ABB offers the world's largest tunnel ventilation system

Zurich, May 17, 2011 - ABB, the world's leading power and automation technology group, signed a cooperation agreement with ATG Transit Gotthard AG to provide ventilation systems for the Gotthard tunnel project in Switzerland. The value is 21 million US dollars.

The Gotthard Base Tunnel is the world’s largest railway tunnel project, with a total length of 57 kilometers, and a total length of 152 kilometers for all tunnels, shafts and aisles. Trains can cross the Alps through the tunnel. The tunnel railway project is scheduled to be completed and put into operation in 2017. After completion, 200 to 250 trains will be expected to pass each day.

A joint project team formed by ABB and German TLT Turbo Gmbh has won a contract valued at US$ 45 million. It will be responsible for the design, production and installation of the world’s largest tunnel ventilation system to provide fresh air for the entire tunnel network. ABB technology will ensure that tunnel ventilation systems achieve the highest levels of reliability and energy efficiency.

"The stability, safety and quality level of the system are the top priorities of the tunnel project. Our ventilation system meets ATG's most stringent safety standards and ensures energy-efficient operation," said Niu Nick, head of the ABB Group's Process Automation Business Unit. This project proves that the comprehensive solution and applied knowledge developed by ABB for process automation can help other industrial applications to improve their operational efficiency."

ABB's equipment for the entire project includes: low- and medium-voltage switches and other electrical equipment, 800xA control systems, sensors and other electronic devices for measuring air flow and temperature, drive systems, and other automation equipment. ABB will also be responsible for the engineering of the cable design and delivery work, and will be responsible for the installation, assembly and commissioning of other components.

ABB is a leader in power and automation technology in the world's top 500 companies. ABB is committed to helping power, utilities and industrial customers improve their performance while reducing their impact on the environment. ABB Group operates in more than 100 countries and employs 124,000 people. ABB has a full range of business activities in China including R&D, manufacturing, sales, and engineering services. It has 16,300 employees, 31 local companies, and sales and service networks in 80 cities across the country.