Alstom installs first HYpact switchgear for substation extension in Austria

Alstom successfully installed three HYpact-modules in Gänserndorf substation, located in Lower Austria and owned by Netz Niederösterreich GmbH, a company of the EVN Group¹. The HYpact-modules are an extension of the existing substation and were connected to the grid in February. This is the first installation of HYpact switchgear in Austria.

As a result of the increasing wind energy infeed from the wine growing area in the east of Lower Austria, the extension of Gänserndorf substation became necessary to ensure grid security in the future.

The HYpact module is Alstoms latest innovative and compact hybrid switchgear. Its flexible design allows for a large variety of layout configurations and is ideal for both cost and space savings. Due to the limited space in Gänserndorf substation, Netz Niederösterreich decided to use the hybrid technology HYpact, which is suitable for outdoor use. The compact HYpact allows a space saving of over 50%, compared to the conventional air insulated substation. In addition, all switching units are integrated in the module and due to the full encapsulation of the SF6 gas, the maintenance cost during the lifetime is significantly decreased.

The compact switchgear HYpact constitutes the first delivery of its kind for the Austrian market, taking into account country-specific requirements such as the legal regulations for pressure vessels. At the same time, it is the worlds first HYpact switchgear delivered with a make-proof earthing switch that allows direct switching to an impending short circuit, says Carsten Kramer, Area Sales Manager of ALSTOM Grid GmbH in Kassel.

The hybrid switchgear is developed, produced and tested in the Alstom Grid competence centre for live tank circuit breakers and compact switchgear assemblies at the Kassel site.

¹EVN Group is one of the largest utilities in Austria

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HYpact-modules in Gänserndorf substation

Copyright: Alstom