Optimizing MV Switchgear Design for Cost, Safety & Compliance

In today’s competitive power engineering landscape, MV switchgear design must balance performance, cost-effectiveness, and adherence to standards such as IEC 62271-307 and IEC 60943. At Keentel Engineering, we leverage advanced thermal and electromagnetic simulations alongside decades of hands-on expertise to deliver optimized panel, switchboard, and busway solutions—whether for rural electrification, offshore platforms, or high-density urban substations.

Key Insights & Economic Strategies

A recent comparative study by Keentel Engineering demonstrates how early-stage simulations can:

• Replace costly lab tests (temperature-rise or internal-arc tests costing up to €30 000) with validated digital models
• Optimize material selection (Copper vs. Aluminum vs. CCA) to achieve the best cost-per-MVA and thermal performance
• Enable compact GIS-based designs by fine-tuning ventilation, busbar geometry, and hybrid conductor profiles

We adhere to IEC 62271-307 for temperature limits and IEC 60943 for busbar mechanical criteria, ensuring both safety and UL/CE compliance.

FAQs

Case Studies

Case Study 1: 1 600 A Switchgear Panel Redesign

• Client: Confidential MV Manufacturer
• Challenge: Upgrade 1 250 A panel to 1 600 A without exceeding 75 K rise
• Solution: Thermal simulations of five busbar layouts
• Result: Ventilated copper busbars achieved 1 695 A @ 75 K and cut cost/MVA by 36 %

Case Study 2: Rural Substation Cost Reduction

• Client: Utility in Latin America
• Challenge: Lower busbar costs while maintaining performance
• Solution: CCA busbars with copper cladding
• Result: Thermal compliance at 1 700 A and 45 % cost savings vs. pure copper

Case Study 3: Compact Offshore Panel

• Client: Offshore Platform Developer
• Challenge: High-density footprint with harsh-environment demands
• Solution: Hybrid copper-aluminum profiles + optimized ventilation
• Result: 1 750 A panel @ $22/MVA, fully GIS-compatible

Why Keentel Engineering?

• Deep MV Expertise: Decades in EHV, HV & MV Power System Studies
• Simulation-Backed: From thermal to internal-arc analyses
• Standards-Driven: Full compliance with IEC 62271, UL, and CE
• Cost Optimization: Material trade-off assessments reducing your CAPEX
• Client-Centric: Tailored reviews aligned to your budget and timeline
  
  

Learn more about our full EHV, HV, MV Power System Studies or contact us for a design consultation.

Ready to Transform Your Switchgear Design?

Don’t let outdated materials or excessive testing costs hold you back—partner with Keentel Engineering for simulation-driven, IEC-compliant switchgear solutions tailored to your project needs.