New Hitachi ABB Power Grids switchgear to debut offshore China

Hitachi ABB Power Grids has introduced a 72.5 kV high-voltage hybrid switchgear for offshore wind – Plug and Switch System (PASS) M00 – Wind.

The hybrid switchgear will be installed at China’s first 66-kilovolt offshore wind farm, Huadian Yuhuan Phase 1, to optimize the energy landscape in the Yangtze River Delta, the company said.

Hitachi ABB Power Grids will supply 22 units of PASS M00 – Wind to the Chinese wind turbine manufacturer, Dongfang Electric Wind Power.

PASS M00 – Wind fits inside the wind turbine and can withstand vibrations and sudden movements in harsh environments to provide maximum safety for wind farm operators, the company said.

The switchgear comes with a digital motor drive and local control cabinet with built-in intelligence for monitoring and diagnostics. According to Hitachi ABB Power Grids, the switchgear offers real-time simulation for proactive management of the life cycle of the asset and remote service intervention.

“Our technology is contributing to the integration of renewable energy and reducing carbon footprint,” said Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business in Hitachi ABB Power Grids.

“We are committed to the future of sustainable energy and are well-positioned to support the energy transition by enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid.”

Scheduled for completion at the end of 2021, Huadian Yuhuan Phase 1 will supply 770 million kWh of electricity to power approximately 240,000 households in the Zhejiang province per annum.