CIGRE special part 1: Reliable, scalable, and compact – that’s EconiQ!
Learn about how Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ high-voltage portfolio champions sustainability.
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EconiQ: A powerful portfolio of high-voltage solutions for a sustainable energy future
Changing the game with SF6-free technology
EconiQ traces its roots back to the 90s when Hitachi Energy (then ABB) initiated research in alternatives to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas commonly used in high-voltage equipment. Despite the gas’s exceptional technical properties, the company’s scientists and researchers were determined to explore options that were more sustainable and kinder to the planet.
The early 2000s saw a significant step forward. The year 2010 saw advancements in technology such as the release of the iPad, the public launch of Instagram, and the first successful trapping of antimatter. It was also the year that Hitachi Energy pioneered a pilot project in Sweden with Vattenfall, a leading European energy company, and installed a 132 kV live tank breaker entirely free of SF6. The equipment was successfully commissioned and operated reliably for many years. It was a groundbreaking achievement, a testament to the years of research and development that had gone before. It was also the forerunner of the EconiQ high-voltage portfolio.
More than 120 years after it was established, Hitachi Energy’s facility in Ludvika continues the rich innovation legacy by introducing a range of eco-efficient high-voltage switchgear.
This blog delves into the history of Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ high-voltage portfolio and the fascinating journey into becoming a frontrunner in sustainable innovation. Tune in to this special episode of the Power Pulse podcast to find out more about this topic.
The EconiQ advantage
What sets EconiQ apart is its ability to deliver exceptional performance without compromising on sustainability. Groundbreaking technologies like the EconiQ high-voltage portfolio offer the lowest possible carbon footprint while maintaining all the admirable characteristics of current SF6 equipment. Our products are designed to be:
- Reliable: Built on a foundation of proven technology, EconiQ equipment is engineered to withstand the most demanding conditions.
- Scalable: Able to reach the highest voltage ratings and unlocks the widest range of EconiQ high-voltage applications.
Efficient: Optimized design and advanced materials ensure maximum energy efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
Compact: Our solutions are space-saving, making them ideal for both new and existing infrastructure.
At the heart of EconiQ is our commitment to carry out a full life cycle assessment (LCA), according to the relevant standards. By meticulously analyzing every stage of a product’s life, from raw material extraction to disposal, we have identified opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint significantly.
Scientific methodologies such as life cycle assessment offers a quantifiable, evidence-based approach, providing transparency on environmental impact.
One of the standout features of the EconiQ portfolio is its adaptability to various applications. For instance, compact gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) is ideal for areas with limited space, while live tank breakers are suitable for locations where space constraints are less of an issue. This flexibility ensures that customers can choose the most appropriate solution for their specific needs.
Why a zero global warming potential of insulating gas does not always equal a lower carbon footprint:
If the technology uses air (GWP=0) as the insulating and interruption gas in a high-voltage application, it requires a larger-sized equipment to function. It thus stands to reason that it uses more material, and this results in a larger total carbon footprint.
Even with 100% renewable electricity production, the material production is not carbon neutral.
Although air has a GWP of zero, the total carbon equivalent emissions are higher for the air+vacuum GIS compared to the EconiQ gas mixture.
When you say “high,” how high do you mean?
While there are other SF6-free technologies in some segments, these often come with limitations in terms of performance, scalability, or environmental impact. Vacuum and air technologies are well established for medium voltage applications and partially extended to the lower range of the high-voltage applications up to 72.5/145 kV. However, scaling it up to handle higher voltages in power transmission networks is yet stagnating at the level of concepts and prototypes.
This is where Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ shines. Developed with a deep understanding of scientific and engineering principles, as well as design rules, the portfolio delivers on all parameters. The C4-FN gas used in small percentages within the eco-efficient EconiQ mixture enables the equipment to retain its compact size and minimize material usage, which further enhances the overall carbon footprint. By maintaining the reliability, performance, scalability and compactness of conventional SF6-based products, EconiQ ensures a seamless transition for customers.
In a recent incident in North America, a storm disrupted the distribution network. The EconiQ 420 kV circuit-breaker successfully cleared the fault and reconnected the circuit, ensuring uninterrupted supply to thousands of households and businesses. The incident put the equipment to the test, underscoring the reliability and effectiveness of EconiQ products in demanding, real-world conditions.
The ticking clock on sustainability: High-voltage equipment gets an upgrade
EconiQ is more than just a product, it is a vision for a sustainable energy future. By replacing SF6 with eco-efficient alternatives, we are helping to protect our planet for generations to come. Our goal is to empower our customers to build a more resilient and environmentally responsible power grid.
We invite you to learn more about EconiQ and how It can contribute to your sustainability goals. Stay tuned for exciting announcements at the upcoming CIGRE conference in Paris.
Connect with our experts to discuss how Hitachi Energy can support your high-voltage needs.
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