Powerformer(R): a giant step in power plant engineering

Powerformer(R), a new high-voltage generator, was presented by ABB. It offers a direct connection to the power network without the need for a step-up transformer. In a sense, Powerformer incorporates into one unit the functions of both the conventional generator and the step-up transformer. Thanks to its ability to generate electricity at transmission voltage levels, a power plant utilizing Powerformer offers considerable gains with respect to reactive power production and plant efficiency. Thus, Powerformer both facilitates network stability and decreases the exploitation of the natural resources