Greenhouse gas free 170-245 kV Live Tank Circuit Breaker using clean air insulation and vacuum interrupter technology to replace SF6

forthcoming

Transmission System Operators are responsible for transmission of electrical power by managing switchgears and substations, essential for regulating energy flow within the power grid. The Circuit Breaker is the heart of a switchgear interrupting high currents safely without damage to persons or equipment. The majority of substations in Europe are air insulated substations using Live Tank circuit breakers (LTCB). These LTCBs in the high voltage range typically use SF6 insulation, which is currently the most potent greenhouse gas (GWP=24,300) known. Although alternatives to SF6-technology exist for medium voltage applications, there are no commercially available climate-neutral replacements for SF6 with same performance at the 170-245 kV level—a voltage range commonly used in regional transmission and sub-transmission networks across many European countries. The LIFE BLUE 245 kV Live Tank project will demonstrate and validate for the first time an economically viable, climate-friendly, SF6- and completely F-gas-free LTCB applicable for 170-245 kV combining clean air insulation and vacuum interruption. Within the project, this LTCB will be piloted at TSO Red Electrica in Talavera, Spain, replacing an existing SF6 LTCB. Hence, the currently used SF6 will be replaced by natural gas consisting of nitrogen N2 and oxygen O2, called clean air (GWP=0). Besides significant GHG savings, gaseous and solid PFAS are avoided (in contrast to other SF6 alternatives and state-of-the-art technology). The project enables for wide roll-out and replication of the technology. By 2033, 1450 replications are planned throughout Europe for existing AIS installations as replacements and for new substations. Replications will start in Belgium and will continue in Denmark, Spain, France and Germany. Finally, the LIFE project is part of the Siemens Energy roadmap and will serve as a blueprint for technology transfer, e.g. to further voltage levels of HV LTCB and gas insulated applications.