ABB wins order to expand LA grid capacity

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth $87 million to expand and strengthen the power transmission network in the area of Los Angeles, California, so that it can deliver more electricity from renewable sources.

Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) with the operating agent, Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has selected ABB to increase the capacity of the 22-year-old intermountain Power Project Southern Transmission System (IPP STS) by 25 percent to 2,400 megawatts by 2010. The upgrade is part of LADWPÂ’s goal to bring 20 percent of power to customers from renewable energy sources by the end of the decade.

“ABB is proud to be a part of this project which is very much in line with our focus on increasing energy efficiency and leveraging the power of renewables,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB's Power Systems division.

ABBÂ’s upgrade of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) system will include a state-of-the-art 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.

ABB pioneered HVDC transmission technology more than 50 years ago and has extensive experience in both new installations and refurbishments in the sector. ABB remains the world leader in this high-efficiency technology, with over 60 HVDC projects around the world, providing a total transmission capacity of more than 48,000 MW.

The project implementation for LADWP will cause minimal disruption to existing services, with 75 percent of the systemÂ’s capacity being maintained during the refurbishment. LADWP, the largest municipal utility in the U.S., delivers reliable water and electric service to around 3.8 million residents and businesses.