EconiQ retrofill for gas-insulated lines ELK-3, 420 kV

The innovative EconiQ retrofill solution uses eco-efficient fluoronitrile based gas mixture to replace SF₆ in installed gas-insulated lines. This can be done with minimum changes to existing equipment while ensuring performance of the equipment and significantly lowering environmental impact.

In this process, SF₆ from the installed gas-insulated lines is evacuated and filled into gas bottles for recycling or disposal and the GIL is then flushed to remove any humidity. The new eco-efficient gas mixture is then filled into the GIL and the switchgear is re-energized to connect back to the grid. The process is relatively quick and enables the reuse of passive gas components designed for SF₆ to be converted into non-SF₆ equipment, thereby improving their environmental and lifecycle performance.

EconiQ is Hitachi Energy's eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance.

Applications

• Installed ELK-3, 420 kV gas-insulated lines
  

Why Hitachi Energy?

• Our solution is developed specifically to reduce the quantity of SF₆ in installed high-voltage equipment without doing any major changes or upgrades on the existing equipment. All work can be performed without opening and dismantling the installed GIL. There is no need to change installed sealings, only gas is replaced.
• Our eco-efficient gas mixture significantly reduces the CO₂ equivalent emissions as compared to SF₆  while providing the identical ratings, same reliability and life cycle performance.
• Extensive GIS know-how and service support for smooth process in planning and execution at site.

Benefits of EconiQ retrofill solution:
 

• Convert an existing GIL designed for SF₆ to eco-friendly GIL without any dismantling and opening of gas compartment and with minimum outage.
• Eliminate approximately 50% SF₆ from the typical substation and thus reduces the carbon footprint and any financial and environmental implications thereof.
• Reduce SF₆ inventory from the network.
• Future-proof solution to comply with environmental regulation changes.