ABB’s digital compact secondary substation to improve Norway’s grid
ABB and Ringerikskraft have collaborated on digital compact secondary substation improving operations and flexibility in distribution grids.
Image source: ABB
Norway: ABB and Ringerikskraft have collaborated on digital compact secondary substation improving operations and flexibility in distribution grids.
Norway’s most advanced compact secondary substation will set a new standard for reliable distribution of power with reduced operating and maintenance costs. The Norwegian Smartgrid Centre estimates that power outages cost the Norwegian society around $110 M (NOK1 B) annually.
A smarter distribution grid with compact secondary substations (CSS) as a vital part, is the most important tool for reducing this waste. Smartgrids are also central to the energy revolution, with multi-way flow of both power and information.
ABB and utility Ringerikskraft Nett have collaborated on a unique pilot CSS operating in Hønefoss.
The pilot is equipped with remote control from the operations center to monitor the operational status of the CSS and allow quick reaction from maintenance service and therefore cutting the downtime.
In addition, the pilot in Hønefoss features ABB’s sustainable and climate friendly AirPlus technology. Thanks to its low global warming potential, the environmental impact is reduced. In addition, the CSS features solar cells on the roof that can produce up to 2 kW of renewable energy, for own consumption or for the grid.
The pilot project is supported by PILOT-E, a collaboration between the Research Council of Norway, Innovation Norway and Enova. PILOT-E was established to accelerate the “green shift” by ensuring a faster development from idea to market. Ringerikskraft uses the support to investigate and test new technology that operates the power grid more efficiently.