Air-insulated switchgear vs gas-insulated switchgear

Posted on February 20, 2023February 21, 2024 by admin

Air insulated switchgear vs Gas insulated switchgear

Air-insulated switchgear (AIS) and gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) are two types of equipment employed in the electrical power distribution and transmission industry. While AIS is commonly used in low and medium-voltage systems, GIS is used in high-voltage systems.

In this article, we discuss their benefits, applications and differences to provide a thorough understanding of AIS and GIS.

What is air-insulated switchgear?

Air-insulated switchgear is a secondary power distribution device and medium voltage switchgear that helps redistribute the power of a primary power distributor powered by a high voltage distribution transformer.

AIS controls, protects and isolates electrical equipment in power transmission and distribution systems. The equipment is designed to be operated in the air at atmospheric pressure, which is why the name “air-insulated.”

Advantages of AIS

It is a primary choice for areas with extensive space.
Due to low construction and switchgear costs and good design, the system is financially viable.
Less time spent on construction makes it suitable for immediate installs.
All the equipment is visible, making maintenance simple. Faults are simple to identify and fix

Applications of AIS

Power generation stations
Airports
Railway stations
Shopping malls
Oil and gas
Mining
Marine

A gas-insulated switchgear is a composite device enclosed in a solid metal frame comprising electrical devices like transformers, circuit breakers, bus cars, surge arrestors, etc. These components are housed in shielded chambers with barrier devices and submerged in sulfur hexafluoride gas (SF6).

The main uses of a GIS substation are switching, separating, converting, monitoring, and distributing electrical energy in power systems. SF6, an inert gas with high insulating qualities, chemical stability, and thermal stability, is used as the primary component of a GIS device.

Advantages of GIS

The earthed metal enclosure provides the attending staff with a secure working space.
Because the insulation system is less disrupted by compartmentalized containment of the live sections, the system is very dependable.
Minimal maintenance due to efficient design and protection from the weather.
Rapid assembly as a result of thorough pre-assembly

Applications of GIS

Power transmission
Railways
Grid integration of renewable energy production facilities
They are favored in big cities because there is limited room available in cities.
Valleys, as well as mountain regions
Underground substations
Substations on sea or lake
HVDC-based terminal substations for transmission
Industrial complexes

Differences between air-insulated switchgear and gas-insulated switchgear

AIS (air-insulated switchgear)	GIS (gas-insulated switchgear)
It has a metal-clad system that employs air insulation.	It uses the gas sulfur hexafluoride for insulation. Sulfur hexafluoride is much heavier than air and offers great extinction behavior.
Three-position draw-out circuit breakers are used in the metal-clad AIS.	GIS systems use fixed-mounted circuit breakers.
More economical for low/medium voltage systems.	It is expensive as compared to AIS.
More maintenance cost over a lifetime	Less maintenance cost
The AIS breaker is removable for maintenance & troubleshoot	The breakers here are ‘sealed-for-life.’
AIS systems cover more space	GIS systems cover less space
More installation time	Less installation time
Visual inspections of AIS systems should be done every year to every two years.	GIS switchyards require significantly less maintenance

Conclusion

Gas-insulated switchgear is mainly used in industries with high power demand and limited space to install equipment. However, it can be more expensive in the long term, requiring more specialized tools and skilled professionals to install and maintain. On the other hand, air-insulated switchgear is a more common and economical alternative for low and medium-voltage systems. get redirected here personnaliser coque de telephone personalised phone case

Surge Arrester Types

Posted on January 10, 2023November 16, 2023 by admin

Surge Arrester Types

The terminologies surge arrester and lightning arrester often confuse even the experts. While both surge and lightning arresters protect your electrical appliances from accidents, there is little difference between them.

This article discusses surge arresters, their types, and how they differ from lightning arresters.

What is Surge Arrester?

Surge arresters prevent damage to electrical devices due to high-voltage transients produced by internal or external activities. A surge arrester’s primary function is to protect from high voltages by discharging surge currents.

What are the different types of surge arresters?

On the basis of rating of voltage levels, protecting ability, and stability in pressure support, the surge arresters are classified into the following types:

1.) Distribution arresters

Distribution arresters have less energy-discharging ability and provide minimal surge protection. Therefore, this arrester is primarily employed in medium voltage network types.

2.) Station arresters

These arresters provide better protection showing minimal discharging voltage levels, more energy absorption and high-pressure relief.

The important applications of station arresters include strong surges and huge substations.

3.) Intermediate arresters

As the name suggests, Intermediate arresters possess medium-level protecting capabilities and medium energy discharging capacity.

What is the working principle of a surge arrester?

When the voltage received by the electrical devices is higher than the fixed voltage, they may blow up or get damaged. That is why a surge arrester protects these devices from damage, ensuring that high voltages do not travel through the electrical system.

The surge arrester diverts the extra voltage into the earth wire, inhibiting the flow through electronic devices and simultaneously allowing the normal voltage to continue along its path.

Surge arrester and Lightning arrester

Lightning arresters are devices installed to shield power lines and homes from dangerous power surges. They protect various electrical equipment and systems from high voltage surges caused by lightning strikes and their effects.

The table below distinguishes surge and lightning arresters.

Surge Arresters	Lightning arresters
Protect various electrical appliances within the home	Protects the electrical appliances outside the home
Installed in the main panel board	Installed in the outside panel board
Interrupt the surges & divert the surplus energy to the ground	Redirect the flow of electricity directly to the ground
Its various types include low-voltage, distribution, neutral protection, fiber tube, network, signal, direct current, stations, etc.	The various types include metal oxide, electrolyte, multi-gap, horn, sphere, and rod.
Can be used only as a surge arrester	Can also be used as a surge arrester

Conclusion

Surge arresters and lightning arresters play a crucial role in protecting your electrical appliances. The difference lies in how they function.

Visit us at Laxmi Associates if you wish to learn more about surge arresters and electrical appliance protection.

You can gain a better understanding of it by reading about the “Surge Arrester Working Principle” as well.

Types of transformer oil – Testing, Types & Properties

Posted on December 20, 2022September 21, 2023 by admin

Types of transformer oil – Testing, Types & Properties

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Posted on November 18, 2022September 22, 2023 by admin

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Types Of Electrical Maintenance

Posted on October 12, 2022March 27, 2024 by admin

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Transformer Oil Uses : Thing You Needs To Know About It

Posted on September 8, 2022November 16, 2023 by admin

Transformer Oil Uses : Thing You Needs To Know About It

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Why is electrical maintenance necessary?

Posted on August 29, 2022September 22, 2023 by admin

Why is electrical maintenance necessary?

Maintenance of electrical equipment

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Surge Arrester Working Principle – Laxmi Associates

Posted on July 13, 2022February 21, 2024 by admin

Surge Arrester Working Principle – Laxmi Associates

A surge arrester is a device used to protect electrical equipment from damage caused by voltage spikes. Surge arresters work by diverting excess voltage from sensitive equipment and dissipating it safely. When a voltage spike occurs, the surge arrester will conduct the extra voltage away from the equipment and into the ground.

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Types of Electrical Power Cables

Posted on July 12, 2022September 22, 2023 by admin

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Types Of Current Transformers

Posted on July 11, 2022September 22, 2023 by admin

Types Of Current Transformers

There are several types of current transformers (CTs) in use today. The frequency of the current distinguishes them they are designed to measure, the method of connection to the circuit being calculated, the number of secondary windings, the turns ratio, and the core material. This blog post will take a closer look at the different types of current transformers and their applications.

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