GIS busducts and exits

Technology for sustainability

Pressurized air cables are great as busbars or outgoing feeders for GIS systems, reducing the amount of PFAS gases and costs.

We support you from engineering to on-site installation – with tailored solutions for your requirements.

Pressurized air cables for GIS

Pressurized air cables have the same basic design as existing GIS and GIL products and can therefore replace them in all applications. The environmentally harmful and banned PFAS gases (SF6 gas, perfluoronitrile gas mixtures) used in previous applications are replaced with environmentally neutral pressurized air. Additionally, costs, assembly effort, and sealing are optimized, as the complex bolted flanges have been replaced with a bolt-free flange system with a double seal.

Advantages of Using Pressurized Air Cables

No Use of SF6 Gas and PFAS Gas Mixtures
Hivoduct pressurized air cables offer the same performance parameters as SF6 GIS discharges and GIL but without climate-damaging PFAS gases. Pressurized air cables use pressurized air as an insulating medium – an environmentally friendly and future-proof solution. Grid operators save on taxes and the declaration effort for PFAS gases
Maximum Operational Safety
Pressurized air is environmentally neutral and breathable, posing no problem even if released in enclosed spaces or tunnels. SF6 has an extremely high greenhouse potential and remains in the atmosphere for decades if released.
Allows for very long installations
Gas-insulated lines require a large amount of insulating gas, especially for long installations and high voltages. It would be irresponsible to use such large amounts of potent greenhouse gases. Pressurized air is the only viable insulating gas option for long lines.
Optimized sealing system and gas handling processes
Pressurized air cables have significantly fewer sealing points and a double-seal system at each sealing point for a permanently secure enclosure of the initially filled pressurized air. The air can be refilled directly from a compressed air bottle without special equipment or released into the environment for maintenance.
Better public and regulatory acceptance
Governments and society are increasingly focusing on sustainable technologies. Pressurized air cables improve a company’s environmental image and meet future environmental regulations.
Reduction of PFAS gases in existing GIS installations
Pressurized air cables can replace parts of existing GIS installations with a simple adapter. This allows a large portion of SF6 gas in busbars or discharges to be replaced, even if it continues to be used in circuit breakers, for example.
Optional monitoring and refilling system
Pressurized air cables can be equipped with a pressure monitoring system that monitors the pressure in each gas chamber. An automatic refilling system for potential leaks can be advantageous in installations that are difficult to access.

For technical data details, please see here.

Cost comparison: Pressurized air cables vs. GIS busducts

Pressurized air cables have lower investment costs per meter than GIS discharges or GIL with the same ratings. The reasons for this include lower product costs due to optimized design, reduced installation effort, and lower costs for gas handling.

GIS exit busducts 145 kV, 2000 A

Pressurized air cables as HV connection in test lab

GIS exit busduct 72 kV, 4000 A

GIS exit busduct 145 kV, 3000 A + wall bushing

Tests and Prototype installations

For a new technology like pressurized air cables, it is important for grid operators to gain operational experience. A good way to achieve this is through test installations within their own grid.

Test installationen in your grid

Experience the technical advantages and performance of Hivoduct pressurized air cables under real conditions by testing them directly in your own application.
Take advantage of the opportunity to test the benefits, flexibility, and adaptability of the technology in your grid. This allows you to gain operational experience before proceeding with large-scale implementation.
Selection guide: Choose a small project where existing solutions use SF6 gas or PFAS gas mixtures and compare the alternative with pressurized air cables. Select a project with a high nominal current or complex routing, as pressurized air cables offer the greatest benefits in such cases.
Temporary installation: If you only require a temporary test installation, we recommend using pressurized air cables as construction site cables. During switchgear modifications, temporary connections often need to be installed. Pressurized air cables are flexible, robust, and can be reused at other locations after use.

An efficient, space-saving, and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional cables, SF6 GIS, and GIL. Hivoduct pressurized air cables enable faster installation, reduced space requirements, and lower operating costs – ideal for critical environments and individual applications.