ABB’s circuit breakers protect Chinese hydropower plants

ABB will supply Generator Circuit Breakers to major hydropower plants coming up in China. The deal is part of power sources to China’s “West to East power transmission” program. ABB will deliver HEC7/8 Generator Circuit Breakers, featuring the world’s largest breaking capacity, to the Xiluodu HPP, Xiangjiaba HPP, Jinping-I&II HPPs, and Guandi HPP projects, ensuring their safe and efficient operation.

“ABB’s involvement in these important domestic HPP projects is yet another demonstration of our effort to actively promote the efficient use of clean energy in China. It also highlights our leadership and strength in GCBs,” said Bernd Muehe, Head of ABB Power Products Division, North Asia Region and China.

GCBs are essential equipment for safe and reliable power plant operation. The large generators have large short-circuits and breaking current. The fault currents will seriously endanger the safe operation of the power station. In the case of fault currents, the GCBs immediately cut off the circuit, isolating any damage, protecting the generator, transformers and other core devices, therefore, significantly improving the operational safety of the power station.