Synchronous Condensers
With ANDRITZ Synchronous Condensers to a secure and stable grid
Maintaining the reliability of the grid is becoming more challenging. Demanding new regulatory requirements and a cleaner, more diversified energy mix are giving rise to new issues for electricity grid operators tasked with maintaining a stable energy supply. ANDRITZ Synchronous Condensers are a reliable, proven, cost-effective, and smart solution for fulfilling these requirements.
Reactive power and more
Synchronous machines in general can be used as generators as well as motors. Typically, a Synchronous Condenser is a classical synchronous machine which is operated to provide reactive power only. Synchronous Condensers are typically installed in existing or new substations though there are alternatives.
Due to the electrical design and the large rotating mass of the rotor, Synchronous Condensers can provide a variety of additional services beyond reactive power for the grid though. In fact, over recent years a distinct shift in the grid services demanded from Synchronous Condensers has been observed.
For instance, Synchronous Condensers are also able to provide dynamic voltage support, additional inertia, and strengthen system short-circuit capacity. Synchronous Condensers are thus capable of supporting Transmission System Operators (TSOs) with multiple grid stabilization services.
Benefits
- Providing inertia – improving stability
- Dynamic voltage support – overload capability
- Short circuit power – essential for system protection
- Reactive power – still an important task
- Implemented in already existing infrastructure
Click to use 360° view of an ANDRITZ Hydro synchronous condensers
ANDRITZ - More than a century of Synchronous Condensers
From greenfield projects to modernization and uprating, ANDRITZ provides top-tier solutions for all kinds of Synchronous Condenser systems. ANDRITZ’ engineering excellence is focused on the entire power train, from the Synchronous Condenser unit with its mechanical and electrical auxiliaries right up to the defined Point of Common Coupling (PCC) with the high voltage transmission system.
The ANDRITZ Synchronous Condenser portfolio covers a range of standardized air-cooled systems from 50 to 330 MVAr.
Independent power producers (IPPs) and project developers for wind and photovoltaic plants are generally operating smaller rated systems. Strict grid regulations require them to use a modern synchronous condenser to gain grid access. These cylindrical rotor solutions are very cost-efficient and offer the shortest delivery times due to a high degree of standardization.
The higher rated systems with salient pole design are intended for transmission grids where high inertia, low losses, and dynamic behavior are crucial. With its high robustness, the salient pole design is best suited for transmission grid applications.
For more than 120 years ANDRITZ has supplied numerous synchronous and non-synchronous machines, mainly for generation purposes. Today, approximately 5,000 units are still in service all over the world, relying on decades of experience in plant and system integration in the renewable energy business.
Flywheels for increased inertia
ANDRITZ Synchronous Condensers combined with a top modern high inertia flywheel warrant a secure energy supply and a long reliable operational life of your asset. The ANDRITZ flywheel is characterized by its compactness. This is achieved by optimizing the flywheel rotor geometry providing maximum kinetic energy at short axial dimension.
ANDRITZ Synchronous Condensers with flywheel erection
