High Voltage Substation Equipment
“In the High Voltage Substation Equipment research department, we respond to the constraints of DC networks whilst respecting the environment.”
Marie-Hélène Luton, Department Director – High Voltage Substation Equipment
We develop substation technologies to respond to the constraints of future DC networks as well as those of current AC networks. This includes using circuit breakers to clear fault currents from meshed DC networks, as well as developing interconnection nodes to transfer energy. Our circuit breaker technologies and protection strategies are designed to reduce the cost of infrastructure and preserve the stability and availability of the network.
Gas-insulated switchgear is essential to networks, yet it is currently highly dependent on sulphur hexafluoride gas (SF6) – at the top of the list of greenhouse gasses – as the insulating medium. We study, model and optimise alternatives for gas-insulated switchgear. In addition, we research and implement new solid and gas insulation systems to provide enhanced electrical performance and resilience whilst maintaining low environmental impact.
To validate performance, we rely on SuperGrid Institute’s dielectric and power test laboratories. The characterisation platform enables us to define insulating material properties.
Our research projects include:
Recent publications
Investigations on the use of Synthetic Air as a Retrofill gas Alternative to SF6 in existing Gas Insulated Switchgears
A study regarding the possible retrofill solutions of existing 245 kV and 420 kV equipment is the scope of this paper.
Interview with Marie-Hélène Luton, Director of HV Equipment & Cable Systems Department
Marie-Hélène talks to us about the current projects within her team and the major challenges ahead for the future of the energy transition.
Our key takeaways from CIRED 2025
Clean switchgear, distribution grid flexibility and MVDC: let’s take a closer look at what we learned from CIRED 2025!
