Siemens to supply SF6-free GIS for BKK Nett in Norway
Siemens Energy Management has secured an order from BKK Nett in Norway to supply the world's first SF6-free GIS with clean air and vacuum interruption systems.
Image source: Siemens Energy Management
Norway, Bergen: Siemens Energy Management has secured an order from Bergenshalvøens Kommunale Kraftselskap (BKK Nett) in Norway to supply the world’s first SF6-free gas insulated switchgear (GIS) with clean air and vacuum interruption systems for a voltage level of up to 145 kV.
The switchgear is part of the Koengen substation in Bergen, which shall supply electricity from renewable energy sources to Norway’s largest cruise ship seaport.
Non-conventional systems for measuring current and voltage allow the switchgear to have a much more compact design. The start of the collaboration was celebrated on 5 November this year, at Siemens’ headquarters in Bergen. Commissioning is scheduled for end of next year.
To provide the necessary grid infrastructure to handle higher voltages, the Norwegian energy provider BKK Nett is upgrading its transformer substation in Bergen from a 45 kV to a 132 kV operating level.
The order includes three bays of the 8VN1 gas-insulated, SF6-free 145 kV switchgear. This GIS uses vacuum interrupters for switching functions and treated air, known as ‘clean air’, as the insulating medium. It is therefore possible to completely eliminate the use of sulfur hexafluoride. With this project, a gas-insulated switchgear with vacuum interruption systems and ‘clean air’ technology for a voltage of up to 145 kV is being delivered for the first time in the world.
BKK Nett CEO Wenche Teigland said: “The large proportion of hydropower in Norway’s power system makes it the world’s most climate-friendly system. Now we are investing in a pilot project which uses an environment friendly alternative to SF6 gas.”
Siemens Energy Management Division CEO Ralf Christian said: “This order for an SF6-free high-voltage switchgear in Norway demonstrates that our customers are attaching more and more importance to sustainable grid technology. The SF6-free GIS from our so called “blue portfolio” requires no special precautions to be taken during operation and recycling and offers top technical performance, maximum safety, and reliability. There is also no longer any need to report the quantities of fluorine gas used.”
The ordered 8VN1 GIS features a rated voltage of 145 kV, a rated short-circuit breaking current of 40 kA, and a rated current of 3,150 A. The non-conventional low power instrument transformers (LPIT)that are used ensure an especially compact design. The switchgear’s size and weight are up to 20 % less than in a system with conventional current and voltage transformers.
The technology also makes it possible to flexibly parameterise the measuring and protective systems according to customer’s specific requirements. Transmitting the data over a fiber-optic cable reduces the amount of wiring, and there is no backup solution with conventional measuring and protection systems used. LPITs are an important step forward in the direction of a digital substation.
Source: NS Energy