EQUIPMENT FOR ELECTRICAL STABILITY PLANTS

Welsh Power, a UK energy development, distribution, and asset management company, is executing several projects focused on improving the stability of the British electricity grid. Given the growing presence of renewable energy generation, especially wind power, Welsh Power is installing grid stability plants based on synchronous condensers, rotating machines that provide inertia and voltage support to the grid, functions previously performed naturally by traditional thermal plants, ensuring the continuity of the power supply in the event of main grid failures.

In order to operate continuously and reliably, a synchronous condenser requires rigorous thermal management, as it generates significant thermal losses and therefore requires an efficient cooling system.

Therefore, these projects incorporate a closed cooling circuit in which centrifugal pumps play a fundamental role, ensuring the constant flow rate and pressure necessary to maintain a stable thermal cycle. This is a clear example of how renewable electrification requires not only new technologies but also reliable and specialized industrial solutions that provide stability and robustness to the electrical grid.

In 2024, EMICA successfully supplied equipment for the closed cooling circuit at the Gretna plant (Scotland), equipped with a 60 MVA synchronous condenser. We will soon deliver equipment for a second similar plant in Sellindge (England). Likewise, at the end of the year, we will deliver equipment for a third 100 MVA plant in Cilfynydd (Wales).

This equipment is ISPK-type process pumps (ISO 2858 and 5199) with flow rates between 200 and 400 m3/h and a pressure of 4 barg.

(Photo: https://www.welshpower.com/index.html)