Two transformers installed on the ITER site

The transformers that have been designed by F4E, procured by the US Domestic Agency (DA) and manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industry, have reached the ITER site. Qualified as Heavy Exceptional Loads (HEL), the two pieces of equipment have been delivered by DAHER, the exclusive logistics provider for HELs, raising the total number of components transferred so far with this protocol to six. F4E has already started with the assembly and once completed, the equipment will be handed over to ITER International Organization (IO).

The design process started in 2009 in close collaboration with ITER IO, the US DA, F4E and its contractors- Energhia, Engage and Apave. The equipment has been delivered near the 400 kV network, where F4E has been responsible for the infrastructure works under the supervision of Ferrovial.

The contractor has been constructing four oil retention pits measuring 100 m² and 70m³ each to collect any possible leakage of the oil from the transformers. Through the second contract, four 400 kV transformers for the steady state electrical network will be positioned, assembled, tested and commissioned. Three additional transformers will be installed in the northern part of this area and all of them will be connected to the grid.

A power of 1200 MVA will run through the ITER electrical system using a Pulsed Power Electrical Network (PPEN) and a Steady-State Electrical Network (SSEN). For example, the AC/DC converters, the Heating and Current Drive systems, and the Reactive Power Compensation will be supplied through the PPEN, whose high voltage components will come from China. Thanks to this electrical network, the ITER plasma will be heated and the powerful superconductive magnets will operate in order to confine it. Meanwhile, the major consumers of the SSEN, whose high voltage components will come from the US, will supply with power the cryogenic and cooling water systems, the tritium plant and the general infrastructures. This network will provide the power needed to generate the low temperatures for some of the components in the machine.

A series of studies will be carried out regarding the different infrastructure works for the foundations of the electrical components, the precipitation drainage systems and the earthing grid system, the lighting and fences to be installed. Once the electrical assembly of the other components is in place the works for the entire high voltage electrical substation will be considered completed.

The installation of all other components in order to connect the transformers to the 400 kV network, and the construction of the building that will house the 22 kV switchgear on the site, are planned for mid-2016.