2023
Switzerland
Hitachi’s EconiQ retrofill solution replaces sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in installed high-voltage gas-insulated lines and gas-insulted switchgear with an eco-efficient gas mixture to significantly lower the carbon footprint over the total installation life cycle. EconiQ retrofill eliminates the emissions of SF6 and the associated carbon footprint and avoids the costly decommissioning and replacement of equipment.
Highlights
01
SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential but is used for its strong insulating capabilities in high voltage equipment.
02
Usage of eco-efficient fluoronitrile-based gas mixture to replace sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in installed gas-insulated lines.
03
Facilitates the conversion of equipment that is designed for SF6 into non-SF6 equipment.
04
Allows SF6 from the installed gas-insulated lines to be reclaimed and filled into gas bottles for recycling.
Main Information
As the design life of switchgear is usually around 50 years, much of the equipment installed today which contains SF6 needs an alternative solution to avoid either the high write-off cost of early replacement, or the cost of continuing SF6 management. Replacing the gas, not the equipment, can offer a viable solution.
With the EconiQ retrofill, Hitachi has developed a solution that is scalable and has an immense impact on the CO2 reduction of existing gas insulated lines. They aim to start a trend in the industry to move away from SF6 for both new equipment and existing assets. This will reduce the financial risks of the owners of gas-insulated lines and address environmental issues simultaneously.
other practices
