ABB has won orders from three major US utilities for its AssetShield solution to deliver hardened and bullet resistant transformers, and facilitate the protection of critical power grid assets, minimising potential outages and enhancing the reliability of power networks.
ABB’s scope of supply for the orders received includes a 700 megavolt-ampere (MVA), 345 kilovolt (kV) power transformer, two 100 MVA, 141 kV power transformers and three 500 kV single phase units. The UL-752 standard compliant transformers feature Asset Shield tanks, dry bushings, impact sensors and automated cooling valves, the company said.
Armor steel shielding of transformers and power equipment is part of the “hardening” process to provide components with advanced ballistic-level protection against physical attack, ABB said, adding that “this is a new solution to safeguard and protect large power transformers and other substation equipment.”
“AssetShield-protected transformers are designed to help utilities meet new security and resiliency standards for critical substations in the US” ABB said, adding “this solution is an integral part of ABB’s transformer resilience initiative which includes five strategic elements - assessment, hardening, monitoring, rapid repair and rapid replacement - designed to help utilities protect assets and restore power quickly in the event of physical damage to a substation.”
“The US, like any other country, is more dependent than ever on reliable electric power for residential, commercial and industrial use as well as strategic security” ABB added. “A natural disaster, attack on the grid or the loss of large power transformers could result in widespread power outages, affecting consumers and having a significant economic impact” it said.