Refining technology

摘要

Although still essentially based on electromechanical systems, both gas and air-insulated high voltage switchgear has seen continuous anchprogressive improvements in performance and reliability. Colin Ashmore reports. Since the introduction of SF^ as an I exciting new insulating and arc-quenching medium nearly forty years ago, high voltage switchgear products for virtually all modern applications have consisted principally of three types, AIS air insulated switchgear, including both live-tank and dead-tank circuit breakers, gas insulated GIS systems and Air-SF^ hybrids. These product categories, all of which rely on electromechanical mechanisms to open and close their switching contacts, form the core equipment in all switchyards and high voltage substations. While fully solid-state high voltage switchgear may well become available in the future, the relative simplicity and high reliability of current technology systems remain the most economically effective option for cost-conscious power utilities and transmission network operators. Manufacturers of high voltage switchgear continue to refine their technologies and develop new systems, aimed not only at improving overall performance, but at reducing the through-life cost of their products.