August 26, 2014 – At the CIGRE conference in Paris (International Council on Large Electric Systems), Siemens presented its compact gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) for high-voltage direct current (HVDC) applications.

The 320kV GIS uses up to 95% less space compared to previous air-insulated units, says the company and, when used on an offshore platform, the platform size can be decreased by about 10%. “Space-saving, direct-current transmission solutions will continue to grow in significance in the future,” explained Denis Imamovic, head of development for gas-insulated DC transmission systems at Siemens.

In addition, a module-based design makes the DC CS flexible and simple to set up, says Siemens, enabling cost-efficient shipping and transportation methods. Because all current-carrying parts are fully encapsulated, the system can also be installed under demanding environmental conditions, such as on the high seas or near the coast, boasts the company, and does not necessarily have to be housed in a building.

Photo 1: Siemens new 320kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) uses up to 95% less space than air-insulated units used heretofore. When used on an offshore platform, the platform size can be decreased by about 10%.

Photo 2: In a typical configuration, the DC switchgear consists of the following main components: disconnectors, grounding switches, current and voltage measuring systems, cable and connection modules, and surge voltage protectors.