ABB SafeWind switchgear for wind turbines

SafeWind slim medium-voltage switchgear is small enough to fit through the narrow doorway of the turbine tower. Designed specifically to meet the switchgear requirements of wind turbine manufacturers for compactness, safety and flexibility, SafeWind is a complete range of secondary distribution gas-insulated switchgear for onshore and offshore applications in the global wind power market.

The standard width of tower doorways and non-ABB switchgear panels is 600 mm. This means that the switchgear has to be installed on site before the tower is lowered onto it or it has to be built into a secondary substation beside the tower.

The 36/40.5 kV variant of SafeWind, on the other hand, has a width of only 420 mm. It fits easily through the doorway and can be installed after the tower has been raised, giving wind turbine manufacturers a more rational and less costly option. It also frees up valuable space and provides greater flexibility when arranging and installing the electrical equipment in the confined interior of the tower where space is extremely limited.

Available in the 12, 24, 36 and 40.5 kV ratings, the device is part of ABB’s SafeRing and SafePlus portfolio of gas-insulated switchgear for secondary distribution.

In addition to the super-slim 36 and 40.5 kV variants, SafeWind is available in modules and in a wide variety of configurations, all with the same user interface and dimensions.

All live parts and switching components are protected in a stainless steel tank. The device can be tailored to meet the preferences and specifications of individual wind turbine manufacturers.