Switching gears for smart distribution

Given the critical role of smart switchgears in efficient power distribution, the demand for smart switchgears is expected to grow considerably in the near future

The power sector in India has been progressing at a healthy pace supported by a variety of policy initiatives by the government. This has translated into a rising demand for robust power system equipment such as switchgear in the country. Switchgear is a combination of components such as switches, fuses, and circuit breakers that are used to control, protect and isolate an electrical equipment to facilitate continuous and reliable supply of electricity. The use of switchgear helps in protecting against circumstances of overload, short circuit, insulation failure etc.

With the advent of smart grids, substation automation is expected to expand considerably, providing increased control of relays, capacitor banks, voltage regulators and feeders. Given their essential role in substation automation, the scale of switchgear is also likely to grow significantly in the near future. Given the government’s reform initiatives, the switchgear market is expected to continue on its growth trajectory. The expansion of key industries and infrastructure sectors like telecom, railways, airports and ports, and the increases prominence on the development of smart grids and grid automation are expected to support the switchgear market.

Role of smart switchgears for smart distribution
Syed Sajjadh Ali, Managing Director – India, Electrical Sector, Eaton says, “While the primary function of a power distribution system is to offer stable and reliable power to the users, it has become increasingly critical to have smart distributions systems that can function uninterrupted and provide vital information to users about power consumption and power quality. In addition, the system may have power feeds from multiple sources including grid, diesel gensets, renewables etc. A smart distribution system will ensure that the management of these different power sources is done intelligently, so that distribution is efficient and reliable.”

It becomes crucial that switchgears are also advanced and smart enough to operate in sync with a smart power management system. Switchgears need to respond with the same level of efficiency to make the entire system deliver the desired outcome.

The company has always been at the forefront of innovation when it comes to power management technologies. We are focused on making power efficient, safe, reliable and sustainable and our advanced range of switchgear products does just that. Our smart switchgears and components provide users with necessary information that helps them avoid accidents make the system safe and also deliver intelligence for preventive maintenance, adds Ali.

There are many such features which are inbuilt into the switchgears which make them smart, and thus making the distribution system itself truly smart. Without smart switchgears, smart distribution systems may end up becoming only a smart metering system, he further adds.

Gautam Seth, Joint Managing Director, HPL Electric & Power Ltd says, “Switchgear is defined as an assembly of switching and interrupting devices, providing control, metering, protection, and current regulating applications. Smart switchgear is pre-programmed switchgear supporting remote monitoring, configuration and control of embedded intelligent devices through two way real-time communication. It allows monitoring of incoming and outgoing power, automatic transfer of power during peak load and automatic opening and closing to maintain power load. Smart switchgear enables better monitoring, control and communication, allowing energy saving and better management.”

Smart switchgears are the latest genre of switchgears which are transforming the electrical systems and management. Buildings (commercial, residential and industrial) consume a lot of energy and world over initiatives are being taken to save energy and reduce the negative impact on the environment. In such a scenario, smart switchgears come in action by measuring, connecting and saving to help manage energy and bring energy bills down significantly, examines Seth.

Also, with the 100 smart cities initiative announced by the government, the demand for smart switchgears is expected to rise further. These cities will be built with GIS-based (Geographic Information Systems) town planning, using advanced ICT technologies covering that will feature smart switchgears, he further adds.

The company is known for its technologically advanced and innovative products and taking this forward its recent launch in the smart switchgear category is AV ATS. The product is designed as per the latest design and manufacturing needs, meeting world class standards. HPL’ AV ATS is a simple strong and reliable mechanism to provide a safe changeover of sources, remotely. It has been developed keeping in mind the safety requirements of the new age customers who are more aware about safety measures, preferring branded and quality conscious electrical components to safeguard their systems and prevent threats posed by short circuits. All live parts are shrouded eliminating the possibilities of casualties & electric hazards. The insulation property of the material used is highly reliable, self-extinguishing with high thermal withstand properties and remains intact in even critical conditions. The AV ATS is compact in size and hence helps in saving space in the enclosures, panels etc. The handling is easy and simple. Its simplicity and ease in use allows the user for quick installation.

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Smart switchgear enables better monitoring, control and communication, allowing energy saving and better management.
Gautam Seth, Joint Managing Director, HPL Electric & Power Ltd

Smart switchgears allow grid optimisation and enhance reliability, efficiency and minimises both transmission as well as operational losses.
A V Jagdish, Vice President, Havells India Limited

Switchgears are an important component in the electrical systems. For smart distribution, it is inevitable to have a smart switch which will optimise the performance.
Sameer Saxena, Director-Marketing, Legrand India