General Information
In medium-voltage power distribution systems, the most commonly used ring main units (RMUs) currently include SF6 gas-insulated RMUs, solid-insulated RMUs, and environmentally friendly gas-insulated RMUs. However, due to the environmental concerns related to SF6 gas emissions and the challenges in recycling solid insulation materials, the use of SF6 gas-insulated RMUs and solid-insulated RMUs will face limitations. As the global focus shifts toward sustainable and eco-friendly development, fully insulated environmentally friendly gas-insulated RMUs that align with the latest environmental standards are expected to experience significant growth and opportunities.
The IE-EcoAir-15.6/24kV 630A series environmentally friendly switches represent the next generation of “fluorine-free and low solid waste” green circuit breakers and gas-insulated ring main units, designed to replace traditional SF6 gas-insulated units.
These environmentally friendly switches feature an integrated high-strength longitudinal beam structure that houses the vacuum arc extinguishing chamber. This design ensures a reliable structure with easy commissioning. The switch integrates the operations of opening, closing, and grounding through a single spindle, driven by a machine without additional arm transmission. This design results in more precise positioning and lighter operating forces for the isolation mechanism. The main shaft is made of epoxy fiberglass, providing high mechanical strength and excellent insulation properties. The opening and closing actions of the vacuum arc extinguishing chamber are achieved through an alloy bracket and transmission cam. Additionally, silicone umbrella skirts are used to reinforce the phases and increase the creepage distance.
These environmentally friendly circuit breaker switches are not only suitable for ring main units with a sealed air chamber structure but are also compatible with standard pressure metal-enclosed ring main units.
By combining environmentally friendly gas insulation with vacuum arc extinguishing technology, this solution offers high overall performance. The primary circuit is sealed with gas, ensuring that high-pressure components are unaffected by altitude, requiring no maintenance, and providing strong environmental adaptability. The compact size of the unit requires minimal installation space. These products are suitable for use in power grids, large industrial sites, rail transit systems, commercial buildings, and other applications.
The product is primarily designed for indoor and outdoor ring network switching equipment in 10-24kV medium voltage distribution networks, for the receipt and distribution of electrical energy. It is suitable for top and side expansion, as well as common-box configurations (up to three units) for ring main units. The commonality of parts for the upper and lower isolation solutions exceeds 90%. With high stability, strong versatility, and full compliance with type test requirements, this product is ideal for a wide range of applications.
Product Features
Environmentally Friendly.
This switch uses dry compressed air as the insulating gas, which boasts high ionization and breakdown field strength, allowing it to quickly restore insulation properties after a breakdown. It is chemically stable, non-flammable, non-explosive, non-aging, and non-corrosive, with minimal tendency to discharge. Furthermore, it has a large specific heat capacity, excellent thermal conductivity, and good fluidity. This environmentally friendly insulating gas is non-toxic, harmless, and can be directly released into the atmosphere without causing pollution. It also maintains excellent electrical properties and stability, even under varying operating conditions, such as during synthetic processing, arc generation, or in the presence of water vapor. Importantly, during its decomposition and transformation, no toxic or harmful substances are produced, ensuring safety for both people and the environment. The switch itself is made from recyclable thermoplastic materials, without any SF6 greenhouse gas emissions or environmental impact, such as the generation of solid waste.
Compact Design.
This compact switchgear cabinet, with a typical width of just about 400mm for the 15.6kV version, has a small footprint and requires minimal layout space. It is designed for reliable wall installation, requiring only a 1-meter operating channel in front of the cabinet.
Maintenance-Free.
Equipped with a long-life, maintenance-free vacuum arc extinguisher, the switch’s main conductive components are unaffected by external environmental conditions, and there is no need to use SF6 gas on-site. The system is fitted with a leak alarm device, ensuring reliability. The main circuit is securely connected, and no rack-in or rack-out maintenance is required throughout its lifecycle. This makes it particularly suitable for use in challenging environments such as plateaus, coastal areas, high-altitude regions, and places with high pollution.
Intelligent Features.
The system integrates with secondary equipment to enable online monitoring, remote control, and protection of the switchgear, meeting the demands of an intelligent distribution network.
Modular Design.
The switchgear offers both side and top expansion options, providing flexible and convenient scalability. It fully complies with China’s power grid standardization requirements and supports various customized solutions.
Safety.
The switch utilizes a split-phase insulation structure, eliminating the risk of phase-to-phase short-circuit explosions. By using non-SF6 technology, it prevents SF6 gas leakage, which could compromise insulation and arc-extinguishing capabilities, leading to failure and potential explosion risks. It also incorporates a complete "five prevention" interlocking mechanism, ensuring safety and ease of operation.
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Operating Conditions
The IE-EcoAir-15.6/24kV 630A switchgear is designed to operate and be serviced under standard indoor conditions, meeting the requirements of IEC 62271-1 and GB3906. The operating conditions are as follows:
Ambient Temperature:
Humidity:
Altitude:
Operations must adhere to the specifications outlined in IEC 62271-1 and GB3906 standards. For special operating conditions, it is necessary for the end user and manufacturer to reach a mutual agreement. In cases of extreme operating environments, it is important to consult the manufacturer. For example, when electrical equipment is installed above 1,500 meters, lower atmospheric pressure may cause the airbox to expand, requiring special consideration.
Dimensional Drawing of Air Tank and Switch Cabinet
This product should be installed on the embedded channel steel on the concrete platform, and the platform base should be enough to bear the total weight of the equipment.
Note: The foundation channel steel for secondary pouring is buckled, and the unevenness per meter is no more than 1mm. The switch cabinet is fixed on the foundation channel steel and the basic load of the welded switch cabinet is allowed to be 500-700kg/unit.
Foundation and Overall Dimensions (mm):
Switch Cabinet and Appearance Installation Dimensions (mm):
The height of the switch cabinet is 1650mm (without independent instrument room). If independent instruments are required, the switch height is 2000mm. The standard configuration cabinet depth is 850mm.
All components inside the 15.6kV/630A are maintenance-free during the declared product life.
The isolation and grounding positions can be observed to provide safety guarantee for operation and cable construction.
The system loop is completely isolated from the atmosphere, and a special arc pressure relief channel is designed on the air box to ensure the safety of operators and equipment.
The mechanical part is located outside the air box and behind the front panel, making it easier to operate and replace. The surface of the mechanical part has undergone anti-corrosion treatment, and its movable parts have been lubricated before leaving the factory, which can meet the use of the product life cycle. In extreme environments (dust, sand and dirt) inspection, maintenance and, in some cases, replacement may be necessary.
The above parameters are typical data; if the existing styles do not meet your specific demands, please contact us for a custom design.We have significant personalized customization development and production skills, allowing us to provide tailored solutions to customers all over the world.
