ABB to supply electrical, control systems for 75 MW solar PV plant in South Africa

ABB (Zürich, Switzerland) has won a USD 25 million order to supply turnkey electrical and control systems for a 75 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in South Africa's Northern Cape region.
The Kathu PV plant is owned by WBHO (Sandton, South Africa) and Building Energy (Italy), and was awarded during the first tranche of South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Program. The plant is located in the Kalahari Desert near the town of Kathu and one of the largest open-pit iron ore mines in the world. 

“Renewable energy sources such as solar have a key role to play in meeting the growing demand for electricity while minimizing environmental impact,” said ABB Power Systems Division Head Brice Koch. “We have a strong track record in delivering turnkey power and automation solutions that are optimizing photovoltaic power plants all over the world.”

Solution to include tracking system

ABB says that its electrical and automation solution will optimize output at the plant while ensuring reliability in remote and demanding operating conditions.

The solution will include a range of ABB power products, including medium- and low-voltage switchgear, distribution transformers and control and protection devices. The system will include distribution automation and control products from its Symphony Plus line.

ABB will be responsible for design, engineering, supply, installation and commissioning of the system. ABB will additionally supply an advanced tracking system with a back-tracking algorithm that optimizes tracker movement and eliminates shadow on the PV modules.

Finally, the solution will include a data-collection system that collects operational input from the trackers, inverters, string boxes and substation to enable remote operations and maintenance, which it notes will alleviate the need for on-site personnel.

From http://www.solarserver.com/solar-magazine/solar-news/current/2013/kw19/abb-to-supply-electrical-control-systems-for-75-mw-solar-pv-plant-in-south-africa.html