Issue 4 / 2006 The ABB India Magazine The ABB India Magazine Editorial Team Harmeet S Bawa ......

Issue 4 / 2006The ABB India Magazine

CONTACTThe ABB India Magazine2

Editorial Team

Harmeet S Bawa – Head, Corporate Communications

Suma Boby – Executive Editor

Namita Asnani – Power

ABB Limited, GF-Corporate Communications, IndiaKhanija Bhavan, 2nd Floor, East Wing, 49, Race Course RoadBangalore - 560 001.

abb.co.in/contactemail: [email protected]

Design – Shilahar Associates

Dear friends,

In a world as dynamic, globalized and networked as ours, wherechange is the only constant, technology and innovation playsa key role in creating and sustaining competitive advantage.

The rapidly expanding power sector in India is also becomingincreasingly complex with many new dimensions, such asunbundling, privatization, multiplicity of fuel sources, gridinterdependence , changing consumer profile and increasinginterconnectivity. State-of-the-art technologies are playing anincreasingly important role in ensuring reliability, optimization ,and efficiency of power networks . Besides the leveraging ofIT in the integration process, there is also a growing focus ontechnologies that have lower environmental impact, smallerfootprints and are extremely flexible.

Today India is in a unique position to evaluate and choosefrom a myriad of cutting-edge technologies and solutionsavailable. From underground cables and HVDC light tosophisticated SCADA and WAMS network managementsystems, today's power networks have much to gain frominnovative products and solutions. The future belongs tointelligent power grids that are always on, interconnected,interactive, and merged with communications in a complexnetwork of real-time information and power exchange.

Similarly, the fast growing industrial sector in India is leveragingthe latest technologies to improve factors like productivity,efficiency, quality and aesthetics, which are vital as the Indianindustry stakes its claim in an increasingly global economy.

I hope you enjoy this issue of CONTACT, which focuses ontechnology & innovation bringing you highlights of some of thelatest technological developments and successes from theworld of ABB !

Yours sincerely,

Ravi Uppal

Vice Chairman and Managing Director, ABB India

Contents

Global Roundup 3

India Roundup 5

Customer InterviewMr.Chandan Roy, Director - Operations, NTPC 8

Feature Story -The grid of the future 10

New Technologies 14

Technology Digest 16

Living our commitment to Sustainability 20

Channel Line 21

Tech Bytes 22


CONTACTThe ABB India Magazine 3

Global Roundup

Enhancing grid capacity in Sri Lanka

When visitors arrive at Bangkok's newSuvarnabhumi Airport in Thailand theyenter one of the most creatively lit andenergy-efficient airport terminals in theworld. At 563,000 square meters(more than six million square feet) acrossnine floors, the airport is one of the world'slargest. The lighting system for the entireterminal - including the 460 check-incounters, 27 baggage carousels, 260passport control and transfer counters,and 120 gates - is controlled andmonitored by ABB i-bus® EIB/KNX,one of the most widely-used intelligentbuilding installation systems in theindustry. The customized solutionmanages 17,000 lighting circuits, enablingthe airport to create and control optimallighting scenarios of the vast complex.

Monitoring Bangkok airport

Flood prevention for SingaporeThe Singapore government is constructing a 350-meter tidalbarrier to create a giant freshwater reservoir in the heart ofdowntown Singapore. Powerful, energy-efficient ABB motorswill help keep the water level stable and protect the city fromflooding. When completed the giant Marina Barrage, will supplyone-sixth of the city-state's needs for drinking water whileprotecting low-lying districts from high tides and monsoonflooding. As a bonus it will provide Singaporeans with a recreationalmarina and water sports resource of international standard.

The 1600 kilowatt, 6.6 kilovolt medium voltage motors wereselected by Singapore's national water agency, PUB, for theirunparalleled energy efficiency and ability to operate at a lowstarting current. Three ABB alternators supplement the powersupply when more than two pumps are in operation and providestandby power during blackouts.

ABB recently completed a project comprising six new/extendedsubstations to CEB (Ceylon Electricity Board), the national utilityof Sri Lanka. The substations form a part of the national electricitygrid. CEB is planning to double its grid capacity from 7 GWh in2002 to 14 GWh in 2012.

The scope of work includes 4 new turnkey 132kV GIS substationsand the extension of two existing facilities. Many of the productscame from ABB factories in Sweden, Switzerland and Germanyand the substations were built in Colombo, to help meet the needsof this growing metropolis.

ABB's scope of supply includes:

� ABB i-bus® EIB/KNX

� 4 units of 60 MVA 112/24 kVpower transformers

� 148 units of 24 kV dry transformers

� 52 panels of 24 kV 2X2 gasinsulated switchgear

� 800 panels of MNS low voltageswitchgear systems

� Complete package of automationproducts including circuit breakers,drives and control products



Enhancing capacity at Dubai Aluminium

ABB recently won contracts for twoprojects to strengthen Mexico's powernetwork. The contracts awarded byComisión Federal de Electricidad(CFE), Mexico's state-owned utility,will extend the transmission anddistribution network in different partsof the country. CFE generates, transmitsand distributes electrical power toabout 23.7 million industries and householdsin Mexico.

Strengthening Mexico's power grid

ABB recently won a contract from DubaiAluminium Company (Dubal) to upgrade theirrectifier, transformer and automation systemsat the company’s 480-hectare smeltercomplex in Dubai. The project includesreplacing five high-voltage regulating rectifiertransformers (rectiformers) with larger unitsrated at 86 MVA, to increase capacity andto combine the two smelting potlines.

Azipod propulsion powerABB recently signed contracts to supplyAzipod propulsion, power generation anddistribution systems to four new vessels,ranging from luxury cruise liners to arctictankers. ABB's marine solutions helpvessels of all types operate safely indemanding conditions, while significantlyboosting maneuverability and fuel efficiency.

Two new cruise vessels, one for HollandAmerica Line and one for Costa Crociere,

One project will involve ABB assemblingand installing six 400 kilovolt (kV) air-insulated substations and other high-voltage equipment in the northern andsouth-eastern states of Aguascalientes,Chiapas, Coahuila, Veracruz and Zacatecas.For the other project, ABB will supply 115kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) to asubstation in the state of Oaxaca. Theproject also includes the construction andinstallation of power reactors at 1.8 megavolt

ABB is also supplying control andprotection systems as well as 250kiloampere (kA) field-oriented measuringequipment. The project scope includes theupgrade of existing systems includinghigh-voltage cables, low-voltage andcontrol cables, fire-detection andfire-fighting equipment.

will be equipped with two 17.6 MWAzipod units each, along with medium-voltage generators, main switchboards,frequency converters, bow thruster motorsand transformers. Two Arctic shuttletankers for Russian energy transporterSovcomflot will be equipped with two 8.5MW Azipod units. The ships will meetRussian Maritime Register ice class LU7requirements and will feature a Double

Acting Tanker (DAT) design which allowsoperation in either direction.

