Energy Transmission

When the power goes out, modern life comes to a standstill. Yet brownouts and blackouts are increasingly frequent. One reason: As demand for electricity increases, the infrastructure that supplies it gets older. In some industrialized nations, the, the transformers and switchgears that make up the power grid date back to the middle of the last century. They are not designed to handle fluctuating power derived from renewable resources. A system upgrade based on innovative products and materials is required.

Growing use of electric vehicles is likely to intensify load fluctuations going forward. Smart grid technology that incorporates aggregate capabilities will help meet energy needs in the future.

Changing standards are also key. SF6 gas, a common substance used to insulate transformers and switchgears in the past, is being phased out in favor of more environmentally friendly technology including nitrogen, CO2 or Green Gas for Grid (g3). These options will require new sealing solutions.