China high tension switchgear in Norway

Is high voltage switchgear a greener and smarter transmission system?

This contribution highlights some important research and technology trends in high voltage (HV) switchgear development for reaching greener and smarter electricity transmission systems. In AC transmission, the focus is on the replacement of SF 6, which is a strong greenhouse gas, in HV switchgear.

What is high voltage switchgear?

High voltage (HV) switchgear is crucial for the transmission and control of electric power in power grids [1 - 3]. It includes HV AC circuit-breakers (CB) of live tank type (LTB), dead-tank type (DTB) and gas-insulated switchgear (GIS); see Fig. 1. Requirements are defined in international standards, e.g., [4, 5].

What are the latest trends in HV switchgear research and development?

Recent trends in HV switchgear research and development have been presented. In the field of HV AC switchgear, the successful introduction of alternatives to SF6 as insulation and switching medium is an important milestone. For HV switchgear reliability the most important methods for health assessment, monitoring and prognosis have been presented.

Does HV switchgear use SF 6?

Present HV switchgear dominantly uses SF 6 as gas for insulation and interruption, e.g., . Since SF 6 is a strong greenhouse gas [7 - 10] with a global warming potential of 24 300 on the 100 year scale (GWP100), the search for alternatives has intensified since the 1990s.