Caption: Supply and installation of two bays of 24kV Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) with ring main configuration, providing compact, maintenance-free medium voltage distribution for a new industrial processing facility in the Alto Paraná region of Paraguay.
Client: Major Agro-industrial Processing Plant
Location: Ciudad del Este, Alto Paraná, Paraguay
Scope: Design, supply, installation and commissioning of complete MV switchgear solution including two GIS bays with associated protection, control and metering systems.
Challenge: Provide reliable, space-efficient MV distribution in a high-humidity industrial environment with limited maintenance resources, while meeting both Paraguayan and Mercosur technical standards.
Equipment Configuration:
2 x Complete GIS bays, type-tested as assembled unit
Each bay configuration: 1 cable incoming feeder + 1 transformer feeder + 1 busbar section
Forming a flexible single busbar system with future expansion capability
Core Technical Parameters:
Rated Voltage: 24 kV
Rated Current: 630 A (busbar), 400 A (feeder)
Short-Circuit Withstand: 25 kA for 3 seconds
Insulation Medium: SF6 gas at 0.4 MPa (absolute pressure)
Busbar System: Single busbar, copper, fully encapsulated
Operating Mechanism: Spring-operated for circuit breaker, manual for disconnectors and earthing switches
Enclosure Protection: IP67 rated for dust and water ingress
Integrated Features:
Digital multifunction protection relays (Spanish/Portuguese interface)
Energy metering class 0.5S
Fault passage indicators with remote indication capability
Gas density monitoring with temperature compensation
Local control cubicle with mimic diagram
1. Compact Design for Limited Space
GIS technology reduced footprint by 60% compared to conventional AIS (Air-Insulated Switchgear)
All live parts encapsulated in SF6, allowing safe installation in confined industrial substation
Front-accessible design minimized required working space around equipment
2. Environmental Resilience
High Humidity Performance: Hermetically sealed compartments prevent moisture ingress, critical for Paraguay's subtropical climate with average 80% humidity
Temperature Range: Certified for continuous operation from -5°C to +55°C
Corrosion Protection: Stainless steel bolts and special coating on enclosures suitable for industrial atmosphere
3. Maintenance-Free Operation
Sealed-for-life design with 25-year maintenance interval for primary equipment
No requirement for regular cleaning of insulation surfaces
Minimum number of moving parts in gas compartments
Gas handling equipment provided for lifetime maintenance support
4. Safety & Operational Simplicity
Visible earthing through inspection window
Mechanical interlocking prevents incorrect operation sequences
Five-position switching sequence clearly indicated
Grounded metal enclosure provides complete operator protection
No exposed live parts at any voltage level
Customization & Testing:
Customized busbar arrangement to match existing transformer connections
Factory acceptance testing (FAT) witnessed virtually by client engineers
Complete secondary wiring diagrams provided in Spanish
Local Paraguayan standards (NP) incorporated in design
Installation & Commissioning:
Pre-assembled modules reduced on-site installation time to 5 days
Specialized tools and SF6 gas handling equipment provided
Local electricians trained on operation and basic maintenance
Full commissioning tests including gas leak detection, contact resistance, and functional tests
Reliability Performance:
Zero unplanned outages in first 12 months of operation
Complete elimination of wildlife-related faults (common issue with open-air installations)
Stable gas pressure recorded despite significant ambient temperature variations
Space & Cost Savings:
8 square meters of floor space saved versus conventional switchgear
Reduced civil works costs due to lighter foundation requirements
Lower insurance premiums due to improved fire safety (no exposed live parts)
Maintenance Efficiency:
Annual maintenance time reduced from 40 to 8 person-hours
No cleaning or retightening of busbar connections required
Remote monitoring capability reduced need for physical inspections
Primary Standards: IEC 62271-200, IEC 62271-1
Local Compliance: Paraguayan Norma Paraguaya (NP) equivalents
Regional Standards: Mercosur electrical equipment requirements
Safety Standards: IEC 62271-201 for GIS compartments
SF6 Handling: IEC 60480 guidelines, with zero-emission procedures
Documentation: All manuals, test reports and drawings provided in Spanish with bilingual (Spanish-English) technical summaries.
