Alstom introduces hybrid switchgear HYpact for 16.7 Hertz railway applications

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Alstom Grid has developed a new hybrid switchgear specially designed for the railway energy transmission networks in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, based on a rated frequency of 16.7 Hz and a rated voltage up to 145 kV. HYpact is the first compact, hybrid switchgear worldwide for 16.7 Hz railway applications, and is equipped with the latest generation SF6 circuit-breaker operated by a spring-mechanism.

Compared to conventional air-insulated devices, HYpact is a compact and modular switchgear, reducing footprint by over 50 percent. With a reduced number of individual components, the substation has a high level of reliability, and thus lowers operating costs. HYpact operates reliably even under the harshest climatic conditions, for example at temperatures as low as -60°C.

"The HYpact hybrid switchgear, based on proven solutions, opens up a new market for Alstom. Technical features, such as the breaking chamber and travel curve, have been further evolved to apply to the specific requirements of the railways power grid," says Dr. Lutz Drews, head of R&D and product director of HYpact high-voltage solution of Alstom Grid in Germany. The product was developed and manufactured with a high level of expertise in Alstoms Centre of Excellence in Kassel, Germany, and passed all type tests in the adjacent accredited laboratory.

The first pilot system was delivered in May 2014, and is currently on a 6-month trial operation with Deutsche Bahn in the Fronhausen railway substation (approximately 80 kilometres to the north of Frankfurt, between Gießen and Marburg). Following this, the data acquired will be submitted to the Federal Railway Office in Germany for final approval.

HYpact comprised of circuit-breakers, disconnecting switches and earthing switches combines the advantages of outdoor and gas-insulated technologies. It can be used for numerous substation configurations, such as single and double busbar applications, cable connections and single-pole or triple-pole operation of the circuit-breaker.