Transmission expansion

ABB has won an order worth $87m to expand the capability of the power transmission network in Los Angeles, California, so that it can deliver more electricity from renewable sources.

By 2010, the capacity of the 22-year-old Intermountain Power Project Southern Transmission System will be increased by 25 per cent to 2,400MW.

The upgrade is part of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) goal to bring 20 per cent of power to customers from renewable energy sources by the end of the decade.

Intermountain Power Agency and LADWP, the operating agent, selected ABB to upgrade the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system with a control and protection system, MACH2, as well as efficient cooling systems for the valves that convert the current from AC to DC and back, and additional AC filters to strengthen the quality of the power supply.

The project implementation for LADWP will cause minimal disruption to existing services, with 75 per cent of the system’s capacity being maintained during the refurbishment.

LADWP, the largest municipal utility in the US, delivers water and electricity to about 3.8 million residents and businesses.