KEMA trains staff State Grid corporation of China on quality assurance

In May 2008, State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) awarded KEMA with a consulting service contract on the quality assurance of key equipment for the world record breaking Xiang-Shang 800 kV HVDC transmission project. Up to now, the world largest 800kV and 600kV converter transformers as well as one part of 6 inches thyristor valves have been successfully type tested. With a number of even more challenging big HVDC transmission projects planned in the coming years, SGCC recognises the importance of quality assurance work and therefore awarded KEMA for a training course on quality assurance of key HVDC equipment for SGCC staff. The training course was delivered successfully in December 2008 at KEMA office in Arnhem.

Tailor-made course
The SGCC delegation of 15 people were in The Netherlands for two weeks from December 8th. Yanny Fu and Peter Vaessen of KEMA gave the training course based on tailor-made course material, designed for specific needs for SGCC. The training covered systematically the basics of quality assurance and the SGCC staff got acquainted with the “KEMA method” for quality assurance on converter transformers and thyristor valves. Technical visits to several KEMA laboratories including the High Power Laboratory and the NordNed converter station at Eemshaven (HVDC link Netherlands – Norway 580 km / ±450 kV) completed the technical part of the training. The Chinese delegation also got an impression of Dutch culture from visits to the Royal Palace “Het Loo” and the famous Arnhem Open Air Museum.

Training Certificates
After two weeks of intense training activities, Thijs Aarten, member of the Executive Board, handed over 15 training certificates to the SGCC staff. Mr. Lu, the delegation leader, expressed that they learned a new way of looking at quality assurance and that “record keeping” and asking questions by the quality assurance party is very important to ensure a successful project.