Exploring future applications of high-voltage technology

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Exploring future applications of high-voltage technology

The crucial role of R&D in high-voltage advances

The world of energy is as dynamic as ever with the growing integration of renewables, large-scale electrification of transportation, digitalization, and much more. As the world becomes more electric, the industry experiences a consistent rise in demand for energy supply, efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. 

Electricity will be the backbone of the entire energy system, and with society requiring a deeply evolved grid, high-voltage technologies will serve as a cornerstone of progress. Advancements in high-voltage are vital to efficiently deliver electricity over vast distances and guarantee uninterrupted power.

High-voltage Research and Development (R&D) is the catalyst for innovation, driving the exploration of new ideas and concepts and producing more robust solutions. It provides the foundation needed to expand the capabilities of high-voltage systems, paving the way for a more sustainable, secure, and flexible grid. R&D focuses on promising innovations that will further advance high-voltage technologies to meet today's demands while anticipating tomorrow's needs.

In this blog, we will explore the pivotal impact of R&D in high-voltage, from focus areas and methodologies to recent breakthroughs and the interplay between innovation and international regulations. 

Gain valuable insights into the R&D process that brings successful high-voltage innovation in the latest episode of the Power Pulse podcast: High-voltage R&D powers the future.

Key areas of focus in high-voltage R&D

One of the most historical milestones in R&D was the transformative impact of sulfur hexafluoride, more commonly known as SF₆, in electrical engineering. Before SF₆, mineral oils were widely used in circuit-breakers. While oils offered good insulation properties, they required larger equipment and regular maintenance due to the risk of contamination and degradation. Plus, it had limited switching performance. Air was also another alternative and is partly still being used today. As an insulating medium, air was much simpler and cheaper but required more space because of its lower dielectric strength. Since the 1950s, SF₆ has been adopted as the main insulating and switching medium used in high-voltage circuit-breakers, and it has enabled the advancement of Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS). Its excellent dielectric properties make it well-suited for insulating high-voltage equipment and significantly improved operational efficiency.

The introduction of SF₆ marked a significant advancement in the industry, but this is now changing, and R&D is the key to developing exceptional solutions that the world needs today.

With the growing demand for advancements in high-voltage, strategic R&D focus areas have emerged that not only align with market needs and global regulations but also contribute to the long-term resilience of high-voltage technologies.

• Materials science and engineering 
  High-voltage is a crucial component in transmission and distribution networks, and the materials used in these systems must meet exhaustive standards to ensure their safety and performance. Research in this area includes developing better insulation materials for high-voltage as a replacement for SF₆. It is the most potent greenhouse gas with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) around 25,000 times that of CO₂ over 100 years. Despite being the standard insulating and switching gas for many years, there is a great urgency to phase it out and develop SF₆-free high-voltage technologies. In addition, research in material development will lead to enhanced conductors that reduce energy losses, improve efficiency, increase durability, and extend the life span of high-voltage equipment.

• Environmental impact and sustainability 
  Many countries are on a mission to reduce their grid's carbon footprint significantly. To create global energy solutions to accelerate this urgency, R&D must focus on minimizing the environmental impact of high-voltage technologies. Developing sustainable materials, practices, and products can lead to more efficient use of resources while building a more resilient energy infrastructure.  
   
  Implementing a thorough environmental review from conception to development is a critical step in R&D. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a state-of-the-art method that provides a holistic 360° view of the environmental performance of services and solutions. It quantifies the environmental impact of a product or a system from cradle to grave, providing a clear understanding of critical environmental focus areas for further development. 

Tune in to the latest Power Pulse podcast episode, where I break down the R&D process that brings groundbreaking high-voltage technologies to life.

• Safety enhancements 
  Safety is a paramount concern when it comes to high-voltage systems due to the inherent dangers and potential hazards associated with high-energy environments. A safety-focused R&D will play a major role in establishing stringent safety protocols and training programs for handling high-voltage technologies. Another area of focus of R&D is equipment and system reliability, which involves developing durable materials and systems that can withstand extreme conditions.

Innovations shaping today's high-voltage equipment

Recent breakthroughs in high-voltage technology

Innovations in high-voltage technology have ushered in a new era of efficiency and sustainability. Here are some of the most recent breakthroughs that are transforming the energy landscape today:

1. Smart grid technologies

Smart grid technologies, including advanced sensors, software for data analytics, and real-time monitoring, have become instrumental in managing complex energy challenges. These solutions enhance the integration of clean energy, optimize power distribution in real-time, and provide predictive maintenance, ensuring the stability and efficiency of the grid. 

Digital infrastructure in the energy industry is rising both in distribution and transmission. According to IEA, the distribution sector is responsible for over 75 percent of all investments made in grid-related digital infrastructure by introducing smart meters and automating substations, feeders, lines, and transformers.

A great example of smart grid technology is the Spark Prevention Unit (SPU) with a wireless indicator. It is designed to monitor the current and thermal load of the surge arrester and automatically disconnect it from the network in the event of a thermal overload, preventing any arcing, sparking, or discharge of hot particles that could ignite a fire. Wildfire-prone countries, including the United States and Australia, have implemented SPUs to improve grid resiliency.

By mitigating the risk of wildfires ignited by power lines, SPU protects communities, wildlife, and the environment. Discover how SPU is helping to fight wildfires in Australia.

2. SF₆-free gas mixture alternatives for high-voltage

Several regulations and policies around the world encourage the phase-out of SF₆ due to its extremely high GWP, such as the European Union's F-Gas Regulation, which aims to minimize F-gas emissions and limit the use of SF₆ in various high-voltage applications. These regulations drive innovation and adoption of eco-efficient products and solutions supporting the global effort to reduce emissions. SF₆-free gas mixtures push the boundaries of electrical insulation.

In 2022, Hitachi Energy introduced the world's first eco-efficient 420 kV circuit-breaker. This technology represents a significant breakthrough in high-voltage R&D history because it will allow the industry to transmit an enormous amount of electricity over long distances while eliminating considerable volumes of SF₆. This game-changing innovation enabled the development of the world's first SF₆-free 420 kV Dead Tank Breaker (DTB) and GIS.

In June 2024, the breakthrough EconiQ 420 kV GIS was handed over to a customer in Europe.

Know more about Hitachi Energy's EconiQ^TM high-voltage portfolio.

Envisioning the future of high-voltage technology

There is an inextricable link between sustainability and innovation. Focus areas of high-voltage R&D are driven by regulatory demands and the fundamental shift toward a more sustainable energy grid.

Building a culture of collaborative innovation is necessary to realize this vision. By drawing varied perspectives, fostering collaboration and partnerships across industries, and investing in a passionate team of R&D experts dedicated to developing solutions, we can address today's energy complexities and accelerate the energy transition.