ABB has completed the delivery of a comprehensive electrical package to Norway-based REC wafer, the world’s largest producer of multicrystalline silicon wafers.
After more than a year of sales pursuit via global and local coordination, ABB has completed the project delivery on December 2009. The project scope includes:
- The design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of power distribution transformers
- High- , medium- and low-voltage switchgears; including MNSiS integrated motor control system
- Power Quality Monitoring System (PQMS)
- Variable Speed Drives (VFD)
- Robot IRB 6640 and Flexpicker IRB 360
The dedicated and experienced team from ABB’s offices in Norway and Singapore shared good practices from past experiences, and was able to work hand-in-hand, giving REC fullest support throughout the execution.
“REC Wafer’s main requirements of the electrical package for their 740MW manufacturing facility was leading edge technology, reliability and safety,” said, Benson Lim, manager of ABB's low voltage systems in Singapore. “They had high expectations and stringent standards for REC’s end products. ABB was able to supply quality products and services that meet and exceed their requirements. For example, the FlexPicker 360 was able to transfer photovoltaic crystalline wafers and cells at high speed to optimize cycle time, hence increasing efficiency.”
Benson added, “Our team did a great job and the orders are the result of strong service support from ABB, ABB’s latest technology offerings, and the expertise and knowledge of our team”
Pursuit team leader, Cecilia Lee said, “There was great teamwork during the pursuit. The ABB team was involved in the sales pursuit early, right from the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) stage, when our EPC was in the process of reviewing their design. ABB provided leading edge technology and a good design concept, while taking into consideration life cycle maintenance value and cost.”
About REC Singapore
REC is constructing the world's largest integrated solar energy production facility in Singapore. The solar plant will be based on multicrystalline technology, and the integrated business model will secure volume off-take and margins, and act as an in-house base for product development across the value chain.
Production is expected to commence in the first quarter 2010, and reach full capacity of 740 MW of wafers, 550 MW of cells and 590 MW of modules before 2012. The competence base and industrial experience in Singapore are highly relevant for this type of operation.
The planned wafer capacity is estimated at 740 MW in the first development phase. The first of the plants in Singapore is expected to be ramped-up by early 2010, with the second plant following later in the year. Staffing at the wafer plant in Singapore is expected to reach about 300 people (Phase I), of which 240 will be in production and 60 in other functions.
About REC Wafer
REC Wafer has been an industry leader in developing and implementing high productivity equipment and processes for large-scale industrial operation. The wafer segment contributes to the strength of the REC Group through its focus on continually generating process improvements that reduce the cost of wafer products, while also increasing their energy conversion efficiencies.