High voltage products
COMPASS
Compact Prefabricated
Air Insulated Substation
Introduction
Way back in 1996, ABB introduced a simple, integrated and
innovative 123 kV to 170 kV high voltage switchyard module,
called COMPASS.
COMPASS combines the benefits of an open-air connected
substation with a very compact and smart design, allowing
contractors and end-users to plan, build and maintain high
voltage substations with minimum engineering, labour and
civil construction costs.
COMPASS is the right choice:
−− in the new greenfield substations, where the Life Cycle
Cost of a switchyard is the critical factor, COMPASS is cost
efficient, particularly where ground space is at a premium;
− − when it comes to retrofitting, and the substation needs to
be extended with limited ground space available, or when
the existing area has to be reduced (suburban areas, etc.).
All these benefits have created a new market where ABB is
the price performance leader and technology trend setter:
ABB has sold more than 1,300 units around the world during
the past 10 years.
Compass 145 kV installation with NABLA Busbar system
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What is COMPASS?
COMPASS means COMpact Prefabricated Air-insulated COMPASS is available with silicone insulators (porcelain
SubStation and includes all the high voltage functions of a insulators on request, only).
single bay in just one module. Each phase includes: The position of the these parts is shown in the diagram below.
− − One circuit-breaker with BLK Drive (both single- and
threephase operation)
− − Two disconnectors with their own motor/manual Drive
− − Two earthing switches with their own motor/manual Drive
− − One current transformer
− − One voltage transformer
−− One surge arrester
− − Local control cabinet.
General layout and single-line diagram
1 Circuit breaker
2 Disconnector switch
3 Current transformer
4 Voltage transformer
5 Surge arrester
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Data sheet
Normal service conditions Normal characteristics
Installation type Indoor – Outdoor General characteristics
Environmental conditions Rated voltage kV 123 145 170
Maximum air temperature + 40 °C Lightning impulse withstand voltage
Minimum air temperature - 30 °C (*) to earth & between phases kV 550 650 750
Altitude 1000 m over the isolating distance kV 630 750 860
Maximum wind speed 130 Km/h Power frequency withstand voltage
(*)
Other on request. to earth & between phases kV 230 275 325
over the isolating distance kV 265 315 375
Rated Frequency 50 (60) HZ
Rated normal current 1600 A (up to 2000 A)
Rated short time withstand current 40 kA
Mechanical stress on terminals According to IEC
Rated supply voltage of closing and 110 VDC
opening devices and auxiliary circuits
Rated supply voltage of closing and 400/230 VAC
opening devices and auxiliary circuits
Degree of protection of enclosures IP44 (**)
Seismic withstand factor 0.5 g
(**)
Other degrees of protection on request.
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Environmental impact
Environmental protection is one of ABB’s top corporate in relation to environmental issues. It has been designed in
priorities. Environmental issues are considered in all its compliance with the COMPASS project philosophy, which
operations and production. combines functional and reliable systems with the use of
ABB develops its processes and manufactures its products highly recyclable materials.
respecting the environment, in compliance with the ISO 14001 Moreover, COMPASS is so compact that it reduces the area
standard. ABB designs its processes and products aiming to required for the complete substation by about 50% (over 65%
reduce environmental impact as far as possible (greenhouse for the HV switchyard alone). This consequently reduces the
effect, acidification, photo oxidant formation, ozone depletion, use of gas and materials, such as SF6, steel, aluminium, iron,
etc.). etc.
It carefully considers and evaluates environmental impact by The compact structure of COMPASS plus the use of eco-
means of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), in accordance with efficient materials make COMPASS with silicon isolators
ISO 14040. a product that conforms to the standards of sustainable
The environmental performance of a product must be development recognized throughout the world.
ascertained on the basis of an LCA. LCA is a useful method With regard to the greenhouse effect, COMPASS with silicon
for calculating the environmental impact of a product. isolators reduces the environmental impact by about 50%
COMPASS with silicon isolators is the result of our efforts compared to a complete conventional substation.
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COMPASS substation
100
100
100
Standard substation
Erection time
Green house effect
Area
Comparison between a standard substation and Compass
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