What Is Switchgear and Its Importance?

Electrical switchgear is used in both high and low-voltage power transformers and is connected to electrical supply networks. Its goal is to de-energize the system so that maintenance and repairs may be made to fix the problems.

Every time a power system flaw, such as a short circuit, a large number of current flows via electric setup, destroying the structure and disrupting supply to the consumers. The best possible electrical protection must be made. According to P&S Intelligence, the global switchgear market is expected to reach $157,045.5 million by 2030. This can be ascribed to the growing construction activities.

How Does Switchgear Operate?

Relay and circuit breakers are the two components of automated protective switchgear. Every time there is a problem, the relay activates. The relay disconnects the broken line and shuts the malfunctioning circuit. This guarantees both a continuous supply of electricity and the safety of the gadgets. Relays ensure that the damaged component is kept separate from the functioning component.

Characteristic of Switchgear

·         Absolute Differentiation

Switchgear can switch a circuit's functional and nonfunctional components. Based on this, the switchgear isolates the malfunctioning parts to provide a reliable power supply.

·         Swift Response

The switchgear reacts rapidly in the event of a circuit malfunction to stop the harm from spreading to the healthy components. As a result, it aids in preventing a circuit shut down entirely.

·         Increases Reliability

Switchgear guarantees uninterrupted interconnection and increased generating station capacity. It improves dependability. This suggests that the switchgear isolates problematic portions of the circuit in the event of a breakdown.

Classification of Switchgear

 

• Medium Voltage (MV) Switchgear
• Low Voltage (LV) Switchgear
• High Voltage (HV) Switchgear

Medium Voltage Switchgear

The primary purpose of medium voltage switchgear is to distribute electrical energy among various electrical networks. They consist primarily of switchgear, bulk oil circuit breakers, air magnetic, vacuum, and gas-insulated switchgear, among other substation components.

They might be outdoor types without a metal barrier, outdoor types with a metal enclosure, indoor types with a metal enclosure, etc. Oil, SF6, and vacuum may be the interruption medium. No matter what kind of CB is utilized in the system, the primary necessity of MV power networks is to stop the current under defective conditions. 

Low Voltage Switchgear

This switchgear has a 1 kV maximum capacity. Therefore, low voltage circuit breakers, unload electrical isolators, earth leakage circuit breakers, switches, micro circuit breakers, moulded case circuit breakers, and HRC fuses are all included in the term LV switchgear.

The LV distribution board has LV switchgear. There are feeders, sub-incomers, and incomers in it. Parts of the circuit can be protected from mechanical and thermal stress thanks to LV switchgear. It provides operational control of remote and local switching and isolates defective components safely.

High Voltage Switchgear

Due to the high voltage level, switching operations result in significant arcing. Therefore, particular consideration must be given while building high voltage switchgear.

The primary part of HV switchgear is high voltage circuit breakers, including SF6 or vacuum circuit breakers. So, high voltage circuit breakers must have specific properties for safe and dependable functioning.