Netze BW supplies 4.6 million inhabitants across the South West of Germany with power via its grid network, including its medium-voltage facility at Trochtelfingen. Eight of the 31 switchgear panels housed there are now using ABB's innovative eco-efficient AirPlus formula, derived from a fluoroketone gas mixture that has negligible global warming potential (GWP <1) compared to traditional SF6, which is a potent greenhouse gas.
Marcel Engel, Netze BW Grid Development expert, said: "We are delighted to be the first user of AirPlus in Germany and to have the opportunity to build this pilot facility in partnership with ABB, where we can gain more experience and gather essential data for future operations. For decades, we have successfully used SF6 gas-insulated switchgears and, of course, we handle the gas with extreme care and precision. The introduction of AirPlus technology has been welcomed as there is very little difference in the switchgear design."
Initial feedback on the AirPlus R&D project has been extremely positive, with Netze BW customers also responding well to the decision to adopt eco-efficient technologies.
Netze BW's Managing Director of Technology, Dr Martin Konermann, commented: "We place great value on an environmentally sound supply of electricity, gas and water and bring in as much renewable energy into the network as possible in order to support Germany's commitment to make the country largely greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions-neutral by 2050. We are also attempting to apply technological innovations to classical electrical equipment.
"We are happy to have this operational phase with ABB, where we can prove reliability of this alternative fluoroketone gas. If we see positive results, and early indications are good, we will be able to convert all medium-voltage switchgear from SF6 to this alternative gas, so that we can ultimately deliver SF6-free power distribution for the entire network."
Netze BW is using the ZX2 AirPlus switchgear, designed for primary power distribution, which helps to ensure grid reliability, efficiency and safety. Compact in design, the ZX2 is available in an IEC rating up to 36 kV, with31.5 kA short-circuit and 2,000 A nominal current. It features individual gas compartments for the circuit breaker and busbars, for either single or double busbar applications.
31.5 kA short-circuit and 2,000 A nominal current. It features individual gas compartments for the circuit breaker and busbars, for either single or double busbar applications.
The AirPlus range also includes ABB's SafeRing secondary distribution ring main unit (RMU), available in IEC ratings up to 24 kV, with 16 kA short-circuit and 630 A nominal current. Launched in summer 2016, the AirPlus SafeRing represents a technology breakthrough for a RMU at this voltage level.
Bruno Melles, managing director of ABB's Medium Voltage business said: "We are delighted to be working with Netze BW, which has built a reputation on being at the forefront of pioneering technologies and investing in solutions that support ABB's vision for a greener world."
About ABB
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
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
