ABB has won orders from three major U.S. utilities for its AssetShield solution to deliver hardened and bullet-resistant transformers, and facilitate the protection of critical grid assets, minimizing potential outages and enhancing the reliability of power networks.
AssetShield-protected transformers are designed to help utilities meet new security and resiliency standards for critical substations. This solution is an integral part of ABB’s Transformer Resilience initiative, which includes five strategic elements — assessment, hardening, monitoring, rapid repair and rapid replacement — designed to help utilities protect assets and restore power quickly in the event of physical damage to a substation.
ABB’s scope of supply for the orders received includes a 700-MVA, 345-kV power transformer; two 100-MVA, 141-kV power transformers; and three 500-kV single-phase units. The UL-752 standard compliant transformers feature AssetShield tanks, dry bushings, impact sensors and automated cooling valves.
Armor steel shielding of transformers and power equipment is part of the hardening process to provide components with advanced ballistic-level protection against physical attack. This is a new solution to safeguard and protect large power transformers and other substation equipment. Based on a standard design, there is no visual difference between standard transformers and those with AssetShield protection, with the latter not requiring any additional maintenance or replacement.
