Presently, most switchgears are filled with sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) as the insulation medium, which is known for being the most potent greenhouse gas to this date (24,300 times worse than CO2). Therefore, upcoming regulations from the EU will strictly regulate the use of SF6 and other F-gases. For MV switchgear at 12 and 24 kV, this means a deadline for use of SF6 in new installations from 2026.
Upcoming EU regulations, set to take effect in the coming years, might ban the use of these substances, driving the need for the development of new, sustainable alternatives.
Another proposal is also under discussion and might regulate the use of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) in the EU. PFAS materials are informally called “forever chemicals”, which has been proven harmful to both the environment and to the human body when not being controlled. MV switchgears contain PFAS in the means of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), which is used for constricting electrical arcs and controlling gas flow during current interruption. The proposed restrictions on PFAS can be put into effect as early as 2025 or 2026.
Project goals:
- Develop a three-position load break switch for 12 and 24 kV ratings, using natural origin gases and with no switching components containing PFAS. Since both SF6 and PTFE have been considering the state-of-the-art in the MV GIS switching industry for decades, substantial innovative actions are required for achieving the same functional rating with technologically inferior materials.
- Understanding the physics of the natural origin gases at high pressure as insulation medium.
- Perform full-scale tests according to the relevant product standards.
The project is a collaboration between ABB Electrification Norway AS, SINTEF Energi AS and NTNU, all partners with decades of experience with the relevant medium voltage technology topics.
The project, SF6- and PFAS-free medium-voltage switches, is co-funded through the Research Council’s program, Innovation Projects for the Industrial Sector under EnergiX.
Project leader: Martin Kristoffersen (ABB).