Recloser: Enhancing Electrical Grid Reliability and
Efficiency
In the realm of electrical power distribution, reclosers
play a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of the grid.
This essay explores the concept of reclosers, their significance in the
electrical infrastructure, and the top impacting factors and government policies
influencing their adoption.
Understanding
Reclosers
A recloser is an intelligent and automated device used in
electrical distribution networks to protect against faults and disruptions. It
serves as a circuit breaker that automatically detects faults, such as short
circuits and overloads, and restores power supply to the affected section of
the grid after a brief interruption. Reclosers are strategically positioned
along power lines to minimize downtime and reduce the need for manual intervention
during power outages.
Significance of
Reclosers in Electrical Infrastructure
a. Grid Reliability: Reclosers play a crucial role in
maintaining grid reliability by quickly isolating faulty sections and
re-energizing them after a temporary interruption. This swift response helps
minimize the impact of faults on customers and reduces outage durations.
b. Power Quality Improvement: By promptly restoring power
after a temporary fault, reclosers contribute to maintaining stable power
supply and improving overall power quality for end-users.
c. Cost-Efficiency: Reclosers enable automatic fault
clearance, eliminating the need for manual interventions and reducing downtime,
which results in cost savings for utilities and consumers alike.
Top Impacting Factors
on Recloser Adoption
a. Grid Modernization: The ongoing efforts to modernize
electrical grids with advanced smart grid technologies create a favorable
environment for recloser adoption. As part of the modernization process,
utilities are investing in intelligent devices like reclosers to enhance grid
performance and reliability.
b. Renewable Energy Integration: With the increasing
penetration of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, into the grid,
reclosers play a crucial role in managing fluctuations and ensuring smooth
integration without compromising grid stability.
c. Urbanization and Population Growth: Rapid urbanization
and population growth lead to higher energy demand. Reclosers aid in
effectively managing the electrical distribution network, accommodating
increased loads, and reducing the likelihood of widespread blackouts.
Government Policies
Promoting Recloser Implementation
a. Grid Resilience Initiatives: Governments worldwide are
recognizing the importance of grid resilience and promoting the deployment of
advanced technologies like reclosers to enhance grid stability and adaptability
to changing energy landscapes.
b. Renewable Energy Mandates: In line with renewable energy
targets, many governments encourage utilities to invest in reclosers and other
smart grid technologies to facilitate the seamless integration of renewable
energy sources.
c. Power Quality Standards: Governments often enforce power
quality standards to ensure a reliable and stable power supply. The deployment
of reclosers aligns with these standards, contributing to the overall
improvement of power quality.
Dynamics of Recloser Market
Drivers in Recloser
Market
Expansion of Renewable Power Generation and Increased
Investment in Renewable Energy:
Notably, start-ups in the United States and Europe have
amassed substantial funding for promising ventures in energy storage, hydrogen
utilization, and renewable energy technologies. Over the past decade, renewable
technologies have commanded a substantial 70% share of investments within the
power sector, which have received support from public finance institutions. A
significant majority—more than 60%—of the investments in renewable energy
originate from the private sector. The instrumental role of governments in
furnishing robust policy backing cannot be understated. Consequently, the
proliferation of renewable energy sources constitutes a compelling opportunity
for existing players in the recloser market. This dynamic landscape stands to
benefit the global recloser industry, particularly as the demand for
ecologically sound energy solutions escalates. The upsurge in power consumption
has necessitated the development of transmission and distribution networks to
effectively address the escalating power demand. A notable illustration is the
awarding of a USD 800 million contract to Sterlite Power in December 2017 for a
power transmission project spanning 1,800 km in Brazil.
Restraints in
Recloser Market
Availability of Economical Alternatives to Reclosers:
Across the safety system sector, several manufacturers have
begun producing cost-effective alternatives to traditional reclosers. In the
context of high-growth markets like India and China, which prioritize fiscal
prudence, the accessibility of competitively priced alternatives such as PVB
for reclosers emerges as a challenge to the expansion of the recloser market.
