Siemens’ new F-gas-free ring main unit sets new standards
Germany, Munich: Siemens Smart Infrastructure has introduced the 8DJH 24 switchgear a ring main unit (RMU) for line voltages up to 24 kV.
Image source: Siemens Energy
Germany, Munich: Siemens Smart Infrastructure has introduced the 8DJH 24 switchgear a ring main unit (RMU) for line voltages up to 24 kV.
Completely free of fluorinated gases, this medium-voltage switchgear for secondary electrical distribution has the same compact dimensions as the variant with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) but uses the climate-neutral insulation medium “Clean Air”, which consists exclusively of natural components from ambient air. The core of the unit is a three-position load-break switch with vacuum interrupter in the auxiliary path (blue switch). This new technological development from Siemens eliminates SF6 as an insulating medium, as well as any gas mixture based on fluorine (F-gases). As a result, the new switchgear also reduces the CO2 footprint of grid operators. Other benefits include easy and safe handling of the switchgear and effortless recycling at the end of its service life. In addition to the high level of environmental compatibility, digital applications make the new switchgear future-proof and cost-efficient for the grid of tomorrow. The new unit has been in use since fall 2020 in a local substation in the Oberallgäu region of Germany as part of a development cooperation with German distribution grid operator Netze BW.
“We set new standards by offering a completely fluorine gas free ring cable switchgear for voltages up to 24 kV. This new development enables our customers to make power distribution sustainable and at the same time future-proof,” said Stephan May, CEO of the Distribution Systems Business Unit at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “At Siemens, we believe that the only right technological approach is to replace fluorinated gases completely. That is why we are eliminating not only the climate gas SF6, but all F-gases and chemical additives.”
Siemens developed the new ring main unit for use in public and industrial power grids at the secondary distribution level. Areas of application include secondary, transfer and switching substations of energy providers, as well as industrial and infrastructure facilities.
Source: Siemens Energy