Toshiba and Meidensha to develop GIS jointly using natural origin gases
Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation and Meidensha Corporation are set to develop gas insulated switchgear using natural origin gas.
Image source: ESI Africa
Japan, Tokyo: Toshiba Energy Systems & Solutions Corporation and Meidensha Corporation are set to develop gas insulated switchgear using natural origin gas.
The decision is based on the higher demand for environmentally friendly products in the GIS market. Specifically, the two companies plan to complete type tests to confirm performance in line with international standards by March 2022.
The companies have been collaborating since 2020 on the joint development of gas insulated switchgear (GIS) for 72 kV/84 kV using natural origin gas that contains no sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
The GIS under joint development uses a vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) for high-current interruption and dry air for the main circuit insulation of the equipment and for the current switching parts of the disconnect and earthing switches to ensure insulation performance and high-current interruption capability.
Toshiba ESS will be responsible for the entire GIS, while Meidensha will be in charge of the development of the main component, the VCB.
“We are very proud of this joint development with Meidensha. We have a great deal of expertise in the development of GIS products as a whole, including the 72 kV GIS launched into a commercial operation firstly in Japan in 1969. On the other hand, Toshiba ESS has been developing SF6 alternative technologies for more than 15 years,” said Koji Saito, Director, Vice President of the Grid Aggregation Division of Toshiba ESS.
In Japan, a joint industry-academia SF6 Alternative Gas Study committee, which aims to investigate the impact of introducing SF6 alternative gases, has compiled guidelines to evaluate SF6 alternative technologies. The present GIS under development fully complies with these guidelines.
Source: ESI Africa