A new wireless communication platform for medium-voltage protection and control

Communication networks are becoming an increasingly important aspect of today's power transmission and distribution systems. Shrinking margins in power grid equipments call for new ways of reducing development and engineering costs while at the same time improving product performance and versatility. An innovative yet standard-compliant communication and control architecture supported by an integrated hardware solution is key to reach this target. As part of its R&D effort to provide better protection and control equipments, ABB is developing a new integrated communication platform-called e-breaker-for medium-voltage switchgears. Based on wireless technology and complying with the new international standard for substation communications, the e-breaker targets a 50% cut in engineering costs.