National Projects
The project: “Development of the design of medium-voltage electrical power equipment, including the development of a compact MV switch-disconnector for use in switchgear and transformer substations” (NRIEL) is funded under the 2026 subsidy awarded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
Total project value: 2,683,800.00 PLN
Funding: 2,683,800.00 PLN
The goal of the project is to develop the design of a medium-voltage switch disconnector for use in the electrical power system, in particular in switchgear and transformer substations operating at 24 kV. The proposed solution will be compact, durable, and designed for long, reliable operation without the need for servicing. The device will enable manual switching and provide a visible isolating gap.
The device will have a simplified design compared to market-available solutions, based on the elimination of puffer-piston systems and the use of a simple insulator design. This approach will reduce the number of critical components, simplify assembly and servicing, and lower the manufacturing and operating costs of the device.
A key innovative element of the solution will be a proprietary arc-quenching chamber, enabling controlled elongation, division, and cooling of the arc in air during the contact-opening operation.
As part of the project, a physical model of the MV switch-disconnector will be developed, together with its design documentation. After preliminary verification of the prototype’s operation, the device will undergo testing and verification trials at the Laboratory of Electrical Power Apparatus Testing of the Research Centre for Electrical Power Equipment, in accordance with the applicable standards. At the implementation stage, it will be possible to adapt the design to different rated parameters.
The project will result in a verified model of an MV switch-disconnector for use in the electrical power system, including:
• a physical model of a compact MV switch-disconnector,
• a proprietary arc-quenching chamber enabling arc extinguishing,
• design documentation for the device,
• test and research results confirming the correct operation of the solution.
The implementation of the developed design may enable companies to expand their product offering in the field of medium-voltage electrical power equipment and increase their competitiveness in the market for solutions dedicated to switchgear and transformer substations.
Project duration: January 1, 2026–December 31, 2027