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Raleigh, NC, Nov. 13, 2008 -- ABB has developed the technology for ultra-low-noise power transformers to help electric utility Consolidated Edison (ConEd) meet the newly-enforced noise regulations of New York City.
The transformers are the result of a research and development effort over a number of years by a team of ABB engineers and scientists in the United States, Sweden, and Germany. Included in the team were experts in the fields of vibrations as well as sound generation, transmission, and radiation. The project also involved the development of appropriate measuring methods of ultra-low-noise levels at discrete frequency components, as well as appropriate transformer mounting.
The noise requirements of these ConEd transformers are not only 20-25 decibels lower than is typical for this size of transformers, but limits were also set on the noise level of each frequency tone when the transformers are operating at full load and over-excitation.
In addition to meeting ConEd's standards for noise, ABB had to ensure that the transformers meet tight limits on weight, width, and height to permit transportation in Manhattan and other areas of New York City. The transformers must also comply with technical requirements like significant overload and extremely tight limits on the range of transformer impedance.
ABB delivered the first ultra-low-noise transformer to ConEd in 2005. The transformer had to be provided with a sound enclosure. As the ABB team developed the technology further, subsequent transformers delivered to ConEd did not need a sound enclosure and were much smaller in both size and weight. Several of the transformers have been delivered to ConEd and a number of them are already in operation. Additional transformers of lower noise levels are scheduled for delivery later this year and in early 2009.
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