Stabilising operational conditions in high-voltage converter stations

Condensation risk

The CASA-1000 (Central Asia-South Asia) project is an ambitious $1.16 billion initiative aimed at transporting surplus hydroelectric power from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to Pakistan and Afghanistan. This 777 km network will transmit 1,300 megawatts (MW) at 500 kilovolts (kV), utilizing HVDC (High Voltage Direct Current) technology to minimize power losses.

However, the project faced a critical climatic challenge: volatile ambient temperatures were causing condensation in the HVDC converter stations with the risk of malfunctioning electronic equipment and electric networks. With summer temperatures soaring to 44°C and winter temperatures plummeting to -10°C, coupled with up to 97% relative air humidity, maintaining stable humidity levels was crucial for the project's success and equipment longevity. Controlling the relative humidity below 60% is important to avoid corrosion in the HVDC converter stations. Furthermore, air purification was needed to protect the sensitive equipment and avoid short circuits.

Key players in this international collaboration include:

• Governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan
• ABB: A Swedish-Swiss multinational technology corporation specialising in robotics, electrical power generation, automation, industrial equipment, motors, and other electrification and engineering technologies.
• Grupo Cobra: A Spanish multinational company specialising in industrial infrastructure, developing, creating, and operating industrial infrastructures that require a high level of service.
• Trotec (a Dantherm brand): A German/Danish multinational expert in dehumidification systems since 1954.

Tailored dehumidification for volatile temperatures

To address the humidity control challenges, a correctly calibrated solution was needed:

• Four adsorption dehumidification units using desiccant rotor technology (TTR-12000 model)
• Each unit capacity: 66.5 kg/h dehumidification; 8,000 m3/h airflow
• Equipped with HEPA H13 filters for air purification, capturing at least 99.97% of particles as small as 0.3 microns.
• Designed for maximum efficiency without the use of chillers

The highly effective desiccant dehumidifier is suitable for various industries, such as chemical and food production, water processing facilities or electrical control centres, where it protects machinery, inventory, and buildings from corrosion, condensation, and mould formation. It is ideal for high dry air demand in cold environments with low dew points.

Learn more about the TTR-12000 dehumidifier

Dehumidification secures the project’s longevity

The dehumidifier solution played a crucial role in safeguarding the CASA 1000 project, demonstrating the importance of advanced climate control in large-scale energy projects.

Key takeaways:

• Strict control of humidity, temperature, and air quality in HVDC converter stations
• Ensured proper functioning of ABB equipment.
• Prevention of condensation, corrosion, and malfunctions due to inappropriate environmental conditions.
• Enhanced overall reliability and longevity of the power transmission infrastructure.
• Contribution to the project's goal of efficient power transmission across four countries.

If you would like to learn more about our range of climate control solutions, get in touch today by completing the below form.