ABB is showcasing its climate-friendly ZX2 AirPlus, as well as a digital switchgear solution, UniGear Digital at CIRED 2017, a leading forum for the electricity and distribution community. The event takes place every two years and this year participants from all over the world are gathering in Glasgow to interact and learn about the latest developments in the field. With the introduction of digital and eco-efficient technologies, ABB is pioneering greener technologies for future generations.
"At CIRED, we're able to present yet more examples of how ABB differentiates itself through technology and innovation," said Bruno Melles, Managing Director of ABB's medium voltage product business. "As part of our next level strategy, we deliver unique value to our customers with our eco-efficient solutions and we unlock customer value by bridging the gap between the physical and digital worlds to have a positive impact on the bottom line: improved performance and reliability with reduced downtime for our customers."
Eco-efficient switchgear for a greener world
AirPlus™ is a pioneering innovation from ABB, offering a green alternative to SF6 as the insulation medium in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas, whereas AirPlus is a fluoroketone-based gas mixture, which is almost 100 percent lower in terms of global warming potential (GWP). The ZX2 AirPlus maintains the same footprint, safety and reliability as the well-known ZX2. Suitable for primary distribution switchgear, the ZX2 is ideal for demanding applications in single and double busbar configurations in electric power distribution networks.
As AirPlus is an alternative to SF6 and not a replacement, customers can choose their preferred technology: ZX2 filled with SF6 or AirPlus or as 'Ready-for-AirPlus' - the choice for businesses that want to be prepared to switch to the eco-efficient alternative in the future.
SafeRing AirPlus, a switchgear for secodary distribution, was the first product launched with AirPlus.
Digital switchgear for improved operational efficiency and unprecedented flexibility
As a part of the ABB Ability™ portfolio of connected solutions, digital switchgear combines protection, control, measurement and digital communication to enable a safe, flexible and smart electrical network that can deliver power reliably and efficiently. It is based on the optimized integration of current and voltage sensors into medium-voltage switchgear, combined with the latest Relion® protection and control relays, and the capability of the IEC 61850 standard for communication.
ABB launched its first digital switchgear with the UniGear Digital1 in 2014 and is building on its range with new generation digital switchgear technology that delivers operational efficiency and unprecedented flexibility. The delivery time is 30 percent shorter and engineering, installation and commissioning is easier. Using connectivity packages, it is quick and easy to connect the digital switchgear to a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, and modifications can be made without complex additional wiring.
The UniGear product family and the ZX2 series are established switchgear platforms. Today, more than 50 percent of the primary switchgear ABB supplies are also available in digital format. ABB sees an increasing demand in the market for this technology to better suit shorter project cycles, frequent changes and meeting stringent cost-efficiency requirements.
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
1 UniGear Digital has been widely accepted by both utility and industrial customers in Europe, Middle East and Africa. UniGear Digital was the backbone for an innovative solution to Sasol's petrochemical plant in South Africa - where a mobile substation provided a flexible stand-by power supply solution to minimize production downtime and increase maintenance efficiency at the plant during substation renewals.
For more information please contact:
Lynette Jackson
Head of Communications
Electrification Products Division
Affolternstrasse 44, P.O. Box
CH-8050 Zurich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 (0)43 317 54 04
E-Mail: lynette.jackson@ch.abb.com
