NIA SSEN 0042 Feasibility of Compressed Dry Air 33kV Insulated Switchgear

Key Activities

The environmental impact of Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆) means that its use in the industry is becoming increasingly regulated and restricted. SSEN has more than 10,000 items of switchgear that utilise SF₆ for both insulation and arc interruption. There are a variety of environmental implications associated with managing equipment containing SF₆. This project will determine the viability of utilising dry air as an SF₆ alternative.

Expected Outcomes

Benefits of this project has been the production of an appraising report of new SF₆-free 33kV switchgear technologies, inclusive of risk assessments, training requirements, operation and maintenance requirements, ensuring that any alternative is both safe for our staff to operate and maintains network integrity. The report will form part of the road map to deliver SF₆-free switchgear into BaU thus aiding the reduction in our operational Carbon Footprint. The report is available on request:

Progress

The project was completed in 2020 by Threepwood Consulting Ltd. Threepwood were appointed to carry out the Desktop Study, on behalf of SSEN, aided by a very positive response from manufacturers. From these responses the report has been compiled detailing the feasibility of utilising compressed dry air as an alternative to SF₆.