Press kit Premset switchgear: Innovation for MV distribution Press contact: Schneider Electric [Country] [Name] [Phone number] [Email] Press contact: Schneider Electric / PR agency [Name] [Phone number] [Email] www.schneider-electric.com
Why switchgear innovation is crucial? Electrical distribution network operators are conservative. They have to be, since downtime whether planned or unplanned is costly. That s why even small changes to electrical distribution networks require careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. New equipment needs to be easy to install, reliable, and simple to maintain. The appropriate industry standards must be in place. But technological innovation is occurring faster today than ever before, often in industries outside the direct control of electrical distribution network operators, such as renewable energy. The smart grid is no longer being watched on the horizon it s here. Network operators are facing modern challenges like the need to integrate growing amounts of distributed generation and implement broad smart-metering schemes. At the same time, regulators are pressuring on network operators to reduce the duration and frequency of power outages. If they are to successfully meet these challenges, electrical distribution network operators will need to use more circuit breakers (a switchgear function) than in the past and they cannot rely on outdated, dumb equipment. A new and smarter generation of switchgear is needed. Premset - the next generation of switchgear architecture - is the answer What is Premset? Premset is an innovative medium-voltage switchgear from Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management TM. It is designed to allow network operators meet the challenges of the smart grid, to increase safety and efficiency, and to facilitate easy installation, upgrading, and maintenance. What makes Premset innovative? Premset is the first MV distribution switchgear to bring the Shielded Solid Insulation System (2SIS) to the market in an extremely compact and highly modular form. To better explain, 2SIS is a breakthrough innovation that protects all the switchgear s live parts. It helps ensure a safe, trouble-free service life for both operator and equipment.
While solid insulation has previously been used in switchgear, Premset is the first global product using this earth-screened solid insulation. This system reduces the risk of internal arcing, enhances safety and reliability in any environment and is easy to maintain. Moreover, Premset stands out for its compactness, a characteristic more often associated with SF6- insulated switchgear. Schneider Electric achieved this through the use of 2SIS, combined with a patented universal flat power connection system and some original mechanical design. Add to this Premset s high modularity and you ve got an extremely versatile, innovative switchgear. Its architecture is based on single units, making it easy to built switchboards for different kinds of applications. At the same time, Premset s type-tested functional blocks are designed to work together in practically every combination, and its accessories and auxiliaries are plug-and-play. This allows Premset to provide optimum performance at an optimized cost. The evolution of safety in electrical distribution The switchgear s 3-in-1 architecture is another step forward for switchgear, one that makes Premset the safest and most intuitive product in its class. Unlike many other switchgear, Premset has only three operating positions. Here are a few ways this 3-in-1 architecture makes Premset safer and more intuitive: > Breaking, disconnection, and earthing functions are all integrated into a single compact threeposition device, making it easier to operate > Safety is enhanced due to built-in fail-safe interlocks > The three-position scheme provides an integrated cable-test feature that s accessible from the front, eliminating the need to enter the cable box or unmount cable terminations Ready for the smart grid Because it was designed for the smart grid, Premset brings a new level of efficiency through advanced monitoring and control. Its smart-grid features improve the management of today s networks and will likely prove indispensible in the future as grid-management regulations become stricter. Here are a few ways in which Premset switchgear help ensure peak network performance: > Feeder automation, with switchgear including built-in communication and local intelligence
> Load management, with integrated smart metering > Asset management, with advanced switchgear and transformer monitoring > VIP self-powered protection and communication relay for higher MV network availability > Easy integration, factory-tested, based on a standard communications protocol, with a plug-andplay scanning system for easy configuration Market-leading expertise Since the 1920s, Schneider Electric has been at the forefront of switchgear innovation, including the entire evolution of MV switchgear technology to date. Premset switchgear are the result of this extensive knowledge and experience, representing the kind of leap forward only seen in switchgear technology about once every 20 years. >Placeholder quote either need a new quote or someone in the relevant position to sign this one< We are extremely proud of Premset. This is a breakthrough innovation for medium voltage distribution a smart grid-ready switchgear that offers unprecedented safety, efficiency and ease of use. With Premset, the company continues to lead the market in providing smart solutions for the smart grid. The switchgear s unique combination of technologies helps bring greater reliability, efficiency, and protection to the grid. >Placeholder quote either need a new quote or someone in the relevant position to sign this one< Schneider Electric is committed to creating energy-efficient applications to help meet the world s growing demand for power. Premset is a perfect example of how we re meeting this commitment. About Schneider Electric As a global specialist in energy management with operations in more than 100 countries, Schneider Electric offers integrated solutions across multiple market segments, including leadership positions in energy and infrastructure, industrial processes, building automation, and data centres/networks, as well as a broad presence in residential applications. Focused on making energy safe, reliable, and efficient, the company's 130,000-plus employees achieved sales of 24.2 billion euros in 2012, through an active commitment to help individuals and organizations Make the most of their energy. www.schneider-electric.com > Possible sidebar / info box text<
Why switchgear innovation is crucial Electrical distribution network operators are conservative. They have to be, since downtime whether planned or unplanned is costly. That s why even small changes to electrical distribution networks require careful planning and meticulous attention to detail. New equipment needs to be easy to install, reliable, and simple to maintain. The appropriate industry standards must be in place. But technological innovation is occurring faster today than ever before, often in industries outside the direct control of electrical distribution network operators, such as renewable energy. The smart grid is no longer being watched on the horizon it s here. Network operators are facing modern challenges like the need to integrate growing amounts of distributed generation and implement broad smart-metering schemes. At the same time, regulators are pressuring on network operators to reduce the duration and frequency of power outages. If they are to successfully meet these challenges, electrical distribution network operators will need to use more circuit breakers (a switchgear function) than in the past. A new and smarter generation of switchgear is needed.