Huntington Beach Generating Station:
Converting generators to synchronous
condensers ensures California’s grid stability
Reference – Electrical Solutions
Instrumentation, Controls & Electrical
Width: 4,36
The Result
■ Improved grid reliability
due to the conversion of
the two generators to
synchronous condensers
■ No emissions thanks to
synchronous condensers
which use no fuel
■ Innovative further use of
shut down units
SPPA-E3000 Electrical Solutions
make it possible to convert two retired
generators to synchronous condensers to
ensure grid stability in Southern California.
The Plant
The four natural gas fired steam units that
make up the Huntington Beach Generating
Station are located in Huntington Beach,
California and owned by AES Southland
Holdings, LLC. Units 3 and 4 had been retired
since 1995. The operating units are of great
regional significance as they generate
enough power to light nearly a half-million
Californian homes and businesses.
The Task
The power supply of 400,000 homes in
Southern California was challenged by the
decommissioning of the San Onofre nuclear
power plant in Southern California. To maintain
grid reliability it was decided that bringing
unit 3 and 4 of Huntington Beach out of
retirement to serve as synchronous condensers
would be a good option. To do so, however, the
application needed not only to comply with
California’s strict environmental regulations, but
also meet a short time schedule.
The Solution
Siemens converted the steam turbine
generators of unit 3 and 4 to synchronous
condensers by the usage of various solutions
from the SPPA-E3000 Electrical Solutions
portfolio.
As General Contractor, Siemens performed the
entire scope of work including all equipment
supply, demolition and installation services.
The installed solution using electrical motors
and variable frequency drives to accelerate the
generators to synchronous speed was
introduced by Siemens as the most effective
way to meet the strenuous demands for this
application.
The acceleration system as well as the auxiliary
systems were integrated into the plant's existing
control and protection systems, making it easy
for training of the operations and maintenance
personnel.
In cooperation with AES Southland, Siemens
mastered the „herculean“ effort thanks to its
engineering and project management expertise
in the shortest possible time.
Width: 5,60
“By partnering with Siemens to
develop and construct this
important project, we supported
much needed stability. This was
a major undertaking, but well
worth the effort to help keep the
lights on and air conditioners
blowing without interruption –
especially during heat waves.”
Weikko Wirta, Operations and Maintenance Manager
AES Southland
Answers for energy.
Published by and copyright © 2013:
Siemens Energy, Inc.
Instrumentation, Controls, & Electrical
1345 Ridgeland Parkway, Suite 116
Alpharetta, GA 30004, USA
E307_FR_Huntington Beach_e_V1-0
For more information contact
[email protected]
www.siemens.com/energy/sppa-e3000
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