These markets remain highly sensitive to price considerations during
procurement decisions. Furthermore, there are certain technological
constraints, including instances of false tripping or insufficient fault
detection under specific conditions, communication range or capability
limitations, and challenges related to the integration of emerging
technologies. Addressing these technological limitations necessitates ongoing
research and development endeavors.
Opportunities in
Recloser Market
Amplified Investments in Smart Grids
The energy sector is experiencing a surge in investments
across its spectrum, with a prominent upswing witnessed in the power domain,
primarily revolving around renewable energy sources and grid advancements. This
augmentation in expenditure is complemented by heightened focus on enhancing
end-use efficiency. At the heart of this evolution lies the concept of a smart
grid, a dynamic system that vigilantly supervises and orchestrates electricity
transmission, spanning from its generation source to the end users. The smart
grid not only optimizes cost but also stands as a pivotal catalyst for
bolstering energy security. Its prowess is manifested through elevated system
reliability, stability, and resilience. Government entities, acknowledging the
gravity of reliability, have incorporated it as a vital facet in their
performance-based revenue regulations. These regulations encompass a financial
incentive framework, which can be unidirectional, imposing penalties on
distributors for non-compliance with standards, or bidirectional, rewarding
distributors for exceeding expectations. The ascent of smart grid technologies
has engendered fervent demand for reclosers armed with advanced attributes,
aligning with the automation and remote management of power systems. A
significant focal point has emerged in rendering power grids robust and
securing high-caliber power, and reclosers emerge as indispensable tools in
realizing these objectives. Moreover, nascent markets and rural expanses
ardently require steadfast power supplies, underscoring the pivotal role of
cost-effective reclosers in enhancing electricity accessibility. Furthermore,
the frontier of technological advancements in fault detection and communication
unfolds novel prospects for innovative recloser solutions, poised to elevate
power distribution's efficiency and dependability.
Challenges in
Recloser Market
Governmental Shortcomings in Grid Stability Investments
The labyrinthine challenges surrounding renewable energy
financing persist, enmeshed in the broader financial market dynamics
characterized by ephemeral loan tenures, substantial capital expenses, and
insufficiency in governmental funding. Diverse nations' governments are allocating
resources towards enhancing existing grids and instituting novel ones to foster
proficient transmission and distribution of power. However, a noteworthy gap
surfaces in their investment allocation towards ensuring the stability of these
grids. Recloser installations entail noteworthy capital outlays, representing
pivotal components for line upgrades and the modernization of infrastructures.
Ecosystem of Recloser Market
The electronic segment, categorized by control type, is
anticipated to be the largest segment of the recloser market from 2022 to 2027.
During the forecast period, the electronic control reclosers are expected to
hold the highest market share. These reclosers find applications in various
end-use industries such as energy (utilities, oil & gas, renewables),
substations, and overhead distribution lines. The market for electronic control
reclosers is driven by the growing global demand for grid modernization, particularly
distribution automation.
Among the types of reclosers, three-phase reclosers are the
most widely used and are typically deployed in three-phase electrical
distribution networks that supply power to cities and towns. On the other hand,
single-phase reclosers are employed in single-phase electrical distribution
networks, commonly found in smaller networks serving homes and businesses.
Triple-single-phase reclosers combine the functionalities of both single-phase
and three-phase reclosers, making them suitable for networks with a mix of single-phase
and three-phase loads.
The phase segment of the recloser market is projected to
witness substantial growth during the forecast period, driven by several
factors. Firstly, the increasing global population and rising power consumption
have led to a higher demand for electricity, necessitating the deployment of
reclosers to protect electrical distribution networks from faults and ensure
reliable power supply. Secondly, governments and utilities are making
significant investments in the expansion of transmission and distribution networks
to meet the growing electricity demand, thereby creating new opportunities for
the recloser market. Additionally, the rising investments in renewable energy
sources, such as solar and wind power, are driving the demand for reclosers.
These renewable energy sources are more susceptible to faults compared to
traditional fossil fuel power plants, highlighting the need for reclosers to
ensure fault protection and grid stability.
