Control systems and automation
safety of local communities and the RMU operators should always be
the top priority. Hermetically sealing all live switching functions for
life in an SF6 gas insulated, earthed metal tank, provides protection
against electric shock and minimises the risk of accidents caused by
human error.
Reliability
SF6 gas is non-toxic, non-flammable and non-corrosive, whichmeans:
• No oxidation (corrosion) of the contacts and screwed joints,
meaning there is no gradual reduction in the carrying capacity
of the equipment over time
• No synthetic material inside tank (cast resin insulation) reducing
the fire risk
• No reduction in insulation capacity of unit due to external factors
• No risk of internal failure due to partial discharge
Climate independence
Hermetically sealed SF6 insulation means that the unit is completely
independent from harsh environmental conditions, including: high
humid it, flooding, creepage, pollution - dust and smoke; and saline
deposits in coastal areas. Also, the excellent thermal conductivity
and high heat transfer permits a higher operating efficiency despite
ambient temperatures, meaning that switchgear utilising SF6 gas can
be manufactured and deployed in almost any region in the world.
Ease of installation
The dielectric strength of SF6 gas is twice that of air, which means the
physical units can be smaller and lighter than traditional RMUs. This
has the obvious benefits of easier transportation and installation, as
well as allowing for better use of space.
Evolution rather than revolution
The evolution in switching, protection and automation solutions for
electrical distribution has been led by the evolving needs of utilities
and network operators, as demand for energy that is safe, reliable and
sustainable increases. Investment in technological innovation is key in
helping our customers meet this need, but given the cost-implications
T
ake note
A
bbreviations
of replacing old equipment with new, R&D should also focus on how
to upgrade existing assets and make them fit-for-purpose.
Conclusion
The development of SF6 gas as an insulator used in conjunction with
a vacuum breaker in RMUs is a great example of how retrofitting
existing equipment can lead to improvements in performance, and
should not be downplayed. As the United Kingdom moves closer to
smart grid deployment, taking a future proof approach to our energy
infrastructure and management needs will be critical.
Reference
[1] Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF).
A
bout the author
Sundeep Singh holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering
and an MBA in international marketing and strategic plan-
ning. He has five years experience in the shipping industry
specialising in automation and control, and has spent the
last six years in automation and control product manage-
ment and marketing. He is currently the product marketing manager at
Lucy Switchgear. Enquiries: Lucy Switchgear (South Africa): Tel. 011 025
7490 or email
RMU - Ring Main Unit
RTU - Remote Terminal Units
SCADA - Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition
RMU Installation.
FRMU Auto-3.
• Switchgear has become part of your automated plant.
• It has become important to future-proof your energy infrastructure.
• Existing switchgear assets can be upgraded or replaced, and care must
be taken to identify the best approach for your system.
23
July ‘13
Electricity+Control
