The global energy transition is picking up speed as economies shift investment towards a more sustainable future. Key to making this shift happen is the electrification of our energy and a move towards renewable energy sources. But what about the energy infrastructure that underpins the move to a net-zero future?
Upgrading the grid
To distribute electricity into our homes and businesses, a technology called switchgear is used throughout the transmission and distribution networks. This technology helps protect against sudden surges of electricity and also adjusts electricity to the right voltage so it can be transported safely through the powerlines. Switchgear components, such as transformers and circuit breakers, are traditionally insulated by a gas called SF6. This gas stops any sparks from an electrical fault before they can cause a fire or explosion.
However, SF6 is one of the most potent greenhouse gases in existence. With a warming potential of 23,900 times that of CO2, SF6 can remain in the atmosphere for up to 3,200 years. Although the gas is slowly being phased out in electricity distribution, there are technical challenges in safely replacing it.
Spotting new sustainable opportunities
OsecoElfab, a Halma company based in the US and UK, designs and manufacturers pressure safety solutions to protect people, equipment and the environment. Historically, one of the company’s bigger markets was in the oil and gas, and chemical processing industries. To help the move to a greener future, OsecoElfab is increasingly diversifying its technology.
One example is in switchgear use for electricity distribution. Clean air – with all its humidity and impurities removed – is a far greener alternative to SF6 for insulating switchgear technology. However, to make it work as an effective insulator, it requires specialised components.
3,200 years
How long the greenhouse gas SF6 remains in the atmosphere*
1. Distribute energy: Transporting electricity from a power station into our homes at the right voltage.
2. Potential Risk: A short circuit and electrical arc event occurs. This could lead to catastrophic consequences.
3. Protection Rupture: disc releases excess heat and pressure, keeping people and equipment safe.
By working closely with its customers, OsecoElfab has customised its rupture disc technology to provide a solution for switchgear insulated by clean air. Its rupture discs are specialist pressure release devices that activate in milliseconds to release heat and pressure. This protects against dangerous surges caused by electrical faults which could lead to fires that damage the equipment or, worse, explosions that endanger life. Thanks to OsecoElfab’s technology, switchgears can now be designed to keep people safe without the damaging SF6 gas being released.
As technology advances and regulations evolve in support of a Net Zero future, OsecoElfab continues to partner with industry leaders to solve their problems in support of a safer and cleaner future.
*https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2019/10/greenhouse-gas-emissions-climate-change-sf6/
