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Basics Of Primary Medium Voltage Switchgear

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Basics Of Primary Medium Voltage Switchgear (on photo: ABB's MV air-insulated metal-clad switchgear, type 'UNISAFE'; credit: tamintablo.com)

Primary medium voltage switchgear

Primary medium voltage switchgear represents an important part within the primary distribution substation
functionality. The switchgear works as a connection node between the outgoing distribution feeders and the in-feeding
power transformers. The most common construction with the switchgear is an indoor-mounted metal-enclosed one.

The rated voltage, current and short circuit withstand ranges for secondary switchgears typically reach
up to 36 kV, 1250 A and 50 kA respectively.

The same switchgear constructions are used in primary distribution by the utilities and in heavier industrial and power
plant applications.
On a 36 kV voltage level also outdoor air-insulated constructions are used to some extent. These switchgears are
built at site utilizing individual standard components. This gives the possibility to construct customer-specific solutions
like busbar arrangements that are not available with factory-built metal-enclosed switchgears.

Figure 1 Example of primary medium voltage switchgear UniGear ZVC feeder unit

With the release of the IEC 62271-200 standard, new definitions and classifications of Medium Voltage switchgear
have been introduced.
One of the most significant changes is that classification of switchgear into metal-enclosed, compartmented and
cubicle types has been abandoned. The revision of switchgear classification rules has been based on the users point
of view, in particular on aspects like service and maintenance of the switchgear, according to the requirements and
expectations for proper management, from installation to dismantling.

In this context, Loss of Service Continuity (LSC) has been selected as a fundamental parameter for
the user.

Switchgear construction
The following concentrates on factory-built metal-enclosed indoor switchgears. The primary switching devices typically
include switch disconnectors, fused switch disconnectors, contactors and circuit breakers, either fixed or
withdrawable. The current and voltage measurement can be done either with traditional instrument transformers (CTs
and VTs) or with sensors.
Certain combinations are also possible, depending on the individual switchgear manufacturer.
Two main construction principles exist, namely the air-insulated one and the gas-insulated (SF6) one. The choice
between these two alternatives is a result of evaluation of different aspects and differentiating factors during the
switchgears life cycle.
This evaluation can typically include the following viewpoints:
Space requirements
Service requirements (tools and knowledge)
Reliability and availability
Installed base
Operational safety
Life cycle costs
Performance ratings
Switchgear consists of a number of cubicles. The basic construction of each cubicle is chosen to meet the
intended use. This means that for example the power transformer in-feed cubicle can have different primary and
secondary devices from what the outgoing line feeder cubicle has.

The switchgear manufactures provide a selection of typical cubicle constructions. By combining these
typical cubicles, one can create switchgear suitable for the intended use.

Figure 2 Example of typical cubicles for single-busbar solution

The number of different cubicles within the switchgear is coupled together by the busbars. In an air-insulated
construction, these busbars are placed in a metal-enclosed compartment surrounded by normal air. With the gasinsulated construction, the busbars are placed in a hermetically sealed metal enclosure under pressurized insulating
gas (SF6).
Depending on the manufacturer, the busbar compartment can be divided into cubicle-wide sections.

Typical busbar arrangements supported by the different switchgear manufacturers are the singlebusbar and double-busbar arrangements .

Figure 3 Example of typical cubicles for double-busbar solution

Protection, Control and Metering

The protection relays are externally powered advanced Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs), also referred to as
Feeder Terminals. In a modern primary switchgear, the bay-dedicated functions like protection, control and
measurement are carried out with Feeder Terminals.
The Feeder Terminal performs the as signed protection functions, carries out the local and remote control of switching
devices, gathers and processes and displays measured data and indicates the status of the switching devices.

Figure 4 Air-insulated primary switchgear equipped with Feeder Terminals (type UniGear ZS1)

The horizontal communication between feeder terminals in each cubicle provides the possibil- ity for station level
automation and gateway connections to upper level systems for complete primary distribution network real-time

control and monitoring.

Recommended literature to study //

Development of 22kV Distribution Systems and Switchgear
Instrument Transformers Application Guide
Substation Design Guidelines
Fixed or withdrawable MV switchgear?
ABBs Power System Protection Practices (10+ guides)