Helping upgrade the world's busiest underground rail systemABB recently won a contract fromBombardier Transportation to supplyAC traction motors for new trainsthat will run on the London Underground.The 190 new trains are part ofMetronet Rail's $30 billion program toupgrade nine of the 12 lines in London'sunderground rail network - one of the

busiest in the world which carries nearlyone billion passengers annually.

The motors are based on Bombardier'sdesign and will be integrated into thepropulsion and control system which isbeing manufactured by Bombardier inSweden. The trains will be built inEngland at the Bombardier site in Derby.

amperes (MVA) and a 30-kilometerextension to a 115 kV transmission line.



ABB will provide climate control andengineering solutions for SalcompTechnologies' upcoming new plant in TamilNadu. Salcomp Technologies is a largemanufacturer of power supply units, formobile phones and other hand held devices.The new plant will have a built-up area of11,000 square meters with a manufacturingcapacity of around 100 million chargers.

India Roundup

ABB has introduced a new Double BreakDisconnector for 145 kV applications,developed at its R & D Center in Vadodara.The Disconnector type DBD is designed asper IEC 62271-102 and IEC 60694standards. Comprehensive electrical andmechanical tests are carried out on thepoles and operating mechanism of eachdisconnector to ensure world class quality.

Each of the three phases of the disconnectorconsists of three insulators mounted on asteel base frame. The insulator in the centreis mounted on a rotary pedestal which isprotected against atmospheric influencesand rotates on maintenance free ballbearings. The central insulator also has analuminum pipe, which is the central current

path. The aluminum pipe has minimumterminal points due to which there is noappreciable change in the contact resistanceeven after several years of operation. ABB'sdisconnectors have been in service acrossthe world for several decades providingsterling service and ensuring the highestlevels of operational reliability.

ABB is currently executing a milestone order fromthe Central Organisation for Railway Electrification(CORE), Allahabad for Indian Railways. The order isfor 20 nos of 25kV Single Pole Interrupters (SPI)with Magnetic Actuator mechanism and ABB is theapproved RDSO source, qualified to supply

breakers and interrupters with Magnetic Actuator mechanism.

The Indian Railways can now reap the benefit of advanced technologyand experience enhanced reliability and reduced life-cycle costs.The product has been developed at ABB’s Nashik plant withtechnology assistance and support from ABB in Switzerland. Thisproduct is known for its high mechanical endurance guaranteed for20,000 mechanical operations as opposed to the usual 10,000operations by conventional spring actuator mechanism. Otherhighlights include a maintenance free 1,00,000 operating mechanismand high reliability from its EMC/EMI (Electro-magnetic capability /Electro-magnetic Interference) tested and operates on both AC/DCsupply. It has an integrated plug-in technology for all types of auxiliaryvoltages, is SCADA compatible and equipped with digital monitoring.

Enhancing reliability forthe railways

Building solution for Salcomp TechnologiesABB's scope of work encompassesdesign, installation, testing andcommissioning of air conditioning andmechanical works, smoke extractionsystems, building management system,process cooling system, exhaust systemand micro suction system in addition tosecondary support for all services.

Features

• No external springs in contactfingers for maximum reliability

• Self-cleaning contacts for minimalmaintenance

• Easy and quick erection

• Smooth operation due to lowfriction design

• Dead center interlocking forreliability under extremeconditions

• Superior design of mechanicalinterlock

• Maintenance-free thrust bearings

BALCO (Sterlite), part of the Vedanta Group has an integratedaluminium smelting unit at Korba 250 Km north of Raipur in the stateof Chattisgarh. The plant has an annual smelting capacity of 0.345million tonnes and a coal based captive power generation capacity of810 MW. The bauxite to aluminium smelting process is highly energyintensive and sensitive to power interruptions and load fluctuationsto the tune of 10 % of full load capacity due to anodic effect.

ABB India's 'Service and Asset Management' team has beenentrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the complete plantpower network. The network has battery limits from Generatorterminal to Rectiformer terminal covering three 220 KV switch yards(comprising 42, 220 KV bays and 42, 33KV bays) and 15 Km of220 KV double circuit line with pre-defined performance parameters.

ABB will also implement a'Comprehensive MaintenanceManagement System' (CMMS)and assist BALCO to improve theoverall reliability of the powersystem.

Asset Managementservices for BALCO

New double breaker disconnector introduced



Anders Jonsson, Group EC member andHead - Robotics Division recentlyinaugurated a Robotics Application Centrefor Body-In-White Systems (Body ShopSystems) during his visit to Bangalore. Thecentre is being set up to locally design,engineer and deliver BIW lines in India forAuto OEM customers. The unit will be closelysupported from the Lead Centre in France.

The Bangalore Centre is a satellite of themain Centre in France similar to other satelliteunits in China, Germany, Sweden, USA,

New robotics application centre

ABB has supplied state-of-the-art fibreoptic tele protection SDH STM-4 systemFOX 515X to Torrent Power for itsAhmedabad city distribution network. Thesystem comes with an IT and E1 interface forteleprotection & stand-alone teleprotectionequipment NSD 570. The scheme withtripping times between two stations as lowas 4.5 milli seconds are of the first of itskind to be implemented in India by a utility.

Improved grid stability with fibre optic tele-protectionsystems for Torrent, Ahmedabad

ABB recently completed the successfulcommissioning of a 400/220/132 KVSubstation in Kashipur for its Uttranchalcustomers. The substation comprises 24bays, with 630 MVA capacity, 2 nos of 315MVA transformer and 2 nos of 160 MVAtransformers. This substation connectsUttranchal's two biggest regions i.e.,Kumaon and Gharhwal and is connected tothe Moradabad region in Uttar Pradesh.Presently power is being fed to Kashipurand Ramnagar regions of Uttranchal with anapprox. load of 150 MW and this will soonbe connected to the regions of Srinigar,Haldwani, Pantnagar, Jaspur and Bajpur.

Bringing power to Uttranchalinauguration of the substation. Speaking onthe occasion, he said " We requested onlyone thing from ABB, and that is on timecompletion of this project, as this substationis critical to catering to the increasing powerdemand in Uttranchal. I am happy to see thatABB has met this commitment. Thissubstation will make a difference to the livesof many in the region with its capacity tocater the complete demand of Kumoanregion (around 600 MW) thus greatlybenefitting Uttranchal. I commend ABB forits contribution to nation building as wedevelop our power infrastructure”.

The substation will ensure quality powerdistribution with improved voltage levels.

ABB received special mention by Shri N.D.Tiwari, Chief Minister, Uttranchal during the

The fast inter-tripping time between twostations of the order of 4.5 milli secondscompared to the conventional 25 milliseconds results in a reduction of 1 powercycle in fault clearance. This will lead to animprovement in the system stability and incase of severe fault, it will provideprotection against grid collapse. ABB'sscope includes design, supply, erection,commissioning and training.

Canada & Brazil. The actual robots aresourced from the global centre for excellencein Sweden but programming, commissioningand peripherals are handled locally. At presentthe company's main engagement is in theautomobile segment where customersinclude Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindraamong others. Welding, paint finishing androller hemming applications are some of thecommon areas for robot deployment.

