ABB has developed the world’s first ‘one size fits all’ platform for medium voltage primary distribution switchgear rated 12-24kV
ABB’s unique UniGear ZS1 range of metal-clad, arc-proof, switchboards designed to meet the detailed specifications of individual local markets as well as the global customer’s demand for standardisation is now available for UK applications.
The global market for primary air-insulated switchgear (AIS) in medium voltage ratings is extremely diverse and highly fragmented as each country traditionally has its own unique specifications. To meet the specific requirements of switchgear customers in their individual markets, ABB previously offered 18 product platforms for medium-voltage AIS rated from 12kV to 24kV.
ABB has now replaced this large range of products with a single platform that meets the individual specifications of each market, while at the same time giving global operators a standardised product offering consistent quality. Called UniGear ZS1, the new switchgear is based on ABB’s market-leading ZS1 family, which was first launched in 1986.
ABB assembled a team of specialists from around the world to develop the UniGear ZS1 platform and ensure all relevant, market-specific features were incorporated into the design.
The result of that collaboration is a unique, modular design that allows for more than 150 local switchgear requirements, all of which can be added to the basic UniGear platform. For example, within the UK market ABB has adapted UniGear to provide suitable rear cable box configurations, interlocking, shutter labelling and earthing arrangements.
The modular platform means ABB can now cover a product range that formerly needed 47 production lines with just nine production lines, each of which serves a major market or region. And the number of switchgear parts has been cut by almost 95 percent to ensure consistent quality and shorter lead times.
In addition to rationalising production and reducing the number of parts needed, ABB has succeeded in reducing the width of the panel from 650mm to 550mm for feeder applications up to 1250A. This makes UniGear ZS1 the most compact withdrawable AIS 12kV switchgear available on the market today.
The range of apparatus for the UniGear ZS1 switchboards includes vacuum and gas circuit breakers and vacuum contactors with fuses. All this apparatus is interchangeable inside the same switchgear unit. This makes it possible to use a single switchboard-user interface, with the same service and maintenance procedures and operations. A fixed version switch-disconnector unit completes the range of apparatus. The switchboard can be fitted with conventional (transformers and relays) or innovative (sensors and multi-purpose unit) measurement and protection components.