Enhancing Grid Stability and Safety

Fortress Systems provides advanced solutions for the electricity generation and distribution sector, focusing on safeguarding transformers and generators in substations across Australia and internationally. Our neutral earthing solutions (NERs and NETS) are integral in limiting fault currents, thereby protecting critical infrastructure. Additionally, our filter resistors play a pivotal role in improving network quality as components of Static VAR compensation packages and damping resistors for HVDC links. Our commitment extends to supporting the implementation of innovative technologies like Rapid Earth Fault Current Limiters (REFCL) by designing customised mobile test equipment for validation and ongoing operation. We also collaborate with generator manufacturers and hire companies, offering tailored NERs with contactors or disconnectors, and supply load banks essential for commissioning, testing, and maintaining optimal generator performance.

Robust Resistor Solutions for Mining Operations

Since our inception, Fortress Systems has been deeply involved in the mining industry, contributing to the development of Australian Standards and supporting mining safety organisations such as MESA. Our NERs are deployed in diverse applications, from low-voltage underground substations to 66kV units in surface mining operations, suitable for both fixed and mobile equipment. We provide motor control resistors and liquid starters that enhance the operation of draglines and shovels globally, and facilitate the starting of large conveyors and crushers in iron ore mines. Our dynamic braking resistors assist in controlling equipment powered by variable speed drives, including conveyors, stackers, reclaimers, and ship loaders. Additionally, we supply high-capacity high-voltage load banks for remote power generation stations and high-current AC and DC contactors for liquid resistance starters and dragline operations.

Powering Sustainable Energy Projects

In the renewable energy sector, Fortress Systems’ NERs and NETs are employed to limit earth fault levels at substations connecting wind and solar farms to the transmission network. Our filter resistors assist these sites in meeting power quality obligations essential for national grid integration. We also supply motor starting resistors and high-current AC and DC contactors for hydro power stations, contributing to the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy generation.

Ensuring Reliability in Data Centre Operations

Fortress Systems delivers customised portable air cooled and liquid cooled load banks designed for commissioning and testing the power supply and cooling systems of data centre aisles prior to the installation of racking and computing equipment. We also provide large medium-voltage (MV) and low-voltage (LV) load banks, both resistive and reactive, utilised for commissioning and testing on-site generation, ensuring data centres operate with maximum reliability and efficiency.

Mission-Critical Resistor Solutions for Defence Applications

Our NERs are installed in substations across numerous defence bases in Australia, often built to meet stringent defence specifications. Fortress Systems supplies both fixed and portable load banks for periodic generator testing. In collaboration with our sister company in the UK, we offer specialised fan-forced or water-cooled braking resistors designed to rapidly brake propeller shafts on naval warships, underscoring our commitment to supporting defence operations with precision-engineered solutions.

Enhancing Safety and Efficiency in Oil and Gas Operations

Fortress Systems’ NERs are integral in protecting gas turbine generators and transformers across Australia’s LNG production plants, offshore platforms, and upstream production infrastructure. Notably, some of the largest NERs ever manufactured have been installed on 132kV distribution systems at LNG facilities in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Our dynamic braking resistors are essential components of linear rod pumps used to extract coal seam methane gas, and we provide large-capacity medium-voltage (MV) load banks to support remote power generation stations, ensuring operational safety and efficiency in the oil and gas industry.

Advancing Transportation with Reliable Resistor Solutions

Fortress Systems has experience locally manufacturing fan-cooled braking resistors utilised in trains and trams; our most recent project  was building braking units fitted to Victoria’s newest fleet of trains. As the Australian manufacturing unit of the Telema Group – a global leader in braking resistors, auxiliary heaters, onboard contactors and disconnectors, breakers, and protection relays for the railway market – we are committed to delivering reliable and efficient solutions that advance transportation infrastructure.