MV Switchgear recently introduced a higher-rated version of its well-known and popular premier brand AMV12 air-insulated withdrawable pattern indoor switchgear.
The new version, branded AMV17, has been successfully type tested for applications rated up to and including 17.5kV, thereby meeting the requirements of several large mining companies operating in the local market that specify 17,5kV rated switchgear for use on systems operated up to 11kV.
“The new brand, in addition to catering to the requirements of the mining industry and other local users, is sure to be welcomed elsewhere in Africa as well. Its availability opens up the market for sales in many African countries where 15kV systems are known to be widely in use,” said Johan Jordaan, MV Switchgear’s Technology Development Specialist
AMV12, jointly developed by MV Switchgear and YIHE Electric Group, a China-based internationally recognised electrical equipment manufacturer, was originally type tested for a rated voltage of 12kV, as the majority of systems in the network are operated at 11kV. Following its launch into the local market in 2015 it has proven highly successful, having been widely adopted in both the public and private sectors.
Anglo American Platinum, when approached by MV Switchgear about a year ago, stated that the switchgear would have to be type tested to their specification with a rated voltage of 17.5kV before they could accept it for their use.
AMV12 was designed and type tested for a 95kV rated lightning impulse withstand level as specified in South African National Standards for 12kV rated switchgear and which is the insulation level specified in the IEC standards for 17.5kV rated equipment.
“With this in mind, we were certain that the dielectric performance of our AMV12 would be suitable for systems operated at higher voltages than its current 12kV rating indicates, without any design changes being needed,” Johan explained.
“Furthermore, after reviewing the vacuum interrupter design and stroke with respect to its suitability for interrupting short circuit currents with the higher transient and power frequency recovery voltages required for 17.5kV rated switchgear, we arranged to have the necessary type tests done to prove that it is indeed capable.”
The short-circuit performance tests were carried out through the international certification body TUVRheinland at the well-known ILAC-accredited XIHARI test laboratories in Xi’an, China, in September and October last year. After these tests had been successfully completed, the balance of testing required, comprising power frequency withstand tests, was carried out by SABS NETFA in South Africa in November.
A type test summary proving full compliance to Anglo American Platinum’s specification was submitted to and accepted by Anglo American Platinum.
“The type tests carried out last year proved that no changes to our original product were necessary, as our initial confidence that this product meets the requirements for the 17.5kV rating specified for Anglo American Platinum’s applications proved correct,” Rhett Kelly, MV Switchgear’s Design & Development Manager, pointed out, adding that the product offered for applications requiring a rated voltage of 17.5kV is now specifically branded AMV17.
“The latest type tests complement the internal arc testing MV Switchgear carried out in December 2020 on AMV fitted with arc ducting, another requirement of Anglo American Platinum’s switchgear specification,” said Rhett.
Anglo American Platinum subsequently placed an order with the division for the manufacture and supply of an 11-panel double-busbar AMV17 switchboard for extending one of their substations in North West Province.
The double-busbar panels are fitted with MV Switchgear’s newly-developed power over Ethernet (PoE) infrared camera and display system, which provides visual confirmation of the isolating distance provided by the busbar disconnectors.
