Devens, Mass.-based American Superconductor Corp. (AMSC) has received an order for a large-scale dynamic reactive compensation solution from National Grid, which manages the electricity network on Long Island under an agreement with Long Island Power Authority (LIPA). AMSC will install its proprietary dynamic volt ampere reactive (D-VAR) STATCOM solution on eastern Long Island to ensure the continued reliability of the local power grid. Reactive power compensation is necessary to stabilize voltage, relieve power grid congestion, improve electrical efficiency and prevent blackouts in power grids, according to the company.
The total dynamic range of reactive compensation provided by this transmission grid solution will be -96 to +240 mega-volt-amperes reactive (MVAR). AMSC will provide a full turnkey solution, including installation and ongoing maintenance and support for LIPA. The contract calls for commissioning of the reactive compensation solution by mid-2010. It will include a 36 MVAR base-rated D-VAR STATCOM.
This is the second D-VAR solution AMSC has sold for LIPA's power grid. In addition, in April 2008, AMSC commissioned the world's first high-temperature superconductor power transmission cable system in LIPA's commercial power grid.
SOURCE: American Superconductor Corp.
