Reliable power conversion enabling continuous operations at Yamama Cement
Customer Story | 1 min read
Yamama Cement needed a reliable way to run a new 50‑hertz production line using its existing 60‑hertz generator fleet. Hitachi Energy delivered four PCS6000 Static Frequency Converters that supply stable 50‑hertz power as the sole source for the production line. The installation ensures high power quality, maintains continuous operations and supports Yamama’s long‑term expansion plans.
Challenge
Yamama Cement operates an off‑grid facility powered by 60‑Hz diesel generators, while the expanded 50‑Hz production line required a different frequency to operate correctly. This mismatch prevented a direct connection and would have required significant investment in new equipment. To move forward with the plant expansion, the company needed a reliable way to supply stable 50‑Hz power from its existing 60‑Hz generation fleet, maintain production continuity, ensure good power quality, and keep the option open for future connection to the national grid.
In addition, the project had to be executed in a remote desert location, far from major cities, which added logistical complexity and increased the importance of minimizing on‑site installation risks and errors.
Solution
Hitachi Energy delivered four 20‑MW PCS6000 Static Frequency Converters that convert the output of Yamama Cement’s existing 60‑Hz generators into stable 50‑Hz power for the new production line. The units operate in parallel with automatic load sharing and provide the necessary power‑quality support to ensure smooth, continuous operation, allowing the customer to use its existing assets and prepare for future grid integration.
Thanks to the containerized, factory‑tested “plug‑and‑play” design of the PCS6000, the installation and commissioning were straightforward, significantly reducing on‑site complexity and mitigating typical execution risks.
Load sharing between converters for stable high‑demand operations
Energy efficiency by bridging 60/50‑hertz requirements without new generation equipment
Autonomous parallel operation for continuous industrial performance
Improved power quality and reactive power support
Impact
The PCS6000 installation delivers a stable, high‑quality 50 Hz supply that supports continuous operation of Yamama Cement’s production line in its islanded setup, with parallel operation and reactive‑power support enhancing system stability and power quality. By using the existing 60 Hz generator fleet and converting to 50 Hz at the point of use, the project avoids major investment in new generation (reducing CAPEX) while improving operational efficiency. The simplified, plug‑and‑play execution approach also minimized on‑site work in a remote desert environment, reducing installation time, limiting potential errors, and ensuring a smooth project delivery.
The solution also keeps the facility ready for future connection to the national grid, aligning with the company’s long‑term expansion plans.
Ready for future connection to the national grid
Overall system optimization
Ensuring power quality in an islanded grid
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