To address the growing market needs, ABBIndia is gearing up to support Paint Linesfor auto customers, engineering and designof Robotic Systems and assist in servicing.Software for Robot Simulation and PaintApplications are also being developed in theIndia Corporate Research Centre. India willbe a key market for this business and isalso likely to play an important sourcing role.

Haridwar Unit

Commissioned

ABB commissioned its LowVoltage Distribution Electricalsunit at Haridwar. The 2.5 acrefacility has about 100 employeesand will manufacture LineProtection Devices and ElectricalWiring Accessories


ABB recently participated in Automation2006, the third international exhibition andconference on the latest trends andemerging technologies in the industry. Thefour-day exhibition organized in Mumbaiprovided an ideal platform to showcaseABB's cutting-edge technologies andinnovative solutions that improve industrialproductivity and increase energy savings for

State-the-art technologies displayed at Automation 2006industries & businesses. A comprehensiverange of products, services andtechnologies for industrial and processautomation, robotics, pneumatics and ITproducts were on display at the exhibition.ABB featured its latest range ofinstrumentation and control products inaddition to advanced IT solutions like800XA and 800 F.

ABB showcased a range of some of its latest power products andsolutions at the 16th CEPSI (Conference of the Electric PowerSupply Industry) 2006, a symposium held at Mumbai, from 6- 9,November 2006. CEPSI is a major technical conference sponsoredby AESIEAP (the Association of Electricity Supply Industry of EastAsia and Western Pacific), and is held every two years. The eventhosted over 1000 delegates from around 30 countries.

ABB displayed and demonstrated a range of technologies forimproved grid reliability across the power generation, transmissionand distribution chain. The highlight of ABB's display at theexhibition was its recently developed IEC 61850 protocol compliantsubstation automation solution. Other ABB offerings showcased,included control and instrumentation solutions for power plants,bulk transmission solutions like HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current)and FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission Systems) and the latest innetwork management solutions like SCADA (Supervisory ControlAnd Data Acquisition) and WAMS (Wide Area Monitoring Systems).Also on show were several recently introduced urban and ruralpower distribution products and systems like Ring Main Units(RMUs) with metering and communication facilities, the latest in

Power technology showcase at

ABB India recently participated in anInternational Marine Exhibition andConference, INMARCO 2006, held inMumbai from 23-25 November.

Innovative Solutions displayedat INMARCO

distribution automation, Autoreclosers, the latest design oftransformer tap changers, PASS (Plug and Switch System) hybridswitchgear, generator circuit breakers (GCB) and gas-insulatedswitchgear (GIS).

In addition to the exhibition, a customer event was also organized.This encompassed a visit to Reliance Energy Ltd.'s recentlycommissioned SCADA and DMS (Distribution Management System)Center. Reliance Energy is one of India's leading private power utilitiesand ABB's distribution management solution is helping Reliancebring reliable power to millions of customers across Mumbai.

Organized on the theme of 'EmergingGlobal Opportunities in Maritime India'the event brought together the shippingindustry from all major maritime nationsof the world.

ABB showcased some of its marineofferings including a comprehensiverange of ABB Turbo charging productsand spares including live demos of TPSand TPL Cartridges and VTR CompressorWheel. ABB also featured the advancedperformance monitoring system fordiesel engines, MeasureIT Cylmate®Systems, which generated great interestamong visitors.

ABB in India hasbeen selected as thetop company in thePower sector for theDun & Bradstreet -American ExpressCorporate Awards2006. ABB won thisaward amidst strong competition fromplayers across the industry spectrum. Theaward recognizes the twin virtues of sizeand growth in the organizations ofcorporate India. A vital factor was thestrength to compete and the commitmenttowards quality and efficiency.

Top companyaward


Customer Interview

How do you see the development ofthe power sector in India?With the new electricity regime ushered in bythe Electricity Act, 2003 the power sectoris on the move and I see exciting timesahead. The required enablers in the markethave been put in place and with reforms inthe distribution sector gathering pace andissues of tariff rationalization and regulationbeing addressed the business environmentis becoming more attractive for investments.Private sector participation across thepower value chain is also on the rise.

On an average, India was adding onlyaround 2000MW per annum (p.a.) abouta decade ago. This increased to about3600 MW and in the past couple of years ithas been almost 6000 MW p.a. So there isa pick-up and is expected to go up toappx.10,000 MW p.a. during the XI andXII plans.

India has always been largely thermalbased and coal-dependant in terms of fuelsource for power. Although efforts areunderway to encourage hydro, wind,alternatives and even nuclear fuel, the mix inthe medium term will continue to be tilted infavor of thermal, mainly coal. Fuel supplyhas been an area of concern but it hascaught the government’s attention andwith captive coal mining rights and otherreforms the constrained fuel supplyscenario should improve.

Going forward the focus will be onimproved plant utilization, load balancingand grid efficiencies as well as optimizationof costs, to bring greater financial viability tothe sector. As we increasingly move fromload to consumers, electricity producers orutilities can no longer follow the cost plusmodel – soon markets will drive prices andconsumers will drive standards.

What is NTPC's approach to Nuclearpower?We have decided to enter the segment andthe preparatory work is underway with akeen sense of focus and all seriousness.We are in dialogue with other nodalagencies like DAE (Dept. of Atomic Energy)and NPC (Nuclear Power Corpn.) and ourconsultants have already submittedpreliminary reports on choice of technology,safety issues, risk perception, fuel supplyarrangements etc. We are also in theprocess of identifying sites.

What are the implications of Indiaswitching to ultra high (800 kV)voltage levels?I look at the recent move towards 765 kVas a logical technology step in our energyevolution. Studies have shown that pit-headlocated stations and the coming of ultramega power projects (e.g. 4000 MW) willbe an integral part of the evolving powernetwork model. Long distance transmission

Mr. Chandan RoyDirector Operations, NTPC Ltd.

is the natural corollary and higher voltagese.g. 765 kV allow for higher volumes ofpower to be transmitted more efficientlythrough narrow corridors and addressingthe 'accessibility' challenge.

For contemporary large power stationsand longer transmission distances(e.g. over 500 kms) 765kV AC and HVDCare the natural options. As power plantsgrow further and transmission distancesincrease, India may have to consider evenhigher voltage levels e.g. 1000kV asChina is doing.

What are your thoughts on the roleof new technologies like GCBs, GISand IT tool?Emerging markets like ours need powercapacity and grid networks to be added ata rapid pace. This calls for state-of-the-arttechnologies and quality equipment toensure reliable and efficient generation,transmission and distribution of power.

New technologies are usually deployed onthe basis of techno-economic rationale.Solutions such as GCBs (Generator CircuitBreakers) and GIS (Gas InsulatedSwitchgear) are especially useful whereexisting power stations have to beexpanded and there are many associatedchallenges like access rights, spacelimitations, safety aesthetics etc. At ourDadri thermal power station, for instance,

Powering the nation


we plan to deploy Generator CircuitBreakers (GCBs) to address spaceconstraints. Installing a GCB in thescheme, the UAT can be charged fromthe grid while keeping the generator out ofthe circuit, thereby obviating the need tohave a separate Station Transformer.This provides a good solution for siteswith space constraints.

