MV Switchgear recently signed a value-added reseller and channel partner agreement with a international designer and manufacturer of solid insulated switchgear (SIS).
GELPAG MSS SIS Pole with 3-position disconnector and circuit-breaker.
The agreement with GELPAG Advanced Technology GmbH of Germany gives MV Switchgear exclusive distribution rights for the product throughout Southern Africa.
Within a month of the agreement coming into effect late last year, the division secured its first order for an eight-panel 6,6kV 1250A board from GELPAG’s MSS range of MV switchgear to replace an aging board in Umgeni Water’s Verulam pump station on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal.
“Unlike air-insulated switchgear (AIS) and gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), SIS uses neither air nor gas for the primary insulation. It comprises a fully screened epoxy resin dielectric, which makes the switchgear performance independent from environmental pollution, humidity and altitude,” said Rhett Kelly, MV Switchgear’s Technology Development Specialist.
SIS technology is becoming increasingly sought after as it requires significantly less maintenance than AIS, which is subject to environmental pollution and humidity, while GIS, although also requiring minimal maintenance, uses SF6 gas, which is being discouraged worldwide due to its adverse environmental impact if released into the atmosphere.
“Graphene nano materials are used in the GELPAG SIS range of switchgear to optimise not only the dielectric performance but also the thermal conductivity of the switchgear’s primary insulation,” Rhett added.
The MSS range of switchgear is available up to 40kA and has a footprint that is approximately 30% smaller than AIS. It offers panel widths of 500mm for up to 1250A units and 700mm for up to 2500A units.
“The MSS range is one of the first of its kind in the world to achieve a 2500A rating using solid dielectric insulation without forced cooling,” Rhett pointed out.
The SIS board for Verulam pump station, ordered from MV Switchgear by Germiston-based APE Pumps on behalf of Umgeni Water in November last year, was installed and commissioned at the pump station in May this year.
