ABB is to upgrade four substations with state-of-the-art automation and protection systems as part of National Grid's long-term asset refurbishment plan. This will add the latest technology to substation automation systems that are nearing the end of their 15-to-20-year service life.
The three-year contract, worth almost £12 million, will help further strengthen the UK's electricity network. The project will focus on upgrading the control and protection systems at four major substations linked to power plants in the north of England and south Wales. It includes the design of three complex software schemes, as well as upgrading the protection systems for remote and stand-alone feeder circuits, involving work at about 15 different sites.
The new ABB equipment will be designed and tested according to National Grid’s standardised NICAP(National scheme for Integrated Control and Protection) approach to protection and control systems built up from a number of pre-engineered, pre-tested and pre-approved elements. Since all the elements are pre-approved, there is no longer any need to attempt to complete the design approval process during the project implementation phase. This standardised approach also makes procurement simpler and faster, thereby reducing the time needed to complete the order.