ABB has received an order from Portuguese Utility Redes Energéticas Nacionais (REN) to supply the ELK 400 kV Hybrid Switchgear, to meet the growing demand for power in Lisbon. The equipment will be installed as an extension to an existing 150kV / 60kV substation which the utility is upgrading to increase network capabilities.
As per REN Technical Jury,"This solution from ABB provides all the functionality required, particularly from control system and protection point of view. The fact that the current transformers are placed at the basis of SF6-Air bushings, result in a major compactness of the model"
The ELK Hybrid Switchgear has been developed as an extension to ABB's existing ELK- 3 GIS portfolio as a cost optimized solution to supply the MTS market (Mixed Technology Switchgear) with a competitive solution.
The standardized hybrid modules provide reduced execution time on overall substation execution while keeping full flexibility to serve special customer demands. Operational safety is maximized due to accessibility of drives and viewports and high end bus transfer switching capabilities.
This latest equipment combines the advantages of encapsulated technology with the simplicity of air-insulated switchgear (AIS); moreover it delivers high reliability and low maintenance along with a cost efficient solution.
The ELK Hybrid Switchgear is suitable for new installations or extensions and retrofit of existing substations with rating from 145 kV to 550kV.
