UniSec is the result of ABB’s quest for continuous innovation, following a vision to meet ever-changing market needs. UniSec is available in a wide range of standard units and thanks to the new Relion family of protection relays, can satisfy all modern electrical plant requirements.
Dalmine (Bergamo, Italy) - September 6th, 2010 - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has launched its new UniSec range of medium voltage (MV) air-insulated switchgear developed to provide a single global platform that offers the ultimate in safety, reliability, flexibility and easy integration for secondary power distribution application.
UniSec is ideally suited for both residential and industrial distribution networks, as well as infrastructure projects like transportation, airports, hospitals, shopping centres, and many others.The needs in Smart Grids are incorporated into the UniSec switchgear and its' applications.
The new UniSec range of metal-enclosed switchgear brings together the key functionalities of ABB’s existing ranges of secondary air-insulated medium voltage products within a highly flexible, modular concept based on fewer parts and standardized solutions that can be readily configured to meet the specific needs of each distribution application.
This approach reduces training and maintenance requirements, ensures fast installation and facilitates future expansion to meet changing customer needs, contributing to optimized life-cycle costs.
Broad portfolio of functional units
UniSec covers a very broad portfolio of functional units, including the choice of removable or withdrawable circuit breakers. Its key design features are: fully designed and type tested according to IEC 62271 and internal arc; metallic partition between busbar and cable compartments improves personnel safety; improved accessibility for the circuit-breaker mechanism that eliminates the need to access the high voltage compartment; optional double spring mechanism.
Relion provide the basis for fully automated power distribution networks
UniSec incorporates state-of-the-art control, monitoring and protection technology. This includes both low-end relays integrated within the circuit breakers, as well as ABB’s new generation Relion IEDs (Intelligent Electronic Devices) that fully implement the core values of the IEC 61850 standard, enabling UniSec to form the basis of fully-automated, power distribution networks.
Single global platform
UniSec offers a single global platform for secondary medium voltage switchgear. All its components are produced and shipped from regional factories serving local markets.
This ensures consistent quality, optimized delivery times and guaranteed supplies. Whatever the market or industry, ABB not only applies the relevant standards and specifications, but also delivers localized drawings, documentation, training and eLearning packages.
First installations
Even though the official market launch of the new UniSec secondary distribution switchgear only took place recently, the first order has not been slow in coming through: two switchgear installations, with a total of 13 panels, for the New “Oborniki” Water Power plant and for Modernization of the “Likovo” Water Power Plant, managed by the Spirex Energetyka Company in Gdansk, Poland.
The customer selected UniSec because it met the technical specifications without any modifications thanks to the wide range of configurations available, confirming the versatility of this new switchgear.
New automated assembly line
The new UniSec switchgear assembly line is based on new generation and highly flexible automation concepts which allow production of the various types of switchgear and all the typical units to be managed with dynamism never previously achieved.
The management software allows the assembly stations to be activated and deactivated, to re-configure the line according to the product mix and volumes, so as to optimize the through-put-times. Furthermore, the open type configuration of the management software also allows new types of switchgear units to be implemented.
Each switchgear unit is produced and tested both electrically and mechanically directly on the assembly line. The final insulation inspection test is carried out in a special fully automated cubicle offering maximum operator safety.
The new assembly line of the UniSec switchgear is connected to the MES (Manufacturing Execution System), thanks to which all the information coming to and from the production line is catalogued, archived and made available in real time, establishing a flow of communication among all the line stations and the control units of the production and testing activities.
Thanks to this, it is possible to trace progress of the order, to intervene in the case of any anomalies and keep the overall situation of a specific order under control as well as the progress status of all the job orders being processed. This will further improve through-put-times and increase delivery reliability.
The design of the new line and of the most innovative equipment was developed entirely in the centre of excellence at the ABB factory in Dalmine (Italy).
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.
For help with any technical terms in this release, please go to: www.abb.com/glossary