ABB : expands eco-efficient medium-voltage portfolio

ABB introduces UniSec with AirPlus™ - a compact and completely SF6-free medium-voltage switchgear.

At this year's Hanover fair, ABB exhibits the air-insulated switchgear UniSec as a completely SF₆-free switchgear solution for networks up to 24 kilovolt (kV). It uses the HySec AirPlus, a multifunction apparatus, combing the functions of circuit breaker, line disconnector and earthing switch all-in-one, which is now available with AirPlus insulation gas.

AirPlus is a groundbreaking climate-friendly gas mixture with a 99.99 percent lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to SF₆. AirPlus is the first 'green' alternative gas on the market for medium-voltage switchgear and is part of ABB's ongoing strategy to develop eco-efficient technologies. AirPlus is a gas mixture based on a fluoroketone molecule and more than 80 percent dry air.

'ABB is proud to extend the eco-efficient medium-voltage offering of viable alternatives to SF₆' said Alessandro Palin, Managing Director of ABB's Distribution Solutions business line. 'This is testament to ABB's commitment and relentless drive to bring sustainable alternatives to the market and broaden the eco-efficient portfolio to help shape the climate-friendly infrastructure of tomorrow.'

In addition, the ZX2 AirPlus switchgear for single or double busbar applications up to 36 kV (IEC standard) will be displayed. Customers can freely choose the preferred technology: filled with SF₆, AirPlus, or as 'Ready-for-AirPlus' - the choice for businesses that want to be prepared to switch to the eco-efficient alternative in the future. ZX2 AirPlus is also available in 40.5 kV (GB standard) for the Chinese market.

ABB' s eco-efficient GIS portfolio includes both AirPlus and Dry Air insulation gases. Visitors to Hanover fair can also see the SafeRing Air, which uses 100 percent dry air insulation. This secondary GIS is suitable for networks up to 12 kV, and is also available as SafePlus Air for more demanding applications.

An eco-efficient and digital portfolio for a smart and sustainable future

To enhance eco-efficiency and reduce environmental impact, ABB has developed alternatives to the potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). Due to its great technical performance, this insulation medium is widely used in gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and switching devices using SF₆. ABB has launched several GIS using eco-efficient alternative gases and continues to expand the portfolio.

The products with eco-efficient alternatives gases offer the same technical and reliable qualities as conventional products with SF₆. Additionally, the switchgear offering is available with sensor technology and digital communication options. With ABB Ability™ digital switchgear, customers benefit from a technology that can deliver increased flexibility, reliability and safety, and additionally reduces switchgear weight and footprint. Digital switchgear has as much as a 30 percent shorter delivery time compared with conventional switchgear and installation and commissioning time is reduced by 25 percent. Thanks to sensor technology, safety is further improved during installation and operation. ABB's new freely configurable multifunctional relay, REX640, the new member in the Relion® protection and control family is a perfect fit for digital switchgear.

Advanced technologies such as these change the ways we work, produce, move, and power the world and leveraging these technologies fully aligns with ABB's drive as the digital leader. Visit ABB's booth at Hannover Messe, Hall 11, A35, to learn more about ABB's smart, safe and sustainable offering.

ABB (ABBN: SIX Swiss Ex) is a pioneering technology leader with a comprehensive offering for digital industries. With a history of innovation spanning more than 130 years, ABB is today a leader in digital industries with four customer-focused, globally leading businesses: Electrification, Industrial Automation, Motion, and Robotics & Discrete Automation, supported by its common ABB Ability™ digital platform. ABB's market leading Power Grids business will be divested to Hitachi in 2020. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com