Schneider Electric unveils sustainable switchgear
Schneider Electric has unveiled its medium-voltage ‘switchgear of the future’, which is SF6-free and allows users to take full advantage of digital features to unlock the value of data.
The new products, launched at CIRED 2019 (the International Conference and Exhibition on Electricity Distribution), are based on three of the company’s most popular product ranges for primary and secondary electrical distribution: SM6, RM6 and GHA.
Schneider demonstrated the innovative shunt vacuum interruption technology associated with pure air insulation, which enables the replacement of SF6 while maintaining a small footprint and cost-effectiveness. According to the company, cost efficiency is vital for the widespread adoption of more sustainable equipment in the field.
It has engaged large players in the utility and commercial/industrial building sectors, such as E.ON Sweden, in a variety of pilot projects where the SF6-free switching technology is operational today.
“Globally and in Australia, business plays an important role in driving sustainability and eliminating greenhouse gases. Our customers, particularly in the electro-utility segments, are responding to shareholders and customers to deliver a more sustainable, greener future,” said Simon Mouat, VP of Energy at Schneider Electric. “Schneider’s pilots to test the equipment were very successful and we are looking forward to offering these products to customers.”
The company also emphasised the benefits of the digital technologies that can equip the new switchgear. For example, sensors for condition monitoring can unlock predictive and preventive asset management strategies by feeding data to sophisticated analytics tools such as Schneider’s EcoStruxure architecture and platform.
“At Schneider Electric, we believe the best gas is no gas,” said Executive Vice President of Power Systems Frederic Godemel. “We’ve developed these upcoming products because they provide a huge leap forward in sustainability, set new benchmarks for superior health and safety, and provide powerful digital technology. Our new SF6-free technology represents an ideal alternative to today’s status quo.”
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