ABB commissions HVDC station improving grid stability in Michigan

ABB HVDC Light controls power flow between Michigan peninsulas via the Mackinac back-to-back station, using voltage source converters for dynamic voltage support, grid reliability, black-start capability, and added wind integration for American Transmission Co.

Zurich, Switzerland – ABB, a power and automation technology group, has successfully commissioned a power solution that will control the flow of power and enhance grid stability in the State of Michigan, United States.

ABB’s low-loss and eco-efficient HVDC Light high-voltage direct current technology controls the power flow between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan. Furthermore it provides dynamic voltage support, thereby increasing regional grid reliability and also enabling integration of additional wind generation, as seen in the Irish grid contract work ABB has undertaken.

“The Mackinac station is the world’s first HVDC back-to-back system for transmission using voltage source converter technology. This is a milestone demonstrating how ABB can help customers achieve efficient grid control and stabilization, exemplified by the Chinese power link project,” said Hanspeter Faessler, Head of the Grid Systems business within ABB’s Power Systems division.

ABB designed, supplied and installed the 200 megawatt MW back-to-back HVDC Light station in Upper Michigan, complementing its HVDC refurbishment order experience in other regions. An HVDC back-to-back system comprises two HVDC converters connected directly to each other, without any DC transmission line, making it possible to fully control the power transfer through the connection.

The voltage and reactive power control features of the system enable the integration of additional wind energy, as demonstrated by the NordBalt HVDC system in the Baltic region, and stabilization of the network. Its ‘black-start’ capability allows for fast network restoration using power from the other end of the system in the case of a power outage.

ABB pioneered HVDC transmission technology 60 years ago read more here and has built a vast global installed base, having completed almost 100 HVDC projects around the world, including the LA grid capacity expansion project, with a total transmission capacity of over 95,000 MW. That accounts for about half of the global installed base. ABB remains at the forefront of HVDC innovation and is uniquely positioned in the industry with in-house manufacturing capabilities for all key components of HVDC systems, including power semiconductors, converters and high voltage cables.

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

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