TVA orders first five SuperVAR(TM) HTS dynamic synchronous condensers to
boost power flow and grid reliability
American Superconductor Corporation , a leading global supplier of
superconductor products and power electronic converters to the electric power
industry, today introduced its new line of SuperVAR(TM) high temperature
superconductor (HTS) dynamic synchronous condensers -- machines that
cost-effectively increase and optimize the transmission capacity of existing
power grids. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), one of the largest transmission
grid operators in the U.S., has ordered five SuperVAR units. Subsequent to the
initial introduction of AMSC's advanced wires to the market last year, this
sale marks the first fully commercial product to incorporate the company's HTS
wire technology.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020702/AMSCLOGO )
SuperVAR machines provide reactive power measured in VARs (volt-amperes
reactive) that are required to ensure the reliable flow of electricity through
alternating current (AC) power grids. The machines are based on AMSC's
proprietary HTS motor and generator technology. All five units will be based on
a prototype, which TVA is helping finance and which is expected to be installed
on TVA's grid in November 2003. TVA currently operates other grid reliability
solutions from AMSC.
Utilities and grid operators face increasing demands for electric power
that strain existing power transmission networks. The result -- over-taxed
power lines that can lead to brownouts or blackouts -- often is expensive and
disruptive. SuperVAR synchronous condensers offer a cost-effective and flexible
solution to optimize existing grid assets.
"Demand for electric power in the U.S. is increasing each year and
our customers, driven by the digital economy, are requiring higher reliability
and better power quality," said Terry Boston, Executive Vice President of
TVA's Transmission/Power Supply Group. "Until now, we've met our need for
VAR support by a variety of means, including capacitors and power
electronic-based systems. SuperVAR machines update the existing technology of
synchronous condensers that have been widely used in power transmission. We
believe they will provide a cost effective means to increase the power
throughput and reliability of our transmission grid. By getting more out of our
existing transmission assets, we'll be able to continue providing our customers
the reliable service they need, at reasonable costs."
"This product is developed off our current platform of HTS motors
and generators in direct response to customers' needs," said Greg Yurek,
chief executive officer of American Superconductor. "We began working with
TVA engineers and business managers over six months ago to create a better,
lower-cost way to meet their needs for reactive power support. SuperVAR
machines open up an entirely new market for HTS technology. Their introduction
coincides extremely well with the sharp increase in investment for new grid
solutions that's predicted in the U.S. over the next 10 years."
The SuperVAR product line compliments AMSC's family of transmission grid
products such as its dynamic reactive compensation device, or dynamic-VAR
(D-VAR(TM)), and its Distributed Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage
(D-SMES) systems. SuperVAR machines are specifically designed for continuous,
steady-state dynamic VAR support while maintaining a reserve for transient
problems. In contrast, D-VAR systems -- based on AMSC's PowerModule(TM) power
converters -- are designed to solve local voltage issues through a controlled,
directed output thus addressing more specific existing or known transient
problems. D-SMES systems provide real power in industrial and grid settings.
Together, these products allow utilities to optimize a solution for their specific
continuous or transient needs in their environment. AMSC's transmission
planning and sales teams work with utilities and transmission grid operators to
conduct extensive grid studies and determine the best solution in every case.
Technical Background
Synchronous condensers are AC synchronous rotating machines that produce
the reactive power required to ensure reliable flow of electricity through AC
power grids. AMSC's proprietary SuperVAR machines upgrade existing technology
by using standard synchronous condenser frames and stator coils mated with new,
power-dense rotor coils made from AMSC's HTS wires. The result is a synchronous
condenser that is more efficient than conventional machines without the
typically high rotor maintenance costs. In addition, the HTS rotor enables
these machines to provide up to eight times their rated capacity for short
periods -- a feature that allows SuperVAR machines to support both continuous
and transient VAR requirements.
SuperVAR machines are specifically designed for continuous, steady-state
dynamic VAR support while having multiples of their rated output in reserve for
transient problems. The first prototype SuperVAR synchronous condensers will
have an 8 mega-VAR (MVAR) continuous rating and will have up to an 8X overload
capacity. AMSC expects to also extend the product line to include units of
substantially larger ratings (see
http://www.amsuper.com/html/products/motorsGenerators/quickVAR.html.)
"Like ship propulsion motors and generators, dynamic synchronous
condensers are a high-growth business opportunity for our company," said
David Paratore, vice president and general manager of American Superconductor's
Electric Motors and Generators business unit. "Our market analysis shows
that the current U.S. market for SuperVAR machines is approximately $200
million per year with a projected compound annual growth rate of more than 15
percent. The worldwide market for synchronous condensers is projected to be
four to six times larger."
About American Superconductor
American Superconductor Corporation is a world leader in developing and
manufacturing products using superconductor wires and power electronic
converters for the electric power infrastructure. American Superconductor's
products, and those sold by electrical equipment manufacturers that incorporate
its products, can dramatically increase the bandwidth and reliability of power
delivery grids, reduce manufacturing and operating costs, and conserve
resources used to produce electric power. Founded in 1987, the company is
headquartered in Westborough, Mass. For more information, visit
http://www.amsuper.com/.
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Company's ability to obtain anticipated funding from corporate and government
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