AETI Arc Flash Mitigation Switchgear (AFMS)

AETI Arc Flash Mitigation Switchgear

AETI is the first to offer industry leading compact 17.5 kV and 38 kV arc flash mitigation switchgear. It is the ideal solution for the cramped conditions of wind and solar substations.  Our gear operates without any arc venting or discharging, yet provides superior operator and bystander protection and safety from arc flashes — at pricing levels lower than less safe arc resistant switchgear alternatives.  AETI’s new switchgear meets the next generation safety requirements of the renewable energy as well as the utility industries.

There is No Safe Place to Vent an Arc Flash, Anywhere

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA®) Code 70E states an arc flash incident is a dangerous condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc.  Arc flashes can severely or fatally injure switchgear operators as well as bystanders, resulting in financial loss from medical costs, increased insurance costs and turbine worksite downtime.

Studies have shown that 35% of the arc flash incidents have occurred when bystanders near or above the vent had no idea of the danger.  And 65% of the arc flash incidents occurred with an operator working on the system, so the operator and bystanders near or above the vent both had an idea of the possible danger.

But an explosive arc flash travels at the speed of light, and once started, it is not stopped by arc resistant methods.  The practice has been to vent the arc flash explosion away from the operator via ductwork — but when space is confined, the explosion is often vented directly into the path of bystanders.  In the cramped quarters of today’s wind towers and solar substations, a number of well known and  significant arc flash incident injuries have occurred at several worksites.   

AETI is the first to take on the mission of mitigating arc flash explosions, by offering safer yet cost effective methods to quench the arc as soon as it erupts.

Industry Leading Safety & Protection from Arc Flashes

AETI’s switchgear utilizes both optical and pressure sensing detection to quench the arc flash as quickly as possible before it rapidly escalates to significant levels of destruction and injury. Unlike arc resistant switchgear, there is no venting or discharge of the arc flash anywhere with AETI’s arc flash mitigation switchgear.

In addition, remote breaker rack in and out reduces the exposure to breaker disconnection, which greatly reduces the risks of arc flash incidents to personnel.

Meets Medium Voltage Ratings in Every Region in the World

The switchgear is rated up to 17.5 kV or 38 kV continuous, and is available today with ANSI UL and non-UL listings, with IEC in 2011.  European and Asian certifications are in process.     

High Continuous Current for Paralleled Power Generation

The UL Listed version is rated up to 3000 Amps FC, while the Non UL Listed version is rated up to 1200 Amps, and is offered for more cost sensitive applications.

In addition, the UL Listed version also offers C1/C2 capacitive switching duty, a second auxiliary switch and an automatic secondary disconnect, making it the switchgear of choice for power factor correction in traditional utility and renewable energy substation applications.

Highest Interruption & BIL Ratings to Ensure Reliability

AETI’s switchgear interruption rating is 40 kAmps, one of the highest on the market.  The Basic Impulse Rating (BIL) is  150 kV, which is the highest  level for protecting medium voltage substation or collection gear  from lightning strikes. 

In addition, the use of vacuum interrupter over SF₆ technology eliminates expensive gas recharging maintenance cycles, and eliminates the presence of hazardous gas at the worksite.

Compact and More Cost Effective than Arc Resistant

AETI’s arc flash mitigation switchgear is compact enough to fit within existing switchgear structure frontages, and can be configured to meet any utility packaging and protective relaying requirements.

We are also able to custom engineer the gear as an outdoor structure, as well as bundle indoor gear within multiple-bay power control rooms for quick site drop on, wire up, start-up and commissioning.

AETI has Your Answers!

From power converters through integrating controls and arc-mitigation switchgear, along with complete electrical capabilities for design, build, commission and service of substations and switchyards, American Electric Technologies, Inc, (AETI) has been providing mission critical power infrastructure solutions to harsh environments for over 60 years.  AETI has answers for your generation to grid wind and solar power infrastructure needs! 

Video: http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/video/showcase-aeti