Back to search

ENERGIX-Stort program energi

Dielectric solutions for solid insulating components in eco-efficient medium-voltage switchgear

Alternative title: Dielektriske løsninger for fast isolasjonsmateriale i miljøvennlige mellomspenningsbrytere

Awarded: NOK 3.5 mill.

Project Number:

321449

Project Period:

2021 - 2023

Funding received from:

Location:

Subject Fields:

Medium-voltage (MV, 1-52 kV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) are key components in primary and secondary distribution networks. Compact gas insulated switchgears contain live, high voltage conductors and switches. Electrical insulation between these parts is typically provided by sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas. SF6 is an excellent electrical insulator, but unfortunately a strong greenhouse gas. Replacing SF6 over the entire medium-voltage portfolio with eco-friendly gases requires elaborate dielectric design. This project aims to improve the dielectric performance by implementing optimal surface profiles on internal insulating parts in MV switchgear. SINTEF and NTNU have performed experiments and simulations on electrical discharges over insulating surfaces. The tests have produced both fundamental and product-specific knowledge. At NTNU, three master students have been involved in the project. SINTEF has supported the students activities and also done simulations of the discharge propagation on different surface profiles. Four scientific journal papers and one conference paper were published. ABB Electrification have performed several development tests to explore the dielectric performance of the new products under development.

The innovations in the proposed R&D project consist of implementation of novel insulation solutions and design criteria in new SF6-free switchgear modules from ABB Electrification Norway AS. The new products will safeguard and increase ABB's MV switchgear market share and strengthen ABBs environmental profile. The knowledge and competence developed in ABB Electrification Norway AS and SINTEF/NTNU will be vital for the development of next generation gas insulated switchgears. The project contributed to the technological development required for the transition to a low-emission electrical grid and strengthen Norwegian industry in a competitive international market. The project results were published in 4 scientific journal papers and one conference paper .

ABB Electrification Norway AS in Skien manufactures 12, 24 and 36 kV gas insulated compact switchgears for the world market. These switchgears have traditionally used sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) as the main electrical insulation, which is a highly potent greenhouse gas (23 000 times stronger than CO2). Restrictions on the use of SF6 gas are in a planning phase by the EU commission and currently undergoing a public consultation process. Through earlier collaborative research, ABB has brought an SF6-free switchgear portfolio to the market, replacing SF6 with air (for 12 kV) and mixtures of air and C5-fluoroketone (for 24 kV) under the trade name AirPlus™. In order to meet future market demands and to comply with upcoming EU regulations, ABB must extend its SF6-free portfolio with 12 & 24 kV switchgear modules with fuses (referred to as F-panels) and also future SF6-free 12/24/36 kV models with enhanced ratings and lower costs. The less efficient insulation properties of air and AirPlus™ compared to SF6 creates a major challenge for the development of the new SF6-free switchgear modules. ABB will, in collaboration with SINTEF Energy Research and NTNU, use direct numerical simulations and ultrafast imaging experiments to optimize the design of solid insulating parts in new SF6-free 12/24 kV F-panel switchgear modules. The F-panel concept design will be prototyped and tested in the project. This project addresses thematic priority area 2 - renewable energy, area 3 - the energy system and markets and area 4 - energy consumption and conversion in the ENERGIX work programme by pushing the development of the SF6-free technology for MV switchgears forward. ?Cooperation between the ABB, SINTEF and NTNU ?is essential to meet the project goals.

Funding scheme:

ENERGIX-Stort program energi