“ABB is the market leader for fully-integrated electrical and automation systems for pumping equipment in the Gulf,” said Peter Smits, head of the group’s power technologies division. “This contract demonstrates ABB’s technological leadership - both in power and automation - in the utility industry.”
Under the terms of the contract, ABB will provide electrical systems and components for two pumping stations and a new water pipeline for the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority in the United Arab Emirates. The new 250-km long pipeline will deliver around 400 million litres of water per day from the Shuweihat desalination plant, and help meet the Emirate’s growing need for drinking water. The project is due to be completed in October, 2004.
The contract package includes 33-kV, 11-kV, and low-voltage switchgear, power transformers, instrumentation, process automation systems, cabling, DC and uninterruptible power supplies, as well as motors and variable speed drives for the freshwater pumps. ABB will also use water-cooled variable frequency drives to ensure precise speed regulation for the freshwater pumps operating at high power and under extreme climate conditions. The solution is based on new semiconductor technology developed by ABB, who will also engineer, install, and commission the equipment.