Voltage Rating Segments:
The up to 15 kV voltage rating segment stands as the most
substantial among its counterparts and is projected to exhibit the highest
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) throughout the forecast period. This
projection is grounded in several factors. Notably, the surge in residential
power distribution capacity to accommodate the escalating electricity demand in
residential areas contributes to the robust growth of this segment. The
augmentation of urbanization, augmented investments in smart grid initiatives,
and the burgeoning commercial, residential, and industrial sectors collectively
drive the demand for reclosers with a voltage rating up to 15 kV.
Market Share and Growth Patterns for Different Voltage
Segments:
The low voltage segment is poised to command the largest
share of the global market due to the extensive utilization of low voltage
reclosers in substations and feeders for tasks such as overcurrent protection
and fault isolation. Simultaneously, the medium voltage and high voltage
segments are experiencing accelerated growth owing to the expanding footprint
of transmission and distribution networks. A pronounced demand within the
residential sphere of the distribution network, coupled with the burgeoning
residential and commercial sectors in developing economies, propels the market
for low voltage segments during the stipulated forecast period. High-voltage
reclosers, tailored for voltage levels exceeding 38,000 volts, primarily serve
the needs of transmission networks and large-scale power distribution systems.
Their role in enhancing fault detection and restoration within high-voltage
transmission systems is pivotal in minimizing power outages and bolstering grid
reliability. By integrating advanced monitoring and control systems,
high-voltage reclosers offer heightened grid management capabilities, thereby
supporting predictive maintenance strategies. The ongoing expansion and
modernization of transmission networks, driven by burgeoning electricity demand
and the integration of renewable energy sources, underpin the demand for
high-voltage reclosers, pivotal in maintaining a robust and resilient power
grid.
Interruption Type Segmentation:
Within the scope of interruption types, the vacuum type
segment asserts its dominance in the market due to its array of advantageous
features. These encompass superior arc quenching properties, heightened
reliability, cost efficiency, environmental friendliness, and a recyclable
technology framework. Conversely, oil interrupting reclosers find their
application in power stations and feeders, demanding regular maintenance.
Factors such as reduced customization capabilities, the influence of oil
properties with temperature variations, and a lack of programmable attributes
contribute to a relatively slower growth pace for the oil recloser market
throughout the forecast period.
Regional Insights
Asia Pacific's Recloser Market Dominance
Anticipated to reign supreme throughout the projected
period, the Asia Pacific region is poised to wield its ascendancy over the
recloser market. This dominance stems from escalating investments directed
toward smart grid initiatives, automated distribution systems, and
comprehensive infrastructure development. The interplay of factors such as
burgeoning population, industrial expansion, and rapid urbanization has
catalyzed an upsurge in power demand. Consequently, this surge has galvanized
the expansion of power generation, transmission, and distribution
infrastructure across the region. In a resolute pursuit to elevate its global
prominence, China has positioned itself as a pivotal player, intensifying
efforts to elevate its power generation capacity through renewable sources.
This concerted push aligns with global targets aimed at mitigating greenhouse
gas emissions. Noteworthy strides toward clean generation technology in China
are propelling the concurrent demand for distribution infrastructure. The International
Energy Agency underscores China's commitment to satiate 20% of its energy
appetite through low-carbon sources by 2030. Paralleling this trajectory, India
has instituted fresh policies and objectives to expand its transmission and
distribution network. An illustrative instance is the central electricity
authority's plan for 66.5GW of renewable energy in transmission infrastructure,
which augments the velocity of recloser market expansion in the forthcoming
period. The resounding impact of China's investment in renewable energy
reverberates, accounting for a substantial 32% of the global total, trailed by
Europe at 21%, the U.S. at 17%, and Asia-Oceania at 15%. This influx of
investment from renewable energy channels catalytic growth within the market's
contours during the envisaged span.
Global Renewable Energy Investment Dynamics
According to the Renewables 2018 report, global investment
in renewable energy tallied an impressive USD 279.8 billion, reflecting a 2%
surge from the preceding year, 2016. The fertile terrain for generating power
and the impetus to rejuvenate aging power infrastructures for bolstering grid
projects resonate in North America, paving a promising trajectory for regional
market amplification. The panorama in European nations is underpinned by robust
industrialization, a factor that significantly contributes to the region's
economic advancement. Noteworthy actors in sustainable industrialization across
Europe include the UK, Germany, Norway, Italy, and Russia.
