ABB Replaces HVDC Link in the United States

ABB has successfully commissioned an HVDC link for American Electric Power (AEP) which replaces the 30-year-old Oklaunion HVDC back-to-back converter station in Texas, USA. The converter station is an integral part of the Oklaunion HVDC transmission link - an asynchronous interconnection between the Texas (ERCOT) and Oklahoma (SPP) power grids.

The project scope included engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of an HVDC back-to-back transmission system capable of delivering 220 MW of power in either direction. The new system has black-start capability, which enables fast grid restoration in the event of a power outage, allowing power to be used from the other end of the link.

Other key components supplied as part of the turnkey solution included converter valves, converter transformers, and ABB’s MACH advanced control and protection system, to help meet stringent system performance requirements.

“In addition to enhancing grid reliability and power stability, our HVDC solution enables efficient transmission of electricity across this important interconnection,” said Hanspeter Faessler, head of ABB’s Grid Systems business, a part of the Power Systems division. “ABB’s domain expertise and global experience enabled us to deliver this link in 22 months, and to minimize outage time for users, the converter station that was replaced remained in operation during the new construction.”