Alstom will provide Flexible AC Transmission System (FACTS) to support German energy turnaround

Alstom has been awarded a contract by German transmission grid operator TenneT TSO GmbH, for the supply of a 300 MVAr Mechanically Switched Capacitor with Damping Network (MSCDN¹) to improve efficiency and voltage stability at the Karben electrical substation on the Frankfurt am Main network. The project is due for completion in 2015.

In the context of Germanys energy turnaround, network operators are being called on to provide cleaner electricity through a greater integration of both renewable and decentralised power sources.

MSCDN technology gives TenneT access to a constant and high-quality supply of switchable reactive power. The flexibility of the MSCDN system means that it can support voltage levels when capacity is high, and simply be turned off when capacity is low. Any voltage harmonics, or oscillations, are significantly reduced by the filter function. Optimised use of reactive power minimises electrical losses while reducing both costs and carbon emissions. In addition, improved line capacity makes it possible to transport more electrical power throughout the decentralised grid.

With this order, TenneT will install its sixth Alstom MSCDN system. Alstom expanded its long-term partnership with TenneT in 2006 to include MSCDNs. With todays order, TenneT once again reaffirms its trust in Alstoms expertise and outstanding service, says Jan-Hendrik von Auer, Team Leader for Power Electronics Activities at Alstom Grid in Berlin.

Alstom is the leading provider of MSCDN systems in Germany and has already installed ten systems with an overall reactive power of more than 3,000 MVAr for the transmission grid of the operators TenneT TSO, Amprion and TransnetBW.

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¹A Mechanically Switched Capacitor with Damping Network (MSCDN) is a turnkey reactive power compensation system which improves power quality and supports the increase of transmission capacity.

Press Contacts
Beatrix Fontius (Alstom Germany) Tel: +49 621 329 2547 
beatrix.fontius@alstom.com

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