Dominating Companies in Recloser Market
- ABB
- EATON CORPORATION
- SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
- SIEMENS
- NOJA POWER
- HUBBELL
- S&C ELECTRIC COMPANY
- TAVRIDA ELECTRIC
- ENTEC ELECTRIC & ELECTRONIC
- G&W ELECTRIC
- BRUSH GROUP
- ELEKTROLITES
- GHORIT ELECTRICALS
- ILJIN ELECTRIC
- HUGHES POWER SYSTEM
- NINGBO TIANAN GROUP
- ARTECHE GROUP
- NIKUM ENERGY CONTROL
- SHINSUNG INDUSTRIAL ELECTRIC
- HUAYI ELECTRIC
- ENSTO GROUP
Recent Developments in Recloser Market
- In February 2023, Eaton Corporation made a significant
announcement, unveiling plans to invest $100 million in the establishment of
electrical production and distribution facilities across North America. The
primary objective behind this investment is to bolster the sales of its highly
sought-after intelligent solutions, encompassing switchboards, load centers,
circuit breakers, and residential solutions that cater to evolving market
demands.
- March 2023 marked a pivotal milestone for Eaton Corporation,
as it successfully acquired Cooper Power Systems. This strategic acquisition
expanded Eaton Corporation's product portfolio, particularly in the realm of
reclosers and sectionalizers. These essential components play a pivotal role in
the transmission and distribution of electricity, further strengthening Eaton
Corporation's offerings in the field.
- The landscape of electrification solutions witnessed a
transformative change in June 2022, with ABB's acquisition of GE Industrial
Solutions. This acquisition enabled ABB to diversify its selection of
sectionalizers and reclosers, which are instrumental across diverse industries
such as mining, oil and gas, electric utilities, substations, and renewable energy.
- Reflecting its commitment to innovation, in January 2021,
ABB successfully delivered medium- and low-voltage digital solutions for the
expansion project at the Shanghai Bailonggang Wastewater Treatment Plant in
China. Additionally, ABB designed a customized power management scheme to
ensure uninterrupted operations and mitigate downtime during the facility's
refurbishment.
- CPS Energy embarked on a notable initiative in July 2021
with the launch of a 4-year Accelerated Recloser Deployment Program in San
Antonio, Texas. The program's aim is to strategically install 144 recloser
devices, enhancing circuit sectionalization, fault testing, and overall grid
reliability.
- In April 2021, Inmarsat unveiled a pertinent whitepaper
highlighting the importance of satellite-monitored reclosers, particularly in
remote areas. Inmarsat emphasized its BGAN M2M service on its L-band network,
offering reliable satellite connectivity with up to 99.9% uptime, even in
challenging conditions, excluding polar regions.
- The recloser industry witnessed a knowledge-sharing platform
in April 2021, as OMICRON organized the Virtual 6th Annual Recloser &
Distribution Automation Workshop. The event facilitated collaboration between
recloser and recloser control manufacturers and utilities, providing a space to
exchange insights on reclosers, testing, and distribution automation.
- In December 2020, Potomac Edison successfully upgraded 15
substation reclosers in Maryland, implementing single-phase technology to
enhance fault isolation while maintaining consistent electricity flow.
- October 2020 saw S&C Electric Company and Western Power
Distribution (WPD) achieving a milestone by installing the first S&C
TripSaver® II Cutout-Mounted Recloser in the United Kingdom. This deployment is
positioned to swiftly respond to transient faults prevalent in the region due
to diverse environmental factors, bolstering overall grid resilience.
Reclosers play a vital role in modern electrical
distribution networks, safeguarding grid reliability, and efficiency. Their
automatic fault detection and restoration capabilities help minimize power
outages and improve power quality for consumers. Factors such as grid
modernization, renewable energy integration, urbanization, and supportive
government policies are driving the adoption of reclosers worldwide. As the
electrical grid continues to evolve and adapt to new challenges, reclosers will
remain a crucial asset in maintaining a robust and resilient power distribution
infrastructure.
1.
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