The AMS 1400 generator.

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has introduced a new 1400 frame size synchronous generator to expand its proven AMS platform. Covering the power range from 60 to 85 MVA at voltages from 3 to 15 kV, the new 4-pole generators enable higher unit powers and more economical genset designs.

Advances in manufacturing technology – resulting from ABB’s R&D work – have made it possible to increase the power levels of the proven AMS 4-pole generator platform.

The 4-pole generators offer many important benefits over their large 2-pole alternatives, including compact size, lower weight, better efficiency, higher inertia, shorter delivery time, lower running costs, and simplified maintenance. They are also more reliable in demanding start-stop mode as they operate below the critical vibration speed area, unlike 2-pole generators which must always run through it on every start.

Higher unit powers mean that end users need fewer turbine gensets to meet ever increasing power plant capacity requirements. This provides savings in engineering time, space, and capital investment costs. With 4-pole generators OEMs can optimize their own turbine design and speed range for the best efficiency, lowest costs and quiet operation, while also improving overall system profitability.

The new 1400 frame size generators now enable OEMs to use economical 4-pole technology also in their higher power gensets, as well as to increase the power in hot environments where de-rating is needed. Previously, the need for de-rating could mean that the required output exceeded the 4-pole range and 2-pole solutions had to be used.

ABB has a track record of over 50,000 MVA in numerous turbine applications. It offers tailor-made solutions with high-performance and cost-efficient generators from 5 to 85 MVA, and can deliver the complete intelligent generator control panel (GCP) including protection and state-of-the-art ABB Unitrol 1020 AVR.

ABB
www.abb.com

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The Alstom acquisition marks GE’s largest ever industrial deal.

GE has officially completed the acquisition of Alstom’s power and grid businesses, following regulatory approval of the deal in over 20 countries and regions. It is GE’s largest-ever industrial acquisition, and spans the EU, the U.S., China, India, Japan, and Brazil.

GE reached an agreement with Alstom in 2014 to purchase Alstom’s power and grid businesses for €12.35 billion.

Adjusting for the joint ventures announced in June 2014 (renewables, grid, and nuclear), changes in the deal structure, price adjustments for remedies, net cash at close, and including the effects of currency, the current purchase price is €9.7B (approximately $10.6B). This figure includes working capital of approximately €0.6B in October of this year.

GE expects the deal to generate $0.05 to $0.08 of earnings per share in 2016, and $0.15 to $0.20 of earnings per share by 2018. GE is targeting $3.0 billion in cost synergies in year five and strong deal returns.  The overall economics and strategic rationale remain the same as GE announced in April 2014.

“The completion of the Alstom power and grid acquisition is another significant step in GE’s transformation,” said Jeff Immelt, chairman and CEO, GE. “The complementary technology, global capability, installed base, and talent of Alstom will further our core industrial growth. We are open for business and ready to deliver one of the most comprehensive technology offerings in the energy sector for our customers.”

The GE and Alstom combination will benefit U.S. customers in New Jersey for the combined-cycle power plant, PSEG Sewaren (GE 7HA gas turbine + Alstom heat recovery steam generator). Among other global projects, GE and Alstom are also  preferred bidders for a combined-cycle plant project in Asia.

GE continues to execute its strategy to become a simpler, more focused company. In addition to the Alstom acquisition, GE is moving forward with several plans: the split-off of Synchrony Financial has commenced; the GE Capital exit strategy is ahead of plan with $126 billion of signed dispositions; the recent formation of GE Digital is consolidating all digital capabilities across the company to provide customers with the best industrial solutions and software; and GE is winning in the marketplace and delivering strong financial results.

GE
www.ge.com/investor

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The certificate was presented by Mike Wöbbeking (left) Head of Certification Body, DNV GL, to Stephan Ebner, Head of Product Management & Quality at ABB Switzerland. Matthias-Klaus Schwarz, Head of Section Electrical Systems, DNV GL stands to the right.

DNV GL, the world’s largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, has awarded ABB Switzerland with component certification for its latest generation main-frequency converter. The PCS6000 medium-voltage wind converter has been developed specifically for use in offshore wind turbines and is available for capacities up to 12-MW.

The certificate was presented by Mike Wöbbeking, Head of Certification Body, DNV GL, to Stephan Ebner, Head of Product Management & Quality at ABB Switzerland.

The component certificate ensures the safety and quality of ABB’s converter by acknowledging that it’s in full compliance with offshore wind-turbine guidelines. The PCS6000 certification offers ABB customers product quality assurance and confidence that ABB is a credible supplier.

This certification process of new wind turbines for manufacturers will also now be faster and more efficient because they are only required to provide documentation related to the integration of the converter in the wind turbine.

Stephan Ebner, Head of Product Management & Quality at ABB Switzerland, commented: “We are very pleased that we have chosen DNV GL as our certification body for this project. In today’s market, approved and certified products are key to economic success and with its strong technical expertise DNV GL has proven to be a trusted and reliable partner. The certification underlines the quality of PCS6000, its production process and documentation, providing our customers with confidence that our component is meeting worldwide technical requirements and standards. Thanks to this certification, the development of new wind turbines will be faster and easier for our customers.”

Mike Wöbbeking, Head of Certification Body at DNV GL, added: “It’s been a privilege to work with ABB on this assignment to provide the component certification for its main frequency converter. Winning this certification contract proves that DNV GL is a leading certification partner for global wind turbine component suppliers. We look forward to working with the ABB team on further certifications in the future.”

Further information about the DNV GL Wind Component Certification can be found here.

More information about ABB’s PCS6000 medium voltage wind turbine converter can be found here. 

DNV GL
www.dnvgl.com

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