Going forward, we see plant automationsystems providing better control, improvedefficiencies and less risk of human error.Another major thrust area where thelatest technologies are playing a key roleis Retrofit & Modernization of existingplants for efficiency improvements andincreased reliability

Benefits of IT based solutions such asSCADA, GIS, ERP, WAN/LAN, automatedmeter reading, cash and revenuemanagement systems, PDS are provenacross international utilities. NTPC hasbeen deploying the latest automation ,control and instrumentation solutions.As life cycles are becoming shorter,constant upgrades are carried out toensure contemporary systems.

In the future we can look forward to aseamlessly interconnected and interactivepower value chain which has the capabilityto integrate traditional power generationseamlessly with an array of locally installed,distributed power sources (e.g., fuel cellsand renewables) into a more robustnetwork. At the same time, power systemsare becoming more intelligent as theyleverage information technology andcommunications to provide real-timeinformation for better optimization and

control. A transformed electricity systemwould enable an increase in productivity,improve energy efficiency and resourceutilization and generate substantialadditional wealth to meet the growingsocietal and environmental needs of thetwenty-first century.

Could you briefly summarizeNTPC's vision as India's leadingpower generation utility?NTPC's vision is to be the largestintegrated power utility in India andemerge as a major international player.We plan to be present across the valuechain from coal mining and gas explorationto generation, transmission and distribution.Our first coal mine is expected to be on-stream by December 2007 and by 2017we expect to have around 50 MT of in-house coal production. As the country'sleading power generation utility, NTPCtoday holds 26 per cent share of powergeneration capacity in the country and willcertainly strive to at least retain this. Weplan to nearly double our generating

capacity from the existing 27000 MW toappx. 51000 MW by 2012 and furtherincrease it to 75000 MW by 2017.

With over 2000MW under implementationhydro power generation is also a new thrustarea for us. Rural electrification is anotherfocus area and we have already set up twopilot projects with as many as 50 projectsin various stages of implementation.

By being an integrated player we aim tobring consumer benefits by driving downcosts to the bare minimum and to do thiswe will leverage technology to the fullest.The overriding objective is to maximizeproductivity, efficiency and reliability.

What has been your experienceworking with ABB?We have a long-standing and valuedassociation with ABB and have workedtogether on many projects. ABB'stechnology, domain expertise, experienceand execution are their key strengths.Also, the company has a wide range ofpower products, engineered packages,turnkey systems, retrofits and assetmanagement solutions.

The area where we look forward to greaterco-operation is sharing of knowledge tofacilitate smoother operations and supportfor asset management on an ongoing basis.Sometimes, two basic connectivity links aremissing between OEMs and operators inutilities. Firstly, though the operator mayhave a lot of information, he does not havethe required controls to act on theinformation. Secondly to run the systemsmore efficiently , operators need intensiveproduct design knowledge. A greaterexchange of information between OEMs andutilities would go a long way in optimizingtechnologies and improving efficiencies.


Technology is a way of life at ABB

Research and development is a vital source of ABB's

technology leadership. At it's heart are ABB's research engineers

and scientists as well as customers, suppliers and leading

technology institutions around the world. The company's product

and process innovations aim to enhance electrical power reliability

and industrial productivity, helping our customers improve

competitiveness while reducing

environmental impact.

Innovation rarely happens in isolation. At the interface between

market pull and technology push, the right mix of insight and

ingenuity counts. ABB launches R&D projects in close cooperation

with business and marketing functions, or directly with pilot

customers, to have a clear understanding of their present and

future requirements.

ABB's research and development centers around the globe are

close to both customers and technology partners. ABB spends

close to a billion dollars on research and order related

development. In recent years, ABB has expanded its research

presence in growing markets like India and China. ABB continues

to work closely with more than 70 of the world's leading

universities and research institutes, including such renowned

institutions as Carnegie Mellon, the Massachusetts Institute of

Technology (MIT), Cambridge University and the Indian Institute

of Technology, Delhi.

Technology is a way of life at ABB. On ABB's focus on innovation

and technology, Peter Terweisch, CTO, ABB Group has this to

say, "Many of our customers want operational flexibility coupled

with assurance that their products and systems will operate

reliably for many years without major refits or overhaul. Innovation

that reconciles continuity with progress is a high priority and a

worthwhile challenge for our scientists and developers, especially

given ABB's massive installed base of power and automation

technologies around the world. Our fundamental R&D priorities

never change - products, systems and services for increased

productivity, reliable energy, and sustained customer partnerships."

ABB's fundamental R&D priorities never change - products,

systems and services for increased productivity, reliable energy,

and sustained customer partnerships.

Feature Story

Truly global Research & Development

From tiny power switches to vast power grids, from instrumentscircling the earth to factories working on it, ABB technology is partof your life....

Building competencies

Over 6,000 scientists and engineers in our divisions andcorporate research centers are hard at work inventing anddeveloping new products and services for customers

Breakthrough technology

ABB's reputation is built on a century of pioneering invention,innovation and quality. Recent breakthroughs include the HVDClight technology and Industrial IT Extended Automation System800xA among several others.



The grid of the future

� Rapidly growing size of industry and customer base

� Diverse and multiple sources of power

� Emergence of national grid

� Public as well as private ownership

� Unbundling of power sector

� Shift in thinking from "Load" to "Consumers"

� Regulatory bodies and increasing accountability

� Emergence of power trading

� Growing pressure to reduce costs and increase"access to electricity"

� Increasingly demanding customers

� Integration of the power value chain

We are increasingly moving towards system integration powered bymany new technologies

Power systems are becoming increasingly complex with multiplevariables in a highly dynamic setting. The present day grid ischaracterised by:

A smart power system is a grid that will always be interconnected, interactive, and merged withcommunications in a complex network of real-time information and power exchange. It will constantlymonitor and correct itself to ensure uninterrupted high-quality, reliable power. The system will sensedisturbances and counteract them, or instantaneously reconfigure the flow of power to cordon offdamage before it can propagate. It will be able to integrate traditional central power generationseamlessly with an array of locally installed, distributed power sources (e.g., fuel cells and renewables)into a more robust regional network. This is the vision for the grid of the future.


