24KV SF6 Free Environmentally Friendly Switchgear

In order to keep up with the development trend of the power industry, Cotenele has been committed to the research and development of 24KV SF6 Free Environmentally Friendly Switchgear  for many years,Its core objective is to reduce or completely replace sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas, which is widely used in traditional switchgear. Conventional medium-voltage distribution systems extensively use SF₆ gas-insulated ring main units. 

However,With increasingly strict global controls on greenhouse gas emissions and the introduction of China’s “carbon peak and carbon neutrality” goals, promoting the development and adoption of environmentally friendly switchgear has become an inevitable choice for the power industry. Environmentally friendly switchgear, as equipment that “uses little or no environmentally harmful media, has a low environmental impact throughout its entire life cycle, and possesses environmental adaptability,” is gradually becoming the mainstream product in the distribution field.At present, the market demand for environmentally friendly switchgear continues to grow, and technological innovations are constantly emerging.

What Is Environmentally Frriendly Gas-insulated Switchgear:

An environmentally friendly gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear refers to “metal-enclosed switchgear that uses environmentally friendly gas as the main insulation, vacuum interruption, encloses all high-voltage live parts (except for incoming/outgoing devices) in a metal tank with slight positive pressure (≤0.04 MPa), uses a small amount of solid insulation materials as supports, has a continuity of service rating not lower than LCS2A, and is capable of normally interrupting rated short-circuit fault current under zero gauge pressure conditions.”Environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear uses non-SF₆ gases (including dry air, nitrogen, and SF₆ mixtures) as the insulating medium, combined with vacuum interruption technology. It is currently the most widely used type of environmentally friendly switchgear.

Based on application functions, environmentally friendly gas-insulated metal-enclosed switchgear can be divided into ring main units (RMU) and switchgear (gas-insulated switchgear, C-GIS).

Main Insulating Media:

1. Dry air: N₂ and dry air can be used as insulating media in medium-voltage switchgear up to 12 kV to 40.5 kV. When the pressure of dry air is increased to about three times that of SF₆ insulation, the insulation requirements can be met.

2. Nitrogen (N₂): Pure N₂ is one of the most environmentally friendly insulating media and has been widely used in 12 kV environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear.

3. Other environmentally friendly gases: These include 80% N₂/20% O₂ mixtures, CO₂, C₃, C₅, etc., some of which have already seen commercial applications.

4. In terms of construction, environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear  gas tank is welded from thin metal plates, offering a simple manufacturing process that ensures product quality consistency, stability, and operational reliability during mass production,which  is the mainstream approach in China.

Construction of Environmentally Friendly Gas-Insulated Switchgear

Environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear adopts a modular design.

The interior compartments of the environmentlly friendly gas-insulated switchgear mainly includes the following parts:

1. Gas-Filled Compartment (Gas Tank)

The gas-filled compartment is the core part of environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear. It is made of precision-welded stainless steel plates and filled internally with environmentally friendly gases such as dry air or nitrogen. The primary live parts (main busbar) and the switch body are sealed inside the gas tank.The protection level of this gas tank can reach IP67, and its interior is not affected by external environmental conditions, with short-term waterproof and anti condensation capabilities.The gas tank uses a slight positive pressure (≤0.04 MPa) gas insulation, reducing the probability of gas leakage. Even if a leakage fault occurs in the gas tank, sufficient insulation strength can be maintained at zero gauge pressure without affecting normal operation.

2. Low-Voltage Compartment (Instrument Compartment)

The low-voltage compartment is located at the top or front of the cabinet and is used to install secondary equipment such as microcomputer protection devices, intelligent controllers, and measuring instruments. The instrument compartment can be equipped with microcomputer protection and other instruments, and can realize “four-remote” functions (remote measurement, remote signaling, remote control, remote adjustment), providing automation and intelligence capabilities.

3. Cable Compartment

The cable compartment is located at the bottom of the cabinet and is used for the connection of incoming and outgoing cables. It can also house equipment such as surge arresters and voltage transformers. The incoming and outgoing connections use plug-in cable connections that are fully insulated and shielded, ensuring operational safety.

Operating Mechanism Compartment

The operating mechanism compartment is used to install the spring operating mechanisms for the disconnector and the main switch, enabling both manual and electric operation. The mechanism is integrated with the switch to achieve interlocking. The operating mechanism has fewer parts, reducing transmission links and improving reliability.

4. Main components

Key internal components include the vacuum circuit breaker, disconnector, earthing switch, main busbar, surge arrester, etc. These are placed inside the sealed gas tank as functional units to form each gas-filled compartment.

Application Scenarios

1. Urban Distribution Networks

Environmentally friendly switchgear is most widely used in urban distribution networks. Compared with traditional medium-voltage switchgear, environmentally friendly gas insulated switchgear has a small footprint, high safety performance, and strong resistance to harsh environments, which gives it great advantages in urban areas with scarce land resources. Environmentally friendly gas insulated switchgear is widely used in urban residential areas, commercial areas, and substations.

2. Renewable Energy Sector

Environmentally friendly switchgear is experiencing the fastest-growing demand in the renewable energy sector. Grid connection of wind and photovoltaic power plants often faces voltage fluctuations. Environmentally friendly gas-insulated ring main units and C-GIS can precisely meet the reliable distribution needs of large-scale renewable energy base grid connection. Main applications include:

Offshore wind power,Onshore wind/PV,and Energy storage systems.

3. Data Centers

Data centers have extremely high requirements for power supply reliability and green environmental protection. Environmentally friendly switchgear can meet the dual demands of highly reliable power distribution and low-carbon operation.

4. Transportation Infrastructure

Environmentally friendly switchgear is widely used in transportation infrastructure such as subways, high-speed railways, airports, highways etc.

5. Extreme Environment Applications

Environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear is particularly suitable for areas with harsh operating environments, such as coastal, humid, high-temperature, severe cold, high-altitude, chemically corrosive gas, or heavily polluted areas.

Environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear VS  SF₆Gas-Insulated  Switchgear

Below is a comprehensive comparison of SF₆ gas-insulated switchgear (SF₆ GIS), environmentally friendly gas-insulated switchgear (eco-friendly GIS),  These two technical routes are the main options in medium-voltage distribution, each with significant differences in insulating medium, construction, advantages, and limitations.

Why choose Contenele 24KV eco-friendly switchgears? 

Conteneles eco-friendly switchgear is the ideal distribution choice for achieving carbon neutrality goals:

• Eco-friendly Leadership: Uses nitrogen (N₂) or dry air instead of SF₆, zero greenhouse gas emissions. Recognised as a “2024 Green Technology Innovation Typical Case”.
• Safe & Reliable: IP67 protection rating, normal operation at zero gauge pressure, mechanical life up to 11,000 operations, and withstand voltage of 42 kV at zero gauge pressure.
• High Capacity & Compact: Only 600 mm wide, with maximum feeder current up to 3,150 A, easily meeting high‑current distribution needs
• Intelligent & Maintenance-free: The operation is based on an intelligent platform and has reliable quality, safety,  reliability,and lifetime maintenance‑free.
• Wide Application: Ranked in the top tier for 35 kV eco‑friendly high‑pressure gas‑insulated switchgear, with an 18% win rate in projects by SPIC and Huaneng, and an annual production capacity of 10,000 units to fully ensure delivery.

Production Workshop

Product shows: