May 5, 2010 - Offering rated power and capacity of storage scalable up to 50 MW for 60 min and more, SVC Light® with Energy Storage enables dynamic control of active, as well as reactive power in power system, independent of each other. Active power control is enabled by levelling out power fluctuations from intermittent generation sources such as wind and solar energy. This technology also facilitates load support and ancillary grid services such as area frequency regulation.

(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)

Contacts: View detailed contact information.

ABB Inc.
1250 West Brown Rd.
Auburn Hills, MI, 48326, USA

New technology combines SVC Light with dynamic and highly scalable energy storage

Zurich, Switzerland - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group has launched SVC Light® (Static Var Compensator) with Energy Storage as its latest development within the FACTS (Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems) family.

The new technology combines SVC Light®, with a highly scalable battery storage technology.The present rated power and capacity of storage is typically in the 20 MW range for periods of approximately 15 to 45 minutes, but this technology can be scaled up to 50 MW of power for 60 minutes and more.

ABB's SVC Light® with Energy Storage enables dynamic control of active as well as reactive power in a power system, independent of each other. Fast reactive power control means that grid voltage and stability can be controlled quickly. Active power control is enabled with dynamic energy storage by levelling out power fluctuations from intermittent generation sources such as wind and solar energy. This technology also facilitates load support and ancillary grid services such as area frequency regulation.

"This technology can play an important role when it comes to integrating renewables, especially in weak electrical networks" said Claes Rytoft, head of technology for ABB's Power Systems division. "It can be a key enabler in the development of more reliable and smarter grids."

SVC Light® is a system connected to the grid at transmission as well as sub-transmission and distribution levels, using state-of-the-art power semiconductors. The energy storage system is based on Li-ion batteries combined with SVC Light®.

ABB is a global leader in FACTS technologies that help enhance the security, capacity and flexibility of power transmission systems. They enable an increase in the existing transmission capacity of a power network while maintaining or improving the operating margins necessary for grid stability.

SVC Light® is a system that provides fast-acting reactive power compensation in high-voltage electricity networks. It compensates for fluctuations in the voltage and current of an electric grid, thereby allowing more power to flow through the network while maintaining safety margins and increasing stability.

ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact.The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.

For help with any technical terms in this release, please go to: www.abb.com/glossary

Contacts: View detailed contact information.