Globally recognised as a leading provider of electrical products and solutions, ABB recently supplied its UniGear ZS1 medium voltage, arc-proof, air insulated switchgear to a project for a major sugar producer in Zambia.
Beyond the supply, installation and commissioning of the equipment, ABB is also negotiating the service and maintenance portion of the project, says Engineer, Bukhosi Zuma.
UniGear ZS1 is a medium voltage switchgear with a metal enclosure, suitable for indoor installations. Metal partitions separate the compartments from each other, and the live parts are air insulated. The switchgear is modular, enabling simple selection of components required for a range of applications.
The functional units of the switchgear are guaranteed arc proof in accordance with the IEC 62271-200 Standard, Appendix AA, Class A accessibility, Criteria 1 to 5. All the installation, operation, and maintenance can be carried out from the front of the unit.
The switchgear and earthing switches are operated from the front with the door closed. It can be back-to-wall installed if need be. A comprehensive range of apparatus is available for the UniGear ZS1 switchgear, including:
- Withdrawable vacuum circuit breakers with mechanical or magnetic actuator
- Withdrawable gas circuit breakers
- Withdrawable vacuum contactors with fuses
- Fixed version of switch-disconnectors.
This makes it possible to offer a single switchgear-user interface, with the same operational and maintenance procedures. The switchgear can be fitted with instrument transformers or sensors for current and voltage measurement and protection and any type of protection and control unit.
With traditional functional units in single level-single busbar arrangement, the UniGear ZS1 switchgear platform is fitted with double-level, compact units equipped with contactors with fuses, and double busbar systems. These units allow for highly efficient use of space. In addition, a UniGear ZS1 single busbar can be combined with other members of the UniGear family, such as UniGear 550, 500R, and MCC.
“We encourage customers in the sugar industry to standardise on ABB products as this offers several benefits and it means customers have access to the latest technology that promotes energy efficiency and easy maintenance,” says Zuma. “In addition, as a multinational company, ABB has a global project reference list it can tap into for experience and expertise.”
Although working in Zambia did pose specific supply and logistics challenges, Zuma says it is part of ABB’s strategy to expand into key sectors in Africa such as the sugar industry. Here it can offer plant automation and optimisation using ABB Ability™ solutions. These combine ABB’s deep domain expertise with connectivity and software innovation to support real-time, data-driven decisions for safer, smarter operations. ABB’s digital solutions are designed to maximise resource efficiency and contribute to a low-carbon future.
For more information visit: www.abb.com
