FDI News

ABB introduces innovative solar tech to Vietnam Solar Energy Summit 2018

In striving to innovate and develop solutions to efficiently transform solar energy into ­reliable power, ABB has unveiled its new PVS-175-TL string inverter - designed to reduce logistics and ­installation costs by up to 65 per cent, as well as improve the levelised cost of electricity for utility-scale ­installations.

The second Vietnam Solar Energy Summit was held last week in Hanoi, aiming to create a one-stop business platform for all industry players to share knowledge and expand contacts in Vietnam’s rapid growing solar energy sector.

Doan Van Hien, managing director of the Electrification Division at ABB Vietnam, said, “As demand for higher voltage and higher power class ratings continues to grow, we are very excited to bring a scalable and versatile solution to the Vietnamese solar market.”

Hien added, “This latest product not only supports higher power densities, but improves installation with a reduced commissioning time. It also benefits from advanced communication and digitalisation for condition-based monitoring and proactive maintenance for the operator. These are market-leading features we are confident will be well received in Vietnam.”

Advanced digital capabilities through ABB Ability™, ABB’s comprehensive cross-divisional digital offering, improves the user experience. It helps reduce time on site through remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, and future-proofs the system via automatic upgrades, compliance and integration with new IP protocols. The innovative design has recently been recognised by industry experts as the leading PV product innovation at the 2018 Intersolar Awards.

ABB also displayed its technology-leading solar inverter transformer, specifically matched to solar inverter sizes and their applications - from residential rooftops to commercial and industrial applications and utility-grade power plants.

The solar inverter transformers are designed to optimise the performance, reliability and return on investment of any solar installation with extended life in all environmental conditions. The product is manufactured at ABB’s transformer factory in Vietnam, and has secured multiple orders for projects in the country and further across the region.

In addition, ABB was the exclusive technology supplier host of a pre-event forum titled “Solar Energy Storage” which addressed growing interest in energy storage farms and the need to ensure grid stability and flexibility due to the intermittent nature of renewable energy. ABB shared its latest technology innovations and breakthroughs in energy storage to grid owners, local developers and international investors hoping to learn about this emerging industry, and get a better understanding of the opportunities for renewable energy deployment in Vietnam.

Last month, ABB co-hosted a dialogue with the Electricity and Renewable Energy Authority under the Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade on renewable energy. Titled “Renewable energy integration: challenges and technologies”, the dialogue addressed the future of clean energy in Vietnam.

ABB will supply, install and commission the complete electrical system package to connect the synchronous compensators to the grid, including protection and controls as well as the monitoring and diagnostic systems. The solution is designed to increase the reliability, stability, efficiency and functional safety of the electrical system.

The company has also been actively participating in the formulation of the Direct Power Purchase Agreement, to support Vietnam’s transition in increasing the generation and consumption of renewable energy.

ABB began operations in Vietnam in 1993, and over 25 years has grown into a reliable technology partner providing pioneering solutions and services. In addition, ABB manufactures transformers - high- and medium-voltage power products - within Vietnam for its customers across the globe. The firm employs some 900 employees across four facilities in Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City.