Following the successful completion of commissioning tests, GE Energy's new variable frequency transformer (VFT) technology has entered commercial service for TransEnergie, Hydro Québec's transmission division, at its Langlois Substation in Québec, Canada.

The project marks the commercial debut of the VFT technology, and enables TransEnergie to interconnect with other power grids at a lower cost and with less risk than with conventional converter technologies.

The Langlois Substation is located in St. Timothée, Quebec, southwest of Montreal and near existing interconnection facilities that are close to Ontario and New York.

VFT technology provides a controlled path between electrical grids, permitting power exchanges that were previously impossible because of technical constraints, such as asynchronous boundaries or congestion. Hydro-Québec expects that the VFT technology will enable the Langlois Substation to transfer an extra 100 MW of power between grids.

The VFT system is based on a combination of hydro generator and transformer technologies. It consists of a rotary transformer that provides a continuously controllable phase shift for any angle, and a drive system and control that adjust the angle and speed of the rotary transformer to regulate power flow. The VFT's 100-MW channels can be combined for up to 400 MW in a single installation.

The commissioning process at the Langlois Substation included drive and rotational tests, round-power grid configuration, response-to-power commands, a heat run, energized tests for an isolated hydro plant, an isolated hydro generation unit trip, and energized tests for a grid connection. GE reports that the tests met all of the design specifications for the VFT system.

As the project's turnkey contractor, GE Energy performed all site construction and provided the VFT transformer and balance-of-plant electrical equipment for the Langlois Substation. Also participating in the project was GE Power Systems Energy Consulting, which provides comprehensive power system issues analysis services to help clients worldwide improve their competitive positions and add value to their power systems holdings.

TransEnergie has the most extensive transmission system in North America. It carries high-quality power to customers in Québec and the United States. TransEnergie enjoys a worldwide reputation for its expertise, technological leadership and system reliability, and is known for its wide-scale use of cutting-edge technologies on its grid. It has approximately 3200 employees and manages assets of more than US$11 billion.
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