KL Industri’s first 24 kV station equipped with the new SF6-free load break switch, AirPacT, is now in place. Earlier this autumn, the station was delivered to Elenia in Finland, and in recent days, it has been put into operation in a dedicated rural network area.
– “We have developed a compact SF6-free solution in our TMS station for Elenia. This is an important step in our company’s sustainability efforts. As the leading supplier of network stations in the Nordics, we aim to meet our customers’ future needs with environmentally friendly solutions. Previously, we delivered two ELIT network stations with AirPacT to Swedish power providers. Now, we have also created a solution for both 12 and 24 kV in our smaller satellite station, TMS,” says Håkan Bäckmark.
The EU has decided that no high-voltage devices up to 24 kV using SF6 gas as an insulation medium can be sold after the end of 2025. That makes it even more significant that Schneider Electric already has a solution available, allowing us to transition well ahead of the ban and deliver this environmentally friendly load break switch in our stations.
– “The fact that we can now fit up to four compartments in our satellite station further reduces environmental impact, both in terms of material use and transport. AirPacT is SF6-free and instead uses compressed, dry, clean air as the insulation medium. With an operating temperature down to -40 degrees Celsius, it is well suited for the Nordic climate. Significant advancements have also been made in the technology of this new device. For example, the installation of a motor drive can be completed in under an hour, and replacing one takes just a few minutes,” explains Kjell Johansson.
– “We have a framework agreement with Elenia that currently includes equivalent stations, both TMS and ELIT, but with SF6 components. Now, we can instead supply stations with a significantly lower environmental impact. Schneider Electric, the manufacturer of the load break switches, has deliberately retained as much of the original external design as possible so that these new units can also replace older devices in previously delivered network stations,” Kjell adds.
Jaakko Vesala, Procurement Specialist at Elenia, explains how AirPacT aligns with the company’s environmental strategy.
– “We are constantly looking for new ways to develop our work toward a sustainable future. This pilot project is one step closer.”
The network station has been commissioned in the Hämeenlinna region, with thorough preparations made before its arrival.
– “Now, we can get a proper overview of how the station operates and evaluate our experience with it. We have been preparing for a long time, but it feels good to finally have it delivered and start this project on-site. We look forward to working with the SF6-free station and the significant impact it will have on both the environment and Elenia’s future operations,” concludes Jaakko Vesala.
Elenia serves 432,000 residential, business, and public sector customers across more than one hundred municipalities in Tavastia, Pirkanmaa, Central Finland, as well as Southern and Northern Ostrobothnia. They manage the functionality and modernization of the power grid, build power networks and connections with partner companies, and measure electricity consumption for customers. By utilizing technology, they are shaping the power grid of the future, ensuring environmental responsibility while driving the development of Finland’s electricity market.
Learn more about Elenia and their commitment to sustainability at www.elenia.fi.