July 12, 2019 – Vizimax, which develops medium-voltage (MV) power control and automation systems in Longueuil, Que., and Tavrida Electric, a German manufacturer of MV switchgear, have released what they say is the world’s first compact SF6-free single-pole operation-capable 24-kV metal-clad switchgear with advanced, synchronous and transient-free switching control.

By combining Vizimax’s controlled switching devices with Tavrida’s vacuum circuit breakers and switchgear, the companies aimed to achieve near-zero inrush currents and reduce voltage dips when energizing power transformers, while eliminating destructive transients when switching MV capacitors, harmonic filters and reactors.

The resulting switchgear is intended for utilities, renewable energy projects (including large wind and solar power plants), mining, steelmaking, railways and electro-intensive industries. Advanced reactive power compensators and power factor correction have created a need for more reliable switching apparatuses and reactive load preservation.

“We are jointly offering a long-sought-after solution to improve grid connections and maximize the use of existing power infrastructures,” says Jean-Guy Lacombe, Vizimax’s president and CEO.

“Our solution eliminates switching transients and preserves equipment, while enabling the fast-switching of capacitor banks and harmonic filters,” says Johannes Okon, Tavrida’s managing director for Western Europe.