Ukrainian utility opts for Australian switchgear

Ukrainian utility CEK, based in Dnipro in the country’s east, has installed reclosers from Australian company NOJA Power in order to minimise outage durations for disrupted power assets.

Pole-mounted reclosers are devices used to protect and control the electricity distribution grid. This technology allows Ukrainian utilities to rebuild damaged portions of their network, while minimising outages when faults or further damage occurs.

With support from local NOJA Power distributor Recloser LLC, the utility developed innovative techniques for installation of these reclosers, connecting the switchgear to transmission network poles via underground cables.

NOJA Power’s OSM Recloser, which is used in over 105 countries, is designed for operation in harsh environmental conditions, with build options to -60°C. With this capability, it is well able to stand up to Ukrainian winters.

The OSM Recloser is also a modular designed product, with modular spares that can be changed in the field. This means that damaged units can be rapidly brought back to service through minor part replacement, without the need for specialist tools.

“Congratulations to CEK on the innovative use of our products to increase reliability for their customers and safety for their staff,” said NOJA Power Group Managing Director Neil O’Sullivan.

Image caption: Traffic light and power pole in the city of Dnipro, Ukraine. Image credit: iStock.com/Victoria Kotlyarchuk