Extreme challenges: Siemens tests 420 kV performance switch in Cottbus!

Extreme challenges: Siemens tests 420 kV performance switch in Cottbus!

In the climate chamber of the chair for high voltage technology and electrical systems (HTA) at the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg, an extensive test of a 420 kV performance switch from Siemens Energy is currently being carried out. This type test aims to ensure the operational safety of high -voltage switchgear under extreme temperature conditions. The powerful switch, known as Type 3ap2, brings impressive dimensions with it: it is over eight meters high and around five meters wide. These tests are unique because the BTU Cottbus-Senftenberg is the only location in Germany that can test such large circuit breakers under climatic extreme conditions as b-tu.de reported.

The type test is carried out over a period of one week and comprises temperature ranges from -30 ° C to +55 ° C. Engineers carry out various switching actions during the test and in particular check the gas indicability that is of high relevance for environmentally friendly SF₆ gas. In addition to these tests, the mechanical stability of the system is also critically checked under extreme test conditions.

logistical challenges and future developments

A difficult logistical undertaking represents the assembly of the switch, since its individual parts had to be inserted into the climate chamber through a hatch in the hallway and put together there. In order to further optimize the test results, the HTA plans to build a new, more powerful climate chamber. This will have a larger gate and an extended temperature range in order to be able to test future large devices and newly developed switches under realistic conditions, as also in the report of b-tu.de mentioned.

The project is part of a broader strategy to highlight the cooperation between research institutions and industry as a centrally central to the energy transition.

research on dielectric liquids

parallel to the tests of the circuit breaker is also being researched at the improvement of insulating systems. Under the direction of Prof. Zink and Prof. Kobus, the researchers deal with the evaluation of dielectric liquids for transformers. The “Bioliq” project, which is supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and runs until 2025, aims to examine the properties of alternative insulating fluids. The main obstacles are previously used petroleum-dependent and mineral oil-free liquids that cause low biological degradation and environmental loads, such as thws.de

The researchers evaluate more sustainable alternatives, especially natural esters and vegetable oils. These offer advantages such as fire resistance, high biological degradation and a good dielectric punch performance. Despite the increasing demand for natural esters in high -voltage technology applications, there is a lack of comprehensive data about your dielectric parameters, which is why extensive further examinations are necessary.