Meidensha Corporation (“Meiden”) is pleased to announce the release of the world’s first 145kV dead tank vacuum circuit breaker (145kV VCB)※1, which does not require use of the potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) ※2, and is entirely emissions-free. Sales will commence in April 2020.

Global demand for eco-friendly vacuum circuit breakers is on the rise as companies opt to replace aging and obsolete substation equipment, and regulations are strengthened to restrict the use of SF6 gas—used to insulate most conventional gas-insulated switchgear—to combat climate change. Meiden responded to this demand by releasing a 72kV-class dead tank vacuum circuit breaker in 2004. More than 2,000 units have been sold globally, to date. The 145kV VCB delivers the same world-class quality and reliability as the 72kV-class VCB.

Key features:
• Dry air insulated: significantly reduces both environmental impact and maintenance costs
• Operates in temperatures as low as -50⁰C: no heater necessary
• Long product life
• Easy installation: arrives fully assembled
• Recycled aluminum jacketing: low eddy current loss

145kV VCB specifications

Rated voltage	145 kV
Rated current	2,000 / 3,000 / 3,150 A
Rated current of circuit breaker	40 kA
Insulator medium	Dry air
Control method	Electric spring
Insulator tube	Porcelain/Composite
International standards	ANSI, IEC, IEEE, JEC (Rated voltage is 120kV in case of JEC)

With the release of the 145kV VCB, Meiden is already working toward adding higher voltages to its line of vacuum circuit breakers.







※1　According to a study conducted by Meiden
※2　SF6 gas is an odorless, colorless inflammable gas which is chemically highly stable. It has a voltage resistance three times higher than that of air under the same pressure. On the other hand, experts believe that its global warming potential; (GWP) is 23,500 times greater than that of CO2. It has been designated as one of the gases whose emissions should be restricted to prevent climate change under the Kyoto Protocol.

Press contacts:

Public Relations Division
e-mail: kouhou@mb.meidensha.co.jp