In medium-voltage substation engineering, selecting the optimal primary switchgear architecture dictates building footprint, arc flash safety, operating lifecycle, and total capital expenditure.
RW Energy delivers certified 12kV to 40.5kV primary distribution switchgear in both Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS) and Gas-Insulated Switchgear (C-GIS) configurations, engineered in strict accordance with IEC 62271-200 and IEEE C37.20.2 standards.
1. AIS vs C-GIS: Core Substation Selection Criteria
When engineering your single-line diagram (SLD), the selection between AIS and C-GIS hinges on physical environmental severity and civil construction constraints:
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Air-Insulated Metal-Clad Switchgear (KYN28 & KYN61 Series): Best suited for conventional indoor substations where room dimensions are ample. Features withdrawable vacuum circuit breaker handcarts for rapid 5-minute maintenance racking, natural air convection cooling, and direct front/rear inspection accessibility.
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Gas-Insulated Metal-Clad Switchgear (RGIS & RMC Series): Essential for space-restricted urban underground substations, offshore wind turbine platforms, coastal chemical corridors, and high-altitude installations up to 4000m. Primary live parts are hermetically sealed inside an IP65 stainless steel vessel, reducing civil footprint by up to 60% with zero environmental derating.
2. RW Energy Primary MV Switchgear Lineup Overview
3. Operator Safety & Internal Arc Classification (IAC AFLR 31.5kA / 1s)
Operator safety under internal fault conditions is non-negotiable. RW Energy metal-clad switchgear features:
- Four Segregated Metallic Compartments: Circuit breaker handcart, main busbar, cable termination, and low-voltage control chambers are isolated by 2.0mm Al-Zn coated steel barriers.
- Top-Mounted Pressure Relief Flaps: In the rare event of an internal arc, instantaneous gas overpressure vents upward through dedicated exhaustion ducts away from operating personnel.
- Mechanical Five-Prevention Interlocks: Foolproof mechanical linkages prevent racking closed breakers, closing earthing switches under live voltage, and opening doors before circuits are de-energized and grounded.
4. Third-Party Relay Compatibility & SCADA Integration
We provide complete flexibility for client-mandated protection relay standards. Low-voltage compartments support seamless factory pre-wiring and testing of:
- Digital Microprocessor Protection Relays: ABB Relion series (REX640, REF615), Siemens SIPROTEC 5, Schneider Electric Sepam / MiCOM, or SEL relays.
- Communication Protocols: Optical fiber IEC 61850 GOOSE/MMS, DNP3.0, and Modbus RTU/TCP for turnkey SCADA integration.
5. International Type Testing & Quality Verification
All switchboards undergo comprehensive type tests in independent STL/KEMA-accredited testing laboratories, certified to:
- IEC 62271-200: AC metal-enclosed switchgear and controlgear for rated voltages above 1kV and up to 52kV.
- IEC 62271-100: High-voltage alternating-current circuit-breakers.
- IEEE C37.20.2: IEEE Standard for Metal-Clad Switchgear.
- IEC 60529: Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP4X external, IP2X internal partitions, IP65 C-GIS gas tank).
6. Commercial Terms & EPC Engineering Support
- Rapid Quotation & SLD Review: Complete single-line diagram evaluation and commercial quotation within 24 to 48 hours.
- Standard Manufacturing Lead Time: 6 to 8 weeks for standard lineups; 8 to 10 weeks for custom multi-panel configurations.
- Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT): Comprehensive dielectric withstand, mechanical timing, and secondary injection testing with live remote video witnessing.
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