Vacuum circuit breaker 3AV1 Blue DT

SF6dead-tankhigh-voltage

Overview
Decarbonization of power systems requires eliminating fluorinated gases from electrical switchgear. The Siemens Energy Blue portfolio provides SF6‑free high‑voltage switchgear that replaces SF6 with vacuum switching and clean‑air insulation to deliver zero F‑gases while maintaining technical and economic performance.

Technology
Blue products employ vacuum interrupters combined with clean‑air insulation as an SF6 alternative. Designs preserve footprint and switching performance of conventional solutions and are validated by over 10 years of high‑voltage vacuum switching experience. Suitable applications include transmission substations, onshore and offshore wind, and industrial power systems.

Investment & Manufacturing
Siemens Energy has invested in manufacturing capacity for vacuum interrupters at a Berlin facility powered by 100% renewable energy, ensuring supply chain security and reduced CO2 emissions during production.

Value proposition

• Zero F‑gases (SF6‑free)
• Vacuum switching with clean‑air insulation
• Maintained technical performance and competitive lifecycle costs
• Proven reliability from >10 years of experience
• Modular, customizable designs for substations and offshore wind

EU-backed projects and partnerships
Blue technology participates in collaborative programs (e.g., EU LIFE Blue) to demonstrate F‑gas‑free solutions at higher voltages (including 420 kV GIS) and validate economic viability with system operators and funders.

Highlighted products in the Blue portfolio

• 8VM3 1 Blue GIS
  • Operates at 72.5 kV
  • Compact modular design
  • For onshore grid, industrial and offshore substations
• 3AV1 Blue LT Circuit Breaker
  • World’s first 145 kV live‑tank vacuum circuit breaker with clean‑air insulation
  • Same footprint as SF6 products
• 3AV1 Blue DT Circuit Breaker
  • World’s first 145 kV dead‑tank vacuum circuit breaker with clean‑air insulation
  • Same footprint as SF6 products
• 8VM3 Blue GIS
  • 72.5 kV operation
  • Modular design for conventional and offshore substations
  • Digital Sensgear™ technology options
• 8VM1 Blue GIS
  • 72.5 kV GIS optimized for wind turbine integration with vacuum circuit breaker and clean‑air insulation
• Gas‑Insulated Busduct
  • Clean‑air insulated busduct up to 420 kV
  • Up to ~60% F‑gas savings potential versus conventional designs
• 8VN1 Blue GIS
  • 145 kV GIS with vacuum circuit breaker and clean‑air insulation
  • Optimized footprint using LPIT

Digitalization
Blue switchgear can integrate with Siemens Energy Noedra Node for digital substation capabilities, enabling real‑time data acquisition, analytics, anomaly detection and optimized maintenance planning.

Installations & References

• Hornsea 3: delivery of the 2000th SF6‑free 8VM1 Blue GIS to a major North Sea offshore wind farm.
• Large Netherlands offshore wind project: 160 8VM1 Blue GIS bays delivered.
• Bergen Port (BKK Nett): enabling cruise ships to access clean power without greenhouse gas emissions.
• Netze BW Burladingen: first eco‑efficient high‑voltage substation operating without SF6 and leveraging digitalization.
• Fingrid (Finland): multiple F‑gas‑free switchgear bays installed.
• Westnetz – Hesseln: deployment of 145 kV 3AV1 Blue circuit breakers integrated with Noedra Node.

Benefits & impact

• Eliminates use of climate‑harmful SF6 in switchgear
• Reduces greenhouse gas footprint of transmission and distribution assets
• Delivers high technical performance with competitive lifecycle costs
• Supports regulatory and corporate decarbonization objectives

Caractéristiques / spécifications techniques

• 8VM3 / 8VM3 1: rated voltage 72.5 kV (modular GIS)
• 8VM1 / 8VM1 Blue GIS: 72.5 kV GIS for wind turbines
• 3AV1 (LT / DT): vacuum circuit breakers for 145 kV applications (LT = live tank, DT = dead tank)
• 8VN1: 145 kV GIS with vacuum circuit breaker; optimized footprint (LPIT)
• Gas‑Insulated Busduct: clean‑air insulation up to 420 kV; up to ~60% F‑gas savings potential
• Vacuum interrupters: manufactured in Berlin facility with increased capacity and production powered by 100% renewable energy
• Digital options: integration with Noedra Node for real‑time monitoring, analytics and digital substation management