In recent years, the need to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from power grids, at both the transmission and distribution level, has emerged as a major priority for utilities. Now, more than ever, the world needs eco-efficient power grids, and a key focus of such efforts is the elimination of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas, according to Hitachi Energy.
While SF6 has been the preferred choice for circuit-breakers and gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) in high-voltage substations for decades due to its insulating properties, it is also a potent GHG. Given its global warming potential ~25,000 times higher than carbon dioxide (CO2), eliminating the use of SF6 is a point of urgency.
At IEEE PES T&D, Hitachi Energy will be showcasing the first eco-efficient EconiQ 420 kV Dead Tank Breaker (DTB) developed for use at the extra-high voltage level. It combines a low carbon footprint, reliability and low life cycle costs. This product offers easy operation at high-performance ratings, based on well-established gas circuit-breaker technology, used for decades in transmission systems worldwide. The eco-efficient DTB uses a gas mixture of fluoronitrile (C4-FN), Carbon dioxide (CO2) and Oxygen (O2). The gas mixture essentially eliminates the CO2-equivalent emissions of the insulating medium.
Learn more at www.hitachienergy.com.