� Real-time Wide Area Monitoringand Control of power systems

� Advanced HVDC transmission

� HVDC Light

� FACTS: Flexible ACTransmission (FACTS) devices

� GIS (Gas InsulatedSwitchgear) and UndergroundCables

� Life-extension using modernmaterials and design analytics

Some emerging technologies

Power Tra

Generator Circuit Breaker

• Simplified plant layout & operationalprocedures

• Reduction in stress on components

• Better and faster fault protectionresulting in minimized repair costsand outage time

• GCBs to switch fault currents upto200,000 amperes

HVDC with Voltage SourceConverters

• Fast active and reactive power control- controlled power flow (no overload)- stability improvement of AC grid

• Underground installation- reduced corridor space requirements- environmental friendly and easy to

install XLPE-cable- landscape protection no

electromagnetic field• Black-start capability

HV Switchgear Hybrids –

HVDC Light innovative system• System with converters and cables

- Voltage Source Convertors- Lightweight extruded cable- Prefabricated joints

• Grid improvement- Voltage control- Dynamic reactive power control- Passive Load Operation (Black Start)

• Environmentally adapted- Small footprint and low profile of

converters- Oil free cable- No magnetic fields

More power through

Power Generation

without FACTS

with FACTS

Tran

smis

sion

cap

acity

Power plant automation

• Overall power plant controls andoptimization

• Life-cycle plant maintenance

across the power spectrum

nsmission

SCADA integrated solutions

• Commercial databases• Separated networks with firewalls• Standard protocols to other control

centers (ICCP, TASE 2)• Integration to e.g. asset management,

CMMS, ERP, CIS, GIS etc.• Internet/intranet integration

– Between DTB and GIS

existing lines: FACTS

Power Distribution

MV Products e-Technology

• No fiber optic cabling for Station-bus and time sync network

• No interpanel wiring• Simplified electronic• Reduced number of sensors

Modular solutions

• Gas Insulated Switchgear• Compact Secondary Substations• Ring Main Units

Feeder control and automation

• Rural load management systems• Autoreclosers• Sectionalizers

Fast Network Controllers and Wide Area Monitoring and

Control Systems• Voltage control

• Increase of transmission capacity

• Stability improvement

• Balance of power flows even inemergency cases

Options for Bulk ElectricityTransmission

Thermal limit of the line

Stability lim

it

FACTS

Technology


New Technologies

IEC 61850Communication networks and systems in substationsToday, power utilities operate globally and require flexible,futuristic systems to cope with changing requirements,philosophies and technologies. This calls for a standard thatensures essential features such as inter-operability betweendevices from different suppliers, free function allocation,capability to follow the numerous fast changing communicationtechnologies and ease of engineering and maintenance. Utilities'investments are safeguarded by the long term stability that auniform standard like IEC 61850 provides.

Based on the vast experience in substation automation (SA)and expertise in IEC 61850, ABB has fully implemented the newstandard in its portfolio of products, systems and tools.

Combined with ABB's proven system integration capabilities,ABB can offer optimized solutions for new installations,modernization and migration projects.

ABB designs inter-operable and open systems with scalablearchitectures for any type, size and topology of substation to

� meet customer's availability and performance requirements

� accommodate user-specific operational philosophies

� enhance safety and efficiency of system operation

� lower life-cycle cost in operation and maintenance

� support life-cycle management and safeguard customer'sinvestments

Monitoring power stability with WAMSAustria is the latest country to monitor the stability of its powertransmission network with an ABB wide area monitoring system(WAMS), an advanced early warning technology for power gridsthat help operators prevent system instabilities and overloads,as well as cascade tripping that leads to power blackouts. TheAustrian utility, Verbund-Austrian Power Grid (APG), installed anew monitoring system from ABB to complement three recentlycommissioned phase-shifting transformers which togetheroptimize transmission over main power corridors. The corridoroperated by APG, controls a power network consisting of about50 switching and substations, and 6,500 kilometers of lines.

The solution that stabilizes and protects the corridor is anintelligent combination of ABB's PSGuard monitoring systemwith Phasor Measurement Units (PMUs) and three phase-shifting

transformers installed at criticalnodes in the network. These ABBtransformers in three of APG'ssubstations protect the powerlines by regulating the power flowand by preventing the loss of linesthrough physical overloading.PSGuard will continue to monitorthe load of the 220 kV double

lines, and in future will also coordinate the operation of all threephase-shifting transformers for maximum performance. Lineover- and underloads can be balanced, and losses caused by un-coordinated loop flows (inadvertent power losses as electricity istransmitted through the network) can also be minimized.

Estlink to help Europe reach energy goalsA new power line built by ABB to connectthe electricity networks of the Baltic statesand Finland for the first time will helpEurope in its goal to improve the securityof energy supplies, increase sustainabilityin the industry and strengthen gridreliability. Estlink, a 105-kilometerunderground and underwater link, isone of the priority projects in the EU's planto improve cross-border powerinfrastructure, reduce blackouts and help

create more efficient power markets inEurope.

ABB designed, built and installed Estlinkusing its HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current)Light technology. Estlink is the firstinterconnection using HVDC Light. Thecable, less than 10 centimeters in diameter,can carry as much as 350 megawatts(MW) of power, enough to meet theneeds of about 300,000 households.


ABB has officially opened the world'sfirst installation for testing thetechnology of energy-efficient powersuperhighways. The testing facility inLudvika, Sweden will allow long-termtesting of direct current (DC) rated at800 kilovolts (kV), marking another firstfor ABB, which pioneered High-VoltageDirect Current (HVDC) systems morethan 50 years ago.

UHVDC (Ultra High Voltage DirectCurrent) transmission systems rated at800 kV will make it viable to produceelectricity in remote regions of China,India, Brazil and Africa, where vasthydropower resources remainuntapped. An UHVDC link 2,000 km

ABB paves the way for power superhighways

ABB has developed a torque sensorthat can withstand the unforgivingenvironment of a Formula-One racingcar. The robust concept was originallydeveloped for standard automotiveapplications and then adapted forextreme uses such as those found inFormula One installations. The sensor issmall enough to be integrated directlyinto the power train on the gearboxinput shaft. From here it has access tothe actual engine torque, allowing a

Formula One torque sensorrange of applications to be performed interms of engine and drive train monitoring.An engine 'map' can be acquired directly,while the car is on the track, allowing theperformance of gearshifts to be measuredand optimized.

The conditions of Formula One racing areindeed demanding. For an installation onthe gearbox input shaft, the sensor has toendure rotational speeds up to 20,000 rpm,temperatures up to 250o C and stresslevels up to 1800 MPa. Other requirements

(1,240 miles) long is 30 percent cheaper,partly because it reduces electricity lossesby 30 percent compared with 500 kV DC

or 800 kV AC (Alternating Current)technology.

China and India are set to be the mainusers of the new technology. India plansto build five Ultra High Voltage DC linesover the next ten years, each with acapacity of 6,000 megawatts (MW);China is planning one line every year forthe next decade, each with a capacity of5,000 MW to 6,400 MW. Based on anaverage electricity consumption percapita, a 6,400 MW UHVDC link couldprovide enough power to meet theneeds of about 50 million people in India,and 14 million in China. There are alsoplans to install 800 kV UHVDC lines inSouth Africa and in Brazil.

include tolerance for high-level vibration,resistance to lubricants and a durabilitythat ensures flawless operation, lapafter lap. The sensor is also requiredto maintain its function without anyspecial attention or re-calibration, beforeor after the race.

Waveguide: simple, reliable, low-cost communication

ABB has developed a simple and reliablewireless method of transmitting data inswitchgear installations that is cheaper

and needs less maintenance than traditionalcable-based switchgear communications.Switchgear protects expensive electricalequipment by instantly turning off powerduring unexpected surges. ABB's Waveguideuses low-power electromagnetic wavesinside a closed system to transmit data.

