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Bringing Zero closer: 3AV1 Live Tank Circuit Breaker

With Zero F-gases and Zero harm, this 72.5 - 145 kV circuit breaker makes a greener grid achievable

Why we need to go for Zero. And why you need Blue.

With the energy sector having a greater carbon impact than every other industry combined, the urgent need for decarbonization to combat climate change cannot be overstated. Renewable energy sources are only part of the solution; at Siemens Energy we understand how essential it is to achieve Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) in the transmission of power as well as in its generation. Most switchgear still uses SF6 for insulation – a gas 24,300 times more climate-hostile than CO2 and one which stays in the atmosphere for up to 3,200 years. Even the new F-gas alternatives are still harmful to the environment when released. That’s not sustainable, as recognized by the new EU-F-gas-regulation. And it’s why we’ve developed our Zero-harm Blue portfolio, including the 3AV1 live tank circuit breaker.

When traditional technology is still needed

While we are continuously striving for Zero, it is not yet possible for every voltage level. Thats why we still offer a range of high-performance traditional switchgear.

Zero SF6, Zero greenhouse gases - only clean air

The only way to achieve Zero GWP and Zero toxicity is by using clean air. The 3AV1 live tank circuit breaker combines vacuum switching technology with clean air insulation. It operates with Zero harmful greenhouse gases of any kind, with Zero toxic decomposition products and Zero safety requirements during handling and maintenance.

 

The clean air used – consisting of 80% nitrogen and 20% oxygen, cleaned and free of humidity – can be released into the atmosphere with Zero harmful effects to people or the environment.  This represents a vital step towards the goal of achieving Zero GWP throughout the energy grid.

 

At the same time, the 3AV1 live tank circuit breaker maintains the highest standards of performance and reliability. It delivers high voltages with the highest switching performance without degradation, and is capable of operating in extreme environmental conditions across the globe.

Essential facts and features

Essential facts and features

Zero environmental impact

  • Zero SF6 and other F-gases
  • Zero greenhouse gas emissions
  • Zero GWP

Zero impact on health and safety

  • Zero toxic insulation gases
  • Zero toxic decomposition products
  • Zero special safety measures needed during maintenance
  • Zero regulations on handling of gas
  • Zero disposal of gases required at end of life

Zero regulations

  • Zero reporting and accounting of gases required
  • Zero issues with current and potential legislation against F-gases

Zero compromise on performance and reliability

  • Voltages from 72.5 to 145 kV
  • High number of short-circuit and rated current interruptions
  • Two-cycle current interruption
  • Full performance down to -60°C ambient temperature
  • Maintenance-free interrupter unit during its lifetime
  • 10+ years of experience in HV vacuum switching

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Blue circuit breakers: future-ready and future-proof

Further readings

Intelligent circuit breakers for a sustainable future

At Hesseln substation, Germany, Siemens Energy and grid operator Westnetz are showing how innovation can drive decarbonization and digitalization in energy transmission.

Worlds first Sensgear® circuit-breaker

Implementation of the innovative vacuum switching technology in combination with a digitally enhanced circuit-breaker for transmission grid operator (TSO) ENEA.

Step into our Digital Showroom

For your digital experience we've created a free space to explore the universe of our Blue Portfolio.

  • Enter the Showroom

Challenging the energy industry on SF6

Dealing with emissions of greenhouse gases from the energy grids worldwide will require more than just adding carbon-free generation from wind, solar, hydropower, and other sources. We have to eliminate man-made climate change gases like SF6, says Tom Rak, a consultant on greenhouse gas issues.

By Frank Jossi

Climate protection thanks to innovative technology at the Noerdlingen substation

Netze BW, Noerdlingen, Germany

Live tanks for rated voltages up to 1100 kV

While we are fully committed to the implementation of clean air technology, the fact is that in the short term there may be circumstances where it cannot yet be used, such as the need for super-high voltage levels. For these situations, we continue to offer a range of high-performance traditional switchgear.

 

Our high-voltage circuit breakers, regardless of type or voltage range, are designed in a well proven modular platform concept. This leads to a high diversity of types and high flexibility with regard to our customers’ requirements. They are available for single- and three-pole operation, either with a common base (FG) or with separate bases (FI) and can be equipped with optional closing resistors for applications from 362 kV up to 1100 kV. Moreover you can chose between porcelain or composite insulators.

Main features

  • For applications from 72.5 kV to 1,100 kV, up to 80 kA
  • With spring drive mechanism and self-compression principle
  • Suitable for temperatures from -60 up to +55°C
  • Seismic withstand capability up to 0.3 g or 0.5 g
  • Gas leakage rate of less than 0.1 % per year
  • Type tested according to the latest international standards

Advantages

  • Easy installation and commissioning: only few subassemblies
  • Inspection after 12 and maintenance after 25 years
  • 10,000 switching operations are guaranteed
  • Service life of up to 50 years
  • Over 110,000 circuit breakers delivered worldwide prove our best practices and years of experience

Our services for you

You can find details on our live tank circuit breakers and information about our services here.

Brochures

Brochure high-voltage circuit breakers
PDF (17 MB)
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Brochure circuit switchers
PDF (1 MB)
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Flyers

3AV1 Blue live tank circuit breaker
PDF (590 KB)
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TechFacts #101
PDF (504 KB)
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Certificates

REACH declaration circuit breakers
PDF (77 KB)
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We can gladly help you with installation, commissioning, diagnostics and malfunctions

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