are recognized by overseas customers for their safety, reliability and energy efficiency.

ABB is the world’s largest equipment manufacturer for HVDC systems, maintaining a global leadership in both technology and production capacity. It provided a converter transformer for the world’s first commercial HVDC transmission system in 1954 and gradually expanded its business by improving the design and manufacturing ability for products covering all levels of voltage and transmission capacity. In 2004, ABB introduced a 1-phase, 3-winding, 621 MVA converter transformer in the U.S, the world’s largest product of this type ever put into operation.

ABB (www.abb.com) 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 about 120,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China, including R&D, manufacturing, sales and services, with 15,000 employees, 27 joint ventures and wholly owned companies, and an extensive sales and service network across 60 cities. To find out more about ABB in China, visit www.abb.com.cn.