Switchgear Dehumidifier Application

Switchgear Dehumidifier Application

Introduction

In power distribution systems, maintaining optimal environmental conditions inside switchgear cabinets is essential to ensure the reliability and longevity of electrical components. 

This document highlights the application of Peltier-based switchgear dehumidifiers in a substation near a coastal region prone to high humidity and frequent condensation issues.

Problem Statement

Location: Coastal Substation in Southern China.

Challenges:

1. High humidity levels caused frequent condensation inside switchgear cabinets.

2. Corrosion of electrical contacts and insulation degradation resulted in increased downtime.

3. Manual maintenance and moisture control methods were inefficient and costly.

Solution

The substation adopted ALECS Series Switchgear Dehumidifiers featuring Peltier semiconductor technology. The solution included:

1. 1. Installing ALECS-SL60 units inside all switchgear cabinets.

2. 2. Integrating dehumidifiers with the substation's central monitoring system via RS485 for remote humidity tracking.

3. 3. Setting automatic dehumidification to maintain internal relative humidity (RH) below 65%.

Implementation Process

Results and Benefits

• 1. Enhanced Reliability: Reduced incidents of insulation failure and electrical contact corrosion.

• 2. Energy Savings: The system's low-power operation minimized additional energy costs.

• 3. Cost Reduction: Maintenance costs were reduced by 40% due to less frequent manual intervention.

• 4. Improved Efficiency: Real-time monitoring allowed for proactive maintenance, reducing downtime.

Technical Specifications

Conclusion

Switchgear dehumidifiers with advanced semiconductor technology provide a cost-effective and efficient solution for managing humidity in electrical enclosures, 

especially in challenging environments like coastal areas. The ALECS Series demonstrated significant improvements in equipment longevity and system reliability.

Installation Pictures