2004-08-11 - Short circuit withstand capability is key requirement for three new transformers for railway substations
ABB has won a £600k contract to supply three specialist 26MVA, 132/25kV single phase railway transformers to Central Networks (the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity). The transformers, which will supply power to Network Rail, are to be installed at trackside substations in Kidsgrove and Tamworth.
The short circuit withstand capability of ABB rail transformers was the key to winning this contract. As David Sullivan, UK Product Marketing Manager for ABB Power Transformers, said Short circuits are a relatively rare occurrence for a normal grid transformer. But a rail transformer is effectively subjected to a short circuit current of between six to 10kA every time a train goes past. This calls for a highly developed and very robust design, and ABB’s track record as the UK market leader in rail transformers combined with a proven short circuit test record persuaded Central Networks and Network Rail that we could offer the optimum technical solution for this application.
Editors note
Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.8 million customers across the East and West Midlands through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations.
Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Borders to the Lincolnshire Coast.