ABB Launches New High Voltage Hybrid Switchgear

420 kV integrated PASS module pre-assembled for easy transportation and fast installation

Zurich Switzerland – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group recently announced the launch of its 420 kilovolt (kV) high voltage hybrid switchgear extending the offering range and reinforcing its technology leadership. The new product belongs to ABB’s PASS (Plug and Switch System) family of hybrid high voltage switchgear.

ABB’s latest 420kV PASS hybrid modules integrate the functions of a circuit breaker, disconnector and earthing switch as well as current and voltage transformers in one product, which is pre- assembled and factory-tested to save on installation and commissioning time. The simple, safe and innovative design enables the bushings to be rotated from service to transport position and vice-versa, a process that takes less than 30 seconds for each bushing.

The compactness of the switchgear module can help reduce the footprint of the switchgear bay where it is installed by up to 50 percent when compared with air insulated switchgear with comparable ratings.

Necessary maintenance operations can be carried out during service and without the need of any outage, as there is no need for regular cleaning of the switchgear contacts since all active parts of the equipment are gas insulated. This also reduces the time and cost of servicing the equipment in addition to enhancing its reliability and availability.

With the introduction of the new 420 kV module the PASS product family now covers voltages from 72,5 kV to 420 kV with breaking current capability ranging from 31,5 to 63 kA. In addition to standard modules a special solution called the PASS M0 H offers a complete high voltage switchyard with an ‘H’ configuration as a single product.

“ABB offers a wide range of hybrid high voltage switchgear solutions to suit varying customer needs and the new compact and highly reliable 420kV PASS complements our existing GIS based ELK hybrid technology” said Giandomenico Rivetti, head of ABB’s High Voltage business, a part of the company’s Power Products division. “The innovative design features of this new product enable ease of transportation and make it quick and easy to install.”

High voltage switchgear facilitates switching, control and protection of power networks across voltage levels of 50 kV to 1200 kV.