Advanced switchgear technologies to enable smart global manufacturing mission

Switchgears are generally classified as low-voltage, medium-voltage, and high-voltage based on their usage within power generation, transmission, and distribution. There are attributes in terms of compactness, high fault capacity, hybrid technologies, improved dielectric, and smartness getting embedded in switchgears.

The functions of switchgear in a power substation 

Switchgear is commonly found throughout electric utility transmission and distribution systems as well as in medium to-large-sized commercial or industrial facilities. The primary function of switchgear is to make or break a circuit and to isolate and protect people and machines. IEEE, IEC, GB, and IS define electrical switchgear standards in various parts of the world. They are also defined based on applications like oil and gas (ATEX/IECeX), marine certification, defence applications, etc.

The Eaton Xiria family of medium voltage switchgear is designed and manufactured to meet the demands of smart, sustainable electric systems and for customers who care about the circular economy. The unique design that eliminates SF6 gas for both switching and insulation provides multiple benefits for customers. Not only does such equipment have the lowest total cost of ownership, but the technology enables switching up to 10,000 times, the maintenance is greatly reduced, and the equipment can adapt to new smart grids. At end-of-life, such equipment is easily repurposed or recycled, avoiding risks to people and the environment.

Energy demand trends impact the switchgear business 

Over the next few years, the Indian switchgear market is expected to grow by 6 to 8 percent. The driver for this growth is not only the increasing demand for electricity or better reach and coverage of the electrical grid, but the energy transition and electrification of vehicles, which are going to play a major role in driving up the demand for switchgear. India has very ambitious plans for renewable generation and we are also seeing a lot of actions in the EV infrastructure space which might push the demand for switchgear beyond the 6-8 percent growth currently anticipated. Another key trend in the switchgear market is the digitisation or smartness being embedded in the switchgear. Going forward, traditional consumers of electricity, like households and factories, are also going to be producers of electricity, which we call “prosumers.” This change, along with the rollout of Smart Grids, is forcing the switchgear industry to incorporate smart features and digital platforms for transmission, distribution, and consumption management. 

At Eaton, we have been the pioneers of digital switchgear. Going a step further, we have recently launched the Bright Layer Utilities Suite. With Brightlayer, we’ve taken our more than 100 years of industry expertise and developed a foundation for leveraging data to provide insights that matter to prosumers. From capacity planning, complete with renewable power and storage simulations, to substation operations and more, the Brightlayer Utilities suite offers the software required to manage the grid and plan equipment upgrades and new installations. 

Benefits from advanced switchgear in a power substation 

As the cyber and physical worlds continue to merge, and as digital technology becomes more ubiquitous and cost-efficient, intelligent power management brings new opportunities to light. This new digital future—the fusion of connected devices, data models, insights, and analytics—helps more efficiently solve critical power management challenges and has inspired us to ensure safer, more sustainable, and efficient power management practises across industries.

Unlocking the value of hidden data means enabling closed loop decision-making with the insights derived from that data. Digital platforms, such as the Eaton Brightlayer platform, assemble code sets, data science algorithms, development toolkits, and security protocols that can be leveraged for a standardised approach to digital solution delivery

The Eaton Brightlayer platform, for example, is purpose-built to enable smarter real-time decisions with powerful artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, simplify usability with interface libraries and user experience templates, and safeguard data, equipment, and processeswith cyber-security protocols that exceed industry standards. 

O&M practices to ensure efficient and optimal performance of switchgears 

Switchgear needs maintenance schedules for trouble-free operations during its life cycle, like any other major component of an electric network’s needs. 

• Regular Maintenance: A wide range of activities are required to keep the switchgear in ready condition for its consistent performance and functions to perform satisfactorily. If oil or SF6 are used, then they need to be replaced after a certain number of operations. 
• Regular inspection: A general visual inspection should be carried out, and if the brakers are exposed to a dust environment, more frequent checks are required. 
• Regular servicing: Servicing is carried out to ensure that the switchgear is kept inacceptable conditions. It is limited to cleaning, lubrication, and adjustments as defined in the operation and maintenance modules.