Waveguide improves on traditionalcommunication systems by avoiding the useof copper cables, which are sensitive toelectromagnetic interference, and fiber optic

cables, which have poor mechanicalproperties and are more complex toinstall. Waveguide's rectangularconductor is made of aluminum and itsdimensions are defined by theelectromagnetic waves being used.Research shows the Waveguide cantransmit up to 22 times more informationthan cables, making it well suited to thenew global standard in substationcommunication (IEC 61850).


Technology Digest

Makingpowerlines singCommunication keeps the power flowingStefan Ramseier, Hermann Spiess

The safe and reliable transmission of power depends on continuous coordinationbetween different points in the network. From a simple telephone conversationbetween operators to the automated control and monitoring of remote equipment,a robust and dependable communications infrastructure is a prerequisite forefficient operation. Power network operators use a broad range ofcommunication channels – including their own power lines.

ABB draws on 64 years of experience of data transmission on power lines. Thecompany’s latest product, the ETL600, breaks new ground in offering extensivefunctionality. It is easy to configure (taking just a couple of mouse clicks to setup) and to upgrade (through the straightforward installation of new software) –thereby ensuring that the customer remains at the forefront of technology foryears to come.

An efficient communication network is thebackbone of modern power systemsPower utility operators communicate witheach other to coordinate actions andexchange all kinds of operationalinformation. The communication networkconveys signals for the remote control ofunmanned stations, transferring data andload values from sites across the powersystem to central control, and transmittingcentral control commands to sites. Mostcrucially, the communication networkcarries many of the vital signals that areexchanged in real time between differentlocations to ensure optimum control andprotection of the power system. In short,communication networks help powerutilities keep electricity flowing all the wayfrom generator to consumer.

Traditional utility communication systemswere predominantly hardware basedmodules, tailored to customerspecifications. Today’s embeddedsystems, such as ABB’s ETL600 PowerLine Carrier (PLC) system, are based on apowerful, flexible hardware platform and anumber of versatile software modules. Thistechnology allows the configuration of acomplex system “with a few mouse clicks”,and even to extend functionality in the futurewith the download of additional softwaremodules.



What and how do electric utilitiescommunicate?ABB‘s utility-communications expertise isfounded on experience gained frominstallations in electrical power utilities inover 140 countries. This experience, alliedto proven solutions, is especially importantin protection signaling where communicationenables protection systems to clear a linefault in the shortest possible time, or toisolate primary plant components directlyaffected by a fault, while maintaining theavailability of all other components.

The enhanced functionality and performanceof ABB’s communication systems increaseboth the quantity and quality of informationavailable for operational and managementfunctions. Enabling all business units within apower utility to have ready access to thisinformation means the same informationcan be used for the remote control ofsubstations and for evaluation purposes,minimizing operation and maintenancecosts. For modern power utilities, powerfuland reliable communications services areabsolutely vital for the control, supervisionand administration of power systemoperations 2.

Rapid developments in technology in recentyears, together with the continuingderegulation of power markets, havesignificantly changed the communicationsrequirements of power utilities. There arethree major communication technologiesused in the Wide-Area-Network (WAN) tomeet these requirements: PLC, optical fiberand microwave radio.

Established PLC techniques play animportant role owing to their high reliability,relatively low cost and long distance reach.For higher transmission capacities,broadband systems based on optical fiberscan handle both operational andadministrative power utility data, and –depending on a utility’s strategy and onlegal regulations – even provide commercialtelecommunications services. Becausemicrowave radio communication is notrestricted to power line routes, it can, incertain circumstances, offer anadvantageous alternative, especially indifficult terrain (on mountains and islands,for instance).

Typical applications supported by utilitycommunication systems include Local AreaNetwork (LAN) interconnections, video

Power lines are usednot only to carryelectrical power, butalso to transmitcommunication signals.

On the other hand, interference on thecommunications channel must never causeunwanted operation of the protection,for example, by simulating a tripping orblocking signal at the receiving end whenno such signal has been transmitted at thesending end.

Power Line CarrierPower Line Carrier Systems have longbeen used by electric power utilities forthe transmission of vital information forthe operation and protection of theelectric power grid, i.e., voice, protectioncommands and control signals. Thus,power lines are used not only to carryelectrical power (at 50 Hz or 60 Hz), butalso to transmit communication signals(typically at frequencies between 40 kHzand 500 kHz). Special coupling devicesare used to connect the communicationterminals to high-voltage power lines.

The use of existing power lines forcommunications is a meaningful choice,because these provide the most direct linkfor tele-protection (where speed is crucial),they are reliable and they are completelyunder the control of the power utility, whichis important, especially in countries withderegulated telecommunication markets.Furthermore, power lines are an excellentcommunication medium that can bridgevery long distances (several hundredkilometers) without a repeater.

From valves to embedded systemsThe first PLC link was put in operation byABB in 1942, and in the past 64 years,

surveillance, remote diagnostics andsupport, distribution automation, automaticmeter reading and standard telecom services.

The main applications for “operationalcommunications” are power systemcontrol, power line protection andoperational telephone services. As the firsttwo are most crucial to the operation of thepower system, they are explained in somedetail here.

The availability of electric power is largelydependent on the reliability of the powercontrol system. Accordingly, controlsystems, and in particular the associatedcommunications equipment, must functionreliably under worst case operatingconditions. Typical power system controlapplications include tele-control(Supervisory Control and Data Acquisitionor SCADA) and Energy ManagementSystems (EMS).

Tele-protection equipment, operating inconjunction with line protection, must becapable of reliably transmitting a signal tothe remote end of the line, in the shortestpossible time and under extremeinterference conditions that might becaused by a fault in the power system.


thousands of links have been installed inmore than 120 countries, at voltage levelsof up to 1100kV AC and 500 kV DC,covering a total length of more than onemillion kilometers.

Over more than six decades, each newgeneration of PLC equipment has beendeveloped using the cutting edgetechnology of its day, as indeed is stillhappening today. Hence, many of thetechnological breakthroughs in electronicsand telecommunications of the last fewdecades are reflected in the development ofPLC equipment.

The first PLC systems used valves, andinformation was transmitted much as it isin today’s AM radio systems: Analogwaveforms (no digital signals or bits) aremodulated to the desired frequency (e.g.between 40 kHz and 500 kHz). The signalon the power lines appears twice – thereis a mirrored copy of the original (doubleside band). In the early fifties, the requiredfrequency band – a very scarce resource– was reduced by a factor of two,eliminating the mirrored signal (single sideband, SSB). This SSB technology is stillused in today’s systems, and also insome shortwave radio systems. In themid-fifties, valves were replaced, first bygermanium transistors, then in the earlysixties by silicon transistors, and, mostrecently, in the mid-seventies by integratedcircuits. In the early nineties, it becamepossible for the user to tailor the PLCsystem to actual needs by “programming”it with switches and jumpers.

