Infrastructure Upgrades & Technological Deployments in Australia

CJ Pearce Involved in infrastructure upgrades

These infrastructure upgrades and technological deployments demonstrate Australia’s transition to smarter grid technologies and industrial automation solutions, particularly in transportation networks and renewable energy integration.

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Tram substation upgrades in Australia

Melbourne’s Tram Network Substation Upgrade

Melbourne’s tram network is undergoing substation upgrades to support modern, high-capacity trams and improve network reliability.

Key aspects include:

  • Technical requirements: New substations convert 6.6-22kV AC to 600V DC using transformers and rectifiers. Modern E-Class trams require 20-30% more power than older models, necessitating infrastructure upgrades
  • Environmental considerations:
    • Electromagnetic field (EMF) mitigation measures
    • Native vegetation preservation protocols
    • Graffiti-resistant cladding solutions

ABB AVR Solutions

Main features

  • Compact and robust AVR for excitation current
  • Separate communication and control processors
  • Wide range of built-in control software functions
  • Ethernet-based fieldbus interface
  • Wide range of power input voltage, for AC and DC input
  • Flexible and freely configurable measurements and inputs/outputs (I/Os)

Wide range of applications

  • Land-based power plants based on diesel engines, gas or steam turbines and hydro turbines
  • Marine: electrical propulsion and auxiliary supply
  • Traction: diesel electric locomotives
  • Wind: based on direct connected synchronous machines
  • Synchronous motors

Key installations:

C.J. Pearce Has been involved with more than 30 AVR upgrades at Power Stations around Australia over a period of more than 25 years.

Changing over DC drives at various locations around Australia – Primarily paper & timber mills

DC Drive Modernisation Program

Key features of new installations:

  • Deterministic position control for multi-axis synchronization
  • Soft-start capabilities reducing mechanical stress
  • Integrated IoT monitoring platforms

Australian manufacturers are leading in compact STATCOM solutions:

ABB STATCOM Units

At C.J.Pearce we specialise in providing cutting-edge ABB STATCOM (Static Synchronous Compensator) units to enhance power quality and stability for various industrial applications. ABB’s STATCOM solutions, such as the VArPro™ and PCS 6000, offer dynamic reactive power compensation, ensuring superior performance and reliability.

Key Benefits of ABB STATCOM Units:

  • Dynamic Reactive Power Compensation: Instantly compensates for voltage fluctuations, mitigating flicker and correcting power factor.
  • Enhanced Operational Performance: Improves efficiency, safety, and precision in industrial processes.
  • Modular and Scalable Designs: Flexible solutions ranging from 100 kVAr to 50 MVAr, suitable for various system sizes.
  • High Reliability: Proven technology with built-in redundancy and protection systems.
  • Rugged Design: Containerized solutions protect sensitive equipment, ensuring low maintenance costs and peace of mind in harsh environments.

Applications:

  • Industrial Facilities: Protects against power disruptions, voltage sags, and equipment failures.
  • Utilities: Provides voltage support and stabilization, increasing transmission capacity.
  • Renewable Energy: Ensures grid code compliance for wind farms and solar parks.
  • Railways: Balances loads and corrects power factor for efficient electrification.

Discover how ABB STATCOM units can optimize your power quality and operational performance. Contact us today to learn more!