Innovative medium voltage cable connector in SF6-free insulation dedicated for Smart Grids power grids

Leader: EKTO Sp. z o.o.

Partner: Lublin University of Technology

Project title: Innovative medium voltage cable connector in SF6-free insulation dedicated for Smart Grids power grids

Agreement number: POIR.01.01.01-00-0451/21

Edition of the competition: 1/1.1.1/2021 – Fast track

Priority: 4.1 Scientific research and development works

Project implementation period: 01.10.2021 - 31.12.2023

Project value: 8 773 041,00 PLN

Funds granted for EKTO Sp. z o.o.: 2 308 850,00 PLN

Funds granted for Lublin University of Technology: 1 043 100,00 PLN     

Principal Investigator: dr hab. inż. Paweł Węgierek, prof. uczelni

Abstract: The main goal of the project is to carry out research and development work, the result of which will be to develop a new product ready for commercialization in the form of a prototype of an intelligent medium voltage (MV) cable connector in air/vacuum insulation, dedicated to Smart Grids. The target group of recipients of the project results will be Distribution System Operators (DSOs), carrying out investment, renovation and modernization activities in the field of medium voltage distribution network infrastructure, aimed at improving the quality of provided services by improving the operational parameters of MV networks based on a wide range of MV network cabling. As a result of the implementation of the main goal of the project, a new product will be created, which will combine the functions of many products available on the market while meeting the growing requirements of DSOs in terms of reliability and durability of installed equipment. The distinguishing feature of the new product will be the unprecedented extended on-line diagnostics of the devices, implementation of extensive and scaled security and communication functions. The applied construction solutions will eliminate the need for regular inspections and maintenance of the connector contacts and the use of environmentally harmful SF6 gas, guaranteeing many years of maintenance-free operation of the device, which will significantly reduce the costs of network infrastructure operation. Research is conducted in the discipline of automation, electronics and electrical engineering.