ABB to support the increasing digitalization of substations

ABB and Intel signed a formal agreement to collaborate on the marketing and selling of next-generation distribution automation systems and products for protection and control in utility and industrial applications. At the core of the agreement is ABB Ability™ smart substation control and protection for electrical systems, SSC600, powered by Intel® Xeon® processors.

SSC600 centralizes all protection and control functionality in a single, IEC 61850-compliant device at the substation level to reduce network complexity and support optimal, lifelong asset management for the digital substation. It helps utilities make the change to a more digital environment, allowing protection and control of a wide variety of applications in real time.

ABB is the first global manufacturer of medium-voltage protection and control devices that aligns with Intel’s virtualization and centralization strategy for distribution networks. The aim of the strategy is a single, centralized, software-driven device with extensive application coverage.

ABB’s innovative smart substation control and protection device with its advanced technology is capable of delivering the following exceptional benefits:

• Reduced security management and capital investment costs
• Reduced operational and maintenance expenses with optimized system reliability
• Enhanced cybersecurity features with multiple hardware and software layers
• Easy and efficient process management with station-wide process visibility
• Improved operational safety with centralized protection concept
• Easy adaption to changing network protection requirements with scalable software architecture

“ABB and Intel are jointly opening the doors to future substation protection schemes. Customers will benefit from the support of two major digital technology leaders instead of one,” said Alessandro Palin, managing director of ABB’s Distribution Solutions business. “Together, we will drive the development of next-generation technologies.”

“SSC600 powered by Intel Xeon processors is a flexible, scalable solution that enhances the security of critical protection systems in the substations while enabling greater visibility and easy access to valuable data,” said Christine Boles, VP, Internet of Things Group, and GM of the Industrial Solutions Division at Intel.

ABB is constantly creating new ways to advance protection and control technology for medium-voltage distribution systems. Although introducing a new way of thinking, SSC600 builds on ABB’s solid and proven technological foundation manifested in the renowned Relion® protection and control family.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization with two clear value propositions: bringing electricity from any power plant to any plug and automating industries from natural resources to finished products. As title partner in ABB Formula E, the fully electric international FIA motorsport class, ABB is pushing the boundaries of e-mobility to contribute to a sustainable future. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com