ABB has launched its next generation excitation system – UNITROL® 8000 – to deliver reliable performance and contribute to stable power generation as global power networks adapt to meet growing energy demand and the increased integration of renewables. The modular system is designed for power and industrial applications with excitation currents up to 2,000 A, serving sectors including hydro and thermal power generation, as well as facilities where synchronous condensers are deployed.

UNITROL 8000 has already been in early adoption by regional company Limmatkraftwerke AG at two hydropower plants near Zurich, Switzerland. These facilities, which supply electricity to thousands of households, have upgraded from late 1980s systems to UNITROL 8000 to reduce unplanned outages and improve visibility of operations.

“By adopting UNITROL 8000, we have been able to modernize our plants without major reinvestment while improving operational reliability and simplifying day-to-day operations,” said Michael Kammerlander, Head of Power Plants at Limmatkraftwerke AG. “ABB’s excitation technology has ensured our hydropower facilities have evolved to meet growing demand and gives us confidence that our assets will continue to perform for decades to come.”

UNITROL 8000 brings together real-time excitation control, built-in data analytics, an embedded digital twin and cyber security by design. It supports both traditional and modern communications for smooth integration with existing control systems, while its modular design allows for configuration to site specific conditions and evolution over time without disruption.

The system provides reliable voltage control that enables plants to compensate for grid fluctuations, maintain steady voltage and remain online during disturbances caused by grid incidents or environmental events like lightning storms. This enables stable grid operation even as the volume of renewable energy being integrated increases.

 

Source: abb.com

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