Zurich, May 12, 2017. The pioneering technology leader ABB launches a new medium-voltage switchgear range, DCGear, to complement the comprehensive energy-efficient DC traction power supply portfolio at the Metro Event in Guiyang, China.
With the launch of DCGear, ABB adds high-performing, robust, low-maintenance medium-voltage switchgear to the DC traction power supply portfolio. The DCGear switchgear range for traction power supply covers both 750 and 1,500 V DC systems and suits metro, tramway and light rail applications.
Bruno Melles, managing director of ABB's medium voltage products business said: "Building on strong expertise in traction power we have developed a class-leading solution. The DCGear is user-friendly and practically maintenance-free. To complete the one-stop-shop for urban transport electrification projects, our portfolio is fully supported by complete life cycle services, to support customers from start to finish. ABB's cost-effective portfolio for DC traction power supply contributes to sustainable and energy-efficient urban transport systems bringing significant CO2 emission reduction and important energy savings. We are able to contribute to society with technology that supports dreams of a greener future."
The DCGear meets the most stringent safety requirements to ensure the protection of operations and maintenance personnel by offering both high active and passive safety through freestanding rigid metal enclosed cubicles with separate screened compartments. It has been designed and type tested in accordance with the latest standards.
DCGear can easily be combined with other medium-voltage AC switchgear and transformer-rectifier groups, representing the main equipment in DC traction substations. It can also form part of factory assembled and tested eHouses. DCGear is a great addition to ABB's AC/DC portfolio to support rail fixed installation and rolling stock, which includes the recently introduced DCBreak, a medium-voltage high-speed direct current breaker for electrical rail vehicles.
The Metro Event, which is held on May 12, gathers Chinese metro operators, design institutes and consultants to Guiyang to network and to learn about the latest technology innovations in ABB's urban rail transport offering portfolio.
Switchgear combines electrical switches, fuses or circuit breakers to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment in a power network. Switchgear is installed throughout the power value chain from generation through to transmission, distribution and consumption, across their different voltage levels. Medium-voltage switchgear is generally installed for power distribution, helping to ensure grid reliability, efficiency and safety.
The new product range has been developed in response to the increasing demands of the mass transit market and to complement ABB's comprehensive portfolio of DC traction power solutions. The portfolio includes a wide range of medium-voltage switchgear, transformer-rectifier groups, voltage limiting devices, energy recuperation and energy storage systems, as well as distribution automation systems.
ABB's Medium Voltage Products business unit provides utility, industrial and commercial customers with safe, reliable and smart technologies for the distribution of electricity. The extensive global offering includes distribution automation products, switching, limiting, measuring and sensing devices, switchgear, modular substation packages and related services.
ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader in electrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport & infrastructure globally. Continuing more than a 125-year history of innovation, ABB today is writing the future of industrial digitalization and driving the Energy and Fourth Industrial Revolutions. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 132,000 employees. www.abb.com
