Optimise the Lifespan of your Installed Switchgear

A typical retrofit involves the replacement of old circuit breakers and switches by modern vacuum circuit breakers. This option is particularly attractive to organisations with a concentrated age profile of installed equipment and where asset replacement budgets are limited.
 

The elimination of the need for disruptive re-cabling is a major influencer: as is cost, with no requirement for civils, transformer or cabling works.

Moreover, a retrofit of circuit boards with protection equipment can result in an operational lifetime of c.25 years, dependent on the switchgear panel’s condition – and offers minimal disruption. For a straightforward retrofit circuit breaker option, site times can be very short, perhaps even less than one day per circuit.

Often, a phased retrofit approach can avoid major system network disruption whilst delivering several key benefits: 

• significantly reduced maintenance requirements,
• enhanced operational flexibility / automation
• enhanced safety and environmental performance, through elimination of oil and SF6 technologies
• potential performance and protection upgrades, as often the original switchgear panels have enhanced capabilities that can be exploited if the circuit breakers are replaced.

Retrofit works well where the condition of the existing switchgear panels is good and they can be condition-assessed to give a remaining life consistent with substation and network requirements. This is particularly attractive where the change from oil to vacuum greatly reduces maintenance requirements and increases the in-service time.

Retrofit solutions covering a wide range of oil, air break and SF6 technologies are of course also available – fully supported not only by the full production capability but the original design information too, to ensure maximum performance from any project.

Refurbishment restores the equipment to its original condition and performance specification. It can actually enhance ratings or performance, dependent on the equipment involved.

The big advantage of this option, like retrofit, is that no building, civils or transformer equipment are required – again, with considerable cost savings. If refurbishment of circuit breakers is required, then a ‘traveller’ scheme can be operated so changeover can be achieved in as little as a half-day’s activity on site per circuit. Refurbishment of switchgear enclosures may involve longer timescales, but generally much less than an equivalent replacement project.

Siemens operates a dedicated workshop facility for refurbishment of switchgear equipment from the original Reyrolle site at Hebburn in the North East of England: continuing and extending the proud heritage of this famous brand into the 21st century.

Equipped with full production assembly and test capability, Siemens addresses all Reyrolle equipment types from 3.3kV to 550kV; and ensures that new or refurbished switchgear equipment can interface seamlessly with existing equipment.

After consideration of existing equipment condition, number of switching cycles, performance history, maintenance regime and latest network requirements, the decision to replace a switchboard may be the only option – and in some circumstances, may lead to an upgrade or even replacement of a complete substation.

The cost of a new substation can vary depending on the level of ground works, civil works and equipment scope: involving potentially new transformers, cables, switchgear and protection & control equipment. 

A traditional civil build will typically cost 250 to 300% more than replacement of an 11KV primary switchboard alone – and extend the project duration to 12 months versus 6 months for replacement. However, alternative building techniques are available which allow both switchboard and buildings to be replaced with the latest technology; ensuring that the latest standards in operator safety are maintained whilst reducing both project duration and site activity. 

Siemens not only provides a combination of the latest technology with competitive pricing, but innovative financing options, too. We can help procurement and finance directors examine all relevant considerations and prepare a sound business case – often revealing a lower total cost of ownership than may be anticipated.

The current extensive capital investment programmes being undertaken by UK utilities are generating renewed examination of the retrofit, refurbishment and replacement options, with the result that many different projects are now being undertaken by Siemens. Although each project requires careful evaluation, the choice is there: across all voltage ranges – with a solution being available for all circumstances.