The next technological breakthroughcame in the late nineties with theintroduction of ABB’s ETL500, the firstembedded numeric PLC system. Thesystem was no longer configured only byswitches and jumpers, but mainly with agraphical user interface (GUI) running on apersonal computer (PC). The signals insidethe ETL500 system were no longerprocessed in analog waveforms, but indigital bit streams. Many of the complexanalog components, such as oscillators,mixers and filters, were replaced bymathematical operations executed inside aDigital Signal Processor (DSP). Such a DSP(similar to a processor inside a PC, butdesigned for specific “number crunching”applications) can perform complexoperations at blazing speed.

Power lines are usednot only to carryelectrical power, butalso to transmitcommunication signals.Another technology leap was madepossible by the pioneering work in digitalmodulation and coding. Digitalcommunication is now part of everyday life,be it in cellular phones, fax machines, CDs,DVDs, digital satellite or terrestrial TV andradio broadcast or MP3 players, to namebut a few. In order to visualize the way inwhich technical advances have altered theconditions of daily life, consider howtelephone lines were and are used to carrydigital information with the help of so-calledmodems. Initially, a technology calledFrequency Shift Keying (FSK) was usedand, in 1962, a data rate of 300 bit/s wasachieved (later standardized as V.21). Morethan 30 years later, that speed hadincreased by more than two orders ofmagnitude to 56 kbit/s (V.90/V.92)! WithADSL, even higher data rates are possible,albeit requiring a much larger bandwidth(not otherwise used on telephonesubscriber lines).

Similar progress was possible with PLCsystems. Modulation and coding principleshad, however, to be adapted to cope with thescarce spectral bandwidth resource anddifficult channel conditions of PLC systems.

2 PLC system overview

3 One of ABB’s first PLC installations, circa 1944, published in Brown Boveri Mitteilungen, the predecessor ofABB Review, in Jan/Feb 1944 (Abb. 169 & 170).


Source: ABB Review>

Then there was the additional hurdle of hugedistances that needed to be overcome. In1999, ABB introduced the world’s first digitalPLC system with automatic speed adaptation(AMX500), allowing a data rate of up to 28.8kbit/s in a 4-kHz bandwidth, or up to 64 kbit/s in 8 kHz. Again, this is an improvement ofseveral orders of magnitude.

ETL600: A flexible and future-proofembedded PLC systemIn recent years, technology advancespresented new opportunities for PLCapplications, particularly those related tohigher bandwidth provisioning, integrationinto digital networks, combined withfunctional enhancements, and ease andflexibility of use. These new possibilities –taken together with the economy andreliability considerations for which PLC isknown – have led to a remarkable revival ofPLC systems worldwide.

The latest generation of ABB’s PLCequipment, ETL600 4 , is a truly embeddedsystem that integrates and extends manycomponents of its predecessor in a mostflexible way. With this new, integrated, multi-service platform it is possible to integrate allPLC applications in one single system.

The ETL600 system architecture is basedon a combination of proven technology withcutting edge hardware and software fordigital signal processing. This allows theuser to configure the system with a fewmouse clicks, where previously integrationof additional hardware modules requiredprogramming with jumpers and switches,

Footnote

Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) is theability of equipment to operate withoutinterfering with other devices.Electromagnetic interference (EMI) focuseson the amount of energy that emanatesfrom electronic equipment that can causeperformance degradation in nearby equipment.

or even soldering. In addition to user-friendliness and unprecedented applicationflexibility, ETL600 also guarantees unconditionalcompatibility with legacy as well as state-of-the-art digital telecommunication environments.ABB’s ETL600 provides data transmissionspeeds four-times that of other systemscurrently available on the market.

The novel high-speedoperating mode ofETL600 paves the wayfor providing Ethernet/IPconnectivity over highvoltage power lines.In order to provide security and reliability,ETL600 incorporates extra measures for highavailability and protection againstelectromagnetic interference and damage dueto over-voltage stress. Besides complyingwith all relevant EMC/EMI1) standards, allinterfaces, including data ports, are electricallyisolated; hence providing additional protectionagainst overvoltages, ground potential riseand ground loops. The ETL600 alsoprovides improved reliability through built-inself-test functions and support for easycommissioning and maintenance.

Looking aheadEach new technology leap offers faster andbetter ways of executing routine tasks.More importantly, it also opens the door toa wide variety of new applications.

Traditional PLC systems were basicallypoint-to-point links, enabled for point-multi-point connectivity through upper-layerprotocols of SCADA systems. With theintroduction of digital PLC and digitalmultiplexers, switches or routers, multiplePLC links can now be interconnected toform a meshed network. Such a networkprovides a high degree of resilience againstlink failures and supports new applications,such as wide-area monitoring, control andprotection. Furthermore, voice signals,which are today still largely transmitted asanalog signals, can be converted into digitalbit streams, which consume less of theprecious bandwidth on power lines.

The new features of digital PLC technologypermit the use of modern PLC systems asa reliable backup of mission- critical serviceslike SCADA and teleprotection that arenormally conveyed over broadband media.In particular, the novel high-speed operatingmode of ETL600 paves the way for providingEthernet/IP connectivity (e.g. for LAN-LANinterconnections) over high- voltage powerlines – an application that was unthinkablewith traditional PLC technology.

Because of the flexible and future proofarchitecture of embedded systems,additional functionality can later beintroduced with new software releases,without needing to replace the hardware.

Although this article focuses on PLC,impressive technological advances havebeen made in the entire utilitycommunication portfolio, particularly in fiberoptics and microwave radio. ABB offersintegrated communication solutions formission-critical applications for electricutilities, the oil and gas industry, andrailways. Thanks to the latest developments,it is now possible to use a single networksystem for the remote management of anentire communication network.


Living our commitment to Sustainability

ABB and Severn Trent Water have wonthe Electrical Industry Awards 2006 for"Best Environmental Initiative of theYear", following an installation thatreduced energy consumption by over£12,000 per annum at Severn Trent'sWanlip Sewage Treatment Works inLeicestershire. This is the second yearrunning that ABB has won theenvironmental prize at the ElectricalIndustry Awards. Last year, thecompany claimed the prize for itsreplacement drives scheme, which aims

ABB and Severn Trent Water win Best EnvironmentalInitiative award

to assess, replace and recycle variablespeed drives from any manufacturer,improving reliability and energyefficiency.

The savings at the Wanlip site wereachieved by Sentridge installing three37 kW ABB standard drives, on waterprocess pumps, resulting in over 65%energy saving. Payback was achieved injust six months and over £150,000 willultimately be saved over the working lifeof the drives.

One of ABB India's key pillar tosustainability is primary education. As partof the company's approach to support,sustain and facilitate the overall learningprocess of the country's young minds,ABB is deepening it's engagement withthe schools it supports across thecountry. In line with this endeavor, ABBrecently organised school trips forstudents in the supported schools inBangalore, Vadodara and Nashik.

In Bangalore, the 7th standard studentsvisited the Visvesvaraya Industrial and

Children's day out

To bring a smile on the faces ofchildren in the schools, supportedby ABB India, the sustainability teamlaunched a new initiative coincidingwith Children’s day. The initiativeenabled employees to participateand bring joy to over 3,000 socially& economically disadvantagedchildren. The initiative christened‘Share Your Joy’! was launchedfrom November 14-21, 2006.During this week, collection boxeswere placed for toys & games,reading material and stationeryacross locations.

