ABB said the transformer has the world's highest alternating current voltage level.
It has been installed at the Bina national test station in Madhya Pradesh in partnership with Power Grid Corporation of India.
The device was manufactured and tested at ABB’s Vadodara facility in India.
India aims to build a 1200kV transmission system to supplement the existing 400kV and 800kV grid as demand for electricity increases.
ABB said the system will help strengthen the grid and enhance load capacity up to 6GW.
ABB Power Grids division president Claudio Facchin said: “ABB has a pioneering track record in India and this 1,200 kV achievement is another concrete example of our commitment to support the country in the ongoing development of its power infrastructure.
“This project also underlines how ABB delivers differentiated value through innovation and customer collaboration, both key elements of our Next Level strategy.”
Apart from the transformer, ABB had developed a 1200kV circuit breaker, which was commissioned at the test centre. This circuit breaker is a gas-insulated switch gear system and is claimed to be the first one to be energised to this voltage level.
The circuit breaker is placed along with the disconnector in a tank filled with insulated gas. This can reduce the overall space by up to 60% compared to conventional designs.
Image: ABB’s UHV 1200kV transformer at Bina site, Madhya Pradesh, India. Photo: Courtesy of ABB.