The collected items were thendistributed to the children in thesupported schools in Bangalore,Nasik and Vadodara.

Share Your Joy!

Technology Museum (VITM), where theywere enthralled for over two hours. Thegrand finale of the trip was a 45 minuteScience Magic Show which unraveled themarvels of chemistry and physics.In Vadodara, students were taken to thelocal community science center, wherethey learnt the basics of electricity and theworkings of a power grid.In Nashik, the students visited theminerals museum as well as the NehruGarden where they learnt about thevarious species and genres of trees.


Channel Line

ABB India hosted its Presidents'Club Channel Partner Meet from6-8. November, 2006 in Bangkok. Thekey objective of themeet was to felicitate and honour thecompany's top 50 Channel Partners,System Integrators and LV & MVPanel Builders across all businesswho have shown exemplaryperformance and growth in business.

President's Club Channel Partner Meet in Bangkok

Ragi & Ragi enterprises

Ragi & Ragi Enterprise began their partnership with ABB in2004. They won ABB's ‘Channel Partner of the Year’ award in2005. Ragi & Ragi deal with ABB's entire range of ElectricalWiring Accessories (EWA) and Line Protection Devices (LPDs).They have offices in Hyderabad & Secunderabad and a team of30 people.

Ashit Ragi, CEO, Ragi & RagiEnterprises is all of 28 years and hisenthusiasm is clearly visible. Whenasked about how he feels about therelationship with ABB, he says "Mypeople are motivated to sell theproducts. ABB is a big brand withan enviable reputation in the marketplace. We work with ABB as a

Mr Ravi Uppal, Country Manager, ABBIndia and Head - South Asia Region andMr Biplab Majumder, COO and Head -Automation Products division shared thecompany's plans for continuing on thepath of sustained growth including thelatest developments in range and capacityexpansion. They commended theentrepreneurial spirit of the ChannelPartners and thanked them for their

support in promoting a common vision ofgrowth. They acknowledged andrecognized ABB's growing relationshipwith channel partners as well as theiroutstanding contribution to thecompany’s success. The channelpartners on their part assured ABB oftheir continued loyalty and support inpursuing a common growth ambitionand building brand equity for ABB.

seamless team and that has helped us combatmany issues and challenges together." However,

we still have to educate the customers more about theproducts and we need a sustained marketing campaign to dothis, especially when it comes to LPD & EWA products"

Under the leadership of Ashit, Ragi & Ragi has clocked animpressive growth rate of 30%. He is quick to point out thatcompetition is increasing and it will take commitment and hardwork to keep customers happy, "Customers are diverse andacross sectors, ranging from the Pharma industry tocontractors and architects. This can be very demanding, as wetry to provide solutions that meets every requirement+."

When asked about his goals he says "Concentrate onincreasing volumes by setting ambitious goals, togetherwith ABB.”

Channel partner in

Key Awards:

• Long Association Award - GuptaEngineers, Faridabad

• Growth Award - Indian ElectricCo., Pune

• Technology & Innovation Award -Textile - Hiecon Technologies,Ahmedabad

• Technology & Innovation Award -Processing Lines - Venture ControlSystems, Noida

• Sustained Performance - ClassicEngg Co., New Delhi

• Widest range of ABB offering -Pooja Group, Surat


Tech Bytes

Protecting power plants from solar storms

ABB has delivered a giant three-limbed transformer for a nuclear power plant in Sweden that isfrequently subject to blackout-inducing solar flares. The three-phase 825 MVA, 420/21 kV generatorstep-up transformer contains one of the largest and heaviest transformer cores that ABB has ever built.The giant core consists of 44,000 steel plates that stretch electrical engineering to its limits. Each plateis up to one meter wide and a mere 0.27 millimeters thick, which makes them difficult to handle. Theyare placed one on top of the other in two stacks, a process that requires great skill and precision. Theresultant core weighs about 200 tons.

Equipped with three limbs instead of the usual five, the transformer is designed to improve availability and protect the Oskarshamn2 nuclear power plant in Sweden from solar flares or solar storms, known more properly as geomagnetic induced currents (GIC).Solar flares unleash magnetic storms that hit the earth's magnetic field and create geomagnetic currents that can enter power linesand the neutral point of transformers. GICs frequently lead to severely damaged transformers and voltage collapse at a cost ofmillions of dollars per hour in lost revenues and damaged assets. Countries that are particularly vulnerable include Sweden, Finland,Norway, Canada, United States, China and South Africa.

Robot nurses

ABB robots will soon help stroke patients overcome paralysis by standing in for busy physiotherapists.Stroke often results in permanent paralysis to one side of the body with 80 percent of survivors facingsignificant impairment and one in three requiring daily assistance. Repeated flexing of paralyzed limbs bya physiotherapist is known to trigger a recovery of feeling but it requires an investment of time thatmany therapists can't spare. A paralyzed arm, for example, will require at least 40 minutes of flexingtwice a day for a month, followed by many more months of continued attention.

ABB robots have been enlisted to help with this repetitive motion - and the patients are enjoying amarked improvement. The REHAROB Therapeutic System uses two ABB industrial robots - IRB 140and IRB 1400 - working in tandem to mimic the required human motion. The physiotherapist programsthe robotic system by doing exercises with the patient and tailoring each movement as needed. Theorder of exercises, speed and number of repetitions can be fine-tuned in a complex program.

Breathtaking technology tames the ulcer

A simple breath test using ABB analyzer technology can flag a potentially destructive but readilytreatable stomach irritant before it turns into an ulcer, or worse. ABB's technology makes itpossible to detect bacteria that can cause gastric or duodenal ulcers, providing effective weaponryagainst a bug present in about half the world's population.

The detection tool is based on the ABB Infrared gas analyzer Uras and works by testing levels ofCO2 in the breath of infected people. Everybody exhales CO2, but people with H. pylori bacteria giveoff different concentrations of it when they ingest urea.

Variable light control

The Busch Comfort Switch can be used to control lighting in a variety of modes from manual to fullyautomatic. The switch is mounted flush with the wall and is equipped with an infrared movementdetector that provides four modes of operation, from basic manual mode to fully automatic. Othersettings can be programmed into the switch to turn on lights automatically in response to themovement detector and to stay on until switched off manually. Alternatively, the light can be switchedon manually and turned off automatically after a pre-determined time, if no movement is detected. Inthe "maximum comfort" mode, the light comes on if the infrared sensor detects a movement andswitches itself off after a pre-set time.


www.abb.co.in/contact

Harmeet S Bawa, Head, GF-Corporate Communications, ABB India

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"Technology and innovation are the life blood of an organisation like ABB. We hope you enjoyed this issue of Contact, wherewe have tried to bring you some glimpses of ABB’s quest to remain at the cutting-edge of technology in order to continueserving its customers. After all, we have a heritage of over 120 years to live upto!!

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