Product Overview

1.1 Product Introduction

RM AirSeT is Schneider Electric’s SF6-free Secondary Gas Insulated Switchgear, designed as a Ring Main Unit (RMU) and Modular Switchgear solution for medium voltage applications up to 24 kV. As part of the SeT Series portfolio (alongside SM AirSeT and GM AirSeT), RM AirSeT represents a breakthrough in eco-friendly switchgear technology, using pure air insulation instead of SF6 gas — delivering world-class performance with a minimal carbon footprint.

The product is engineered for Electrical Distribution Companies and Distribution Service Operators worldwide, and provides exceptional versatility for industrial, infrastructure, building, and residential network applications.

1.2 Product Positioning and Core Value

RM AirSeT is positioned as a Secondary GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) solution within Schneider Electric’s medium voltage portfolio. Its core value propositions include:

SF6-Free Innovation: Uses pure air as the insulating medium, eliminating the need for SF6 or other high global warming potential gases. This significantly reduces the switchgear’s carbon footprint across its full lifecycle — from manufacturing to end-of-life.
Proven Reliability: Combines Schneider Electric’s decades of experience in RMU technology with innovative Shunt Vacuum Interruption (SVI) technology, delivering robust and dependable performance.
Compact and Flexible: Offers flexible combination of functional units (1 to 4 units) within a single tank, preserving compactness while providing modular extensibility.
Digital-Ready: Designed with EcoStruxure™ readiness, enabling smart grid integration, 24/7 real-time connectivity, and enhanced operation and maintenance capabilities.
Sustainability Leadership: Supports Green Premium™ resource efficiency, LEED™ credits, and complies with ISO 14001 environmental management standards.

1.3 Product Architecture

RM AirSeT features a modular architecture with the following key structural elements:

Functional Units: Four main functional types — I (Network Connection / 3-position switch-disconnector), Q (Transformer Protection / Switch-Fuse combination), B (Network or Transformer Protection / Vacuum Circuit Breaker), and M1 (Metering).
Tank Configurations: Available in non-extensible and extensible versions (NE, LE, RE, DE), allowing flexible expansion from 1 to 4 functional units.
Secondary Switchgear Design: Integrates multiple functions within a single sealed tank, offering a complete switchgear solution in a compact footprint.
Modular Approach: Unitary functions can be assembled together, maintaining the flexibility of modular switchgear while benefiting from the compactness of RMU design.

1.4 Technical Specifications Summary

Parameter	Value
Rated Voltage (Ur)	12 kV / 24 kV
Rated Frequency	50 / 60 Hz
Rated Short-Duration Power-Frequency (Ud)	28 kV (12 kV) / 50 kV (24 kV) — Phase-to-Phase & Phase-to-Earth
Across Isolating Distance	32 kV (12 kV) / 60 kV (24 kV)
Rated Lightning Impulse (Up)	75 kV (12 kV) / 150 kV (24 kV)
Rated Current (Ir)	Up to 630 A (at 40°C), with temperature derating
Insulation Medium	Pure Air (SF6-free)
Enclosure Protection	IP67
Internal Arc Fault Withstand	A-FLR classification
Applicable Standards	IEC 62271-1, IEC 62271-200, IEC 62271-103, IEC 62271-100

1.5 Functional Configurations

RM AirSeT supports a wide range of functional configurations:

Network Connection (I Function): 3-position switch-disconnector with SVI technology for load switching operations.
Transformer Protection (Q Function): Switch-Fuse combination providing protection for transformers and lines.
Network/Transformer Protection (B Function): Vacuum Circuit Breaker with three-position disconnector for advanced protection including auto-reclosing capabilities.
Metering (M1 Function): Air-insulated metering connection by cable for energy measurement and monitoring.
Combined Configurations: Multiple functional units can be combined within a single tank (up to 4 units), enabling complex network topologies in compact form factors.

Key Features

2.1 Safety and Reliability

IP67 Sealed Enclosure: Disconnection and insulation performance are fully preserved from ambient conditions in an IP67-sealed enclosure, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments.
SVI™ (Shunt Vacuum Interruption) Technology: A genuine 3-position switch-disconnector (closed / disconnected / earthed) using vacuum interruption for load switching — combining proven reliability with innovative design.
Pure Air Insulation: Pure air has proven chemical stability allowing stable dielectric performance at both low and high temperatures. Contacts inside the sealed compartment are preserved from ambient conditions.
Internal Arc Fault Withstand (IAC): Classified A-FLR, allowing installation in various substation types including walk-out or walk-in prefabricated kiosks and buildings. Schneider Electric’s extended experience in secondary switchgear design ensures superior internal arc containment.
Arc Killer Option: An optional mechanical Arc killer device triggers within milliseconds upon internal arc overpressure, short-circuiting the three phases to trip the upstream circuit breaker — providing an additional layer of safety.

2.2 Sustainability and Environmental Leadership

SF6-Free Design: Adopting pure air switchgear eliminates the need for SF6 gas, significantly reducing the global warming potential. Pure air is naturally sustainable and better for the health of people, animals, and the environment.
Green Premium™: Improved resource efficiency throughout the asset’s lifecycle, including efficient use of energy and natural resources, and minimization of CO2 emissions. Optimizes cost of ownership through resource performance.
LEED™ Credits: RM AirSeT provides LEED credits for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization, as well as Advanced Energy Metering.
Extended Durability: Designed for a 40-year service life, combining proven technologies of pure air and vacuum breaking for long-term reliability.
Carbon Footprint Transparency: Product Environmental Profile (PEP) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) available. Schneider Electric is committed to making the CO2 footprint of products clearly visible for sustainability assessment.
ISO 14001 Certified: The environmental management system for RM AirSeT production sites has been assessed and certified conformant with ISO 14001 requirements.

2.3 Flexibility and Extensibility

Flexible Combination: Most combinations of 1 to 4 functional units can be proposed in a single tank, offering more efficiency than several modular switchgears while preserving compactness — each functional unit maintains the same pitch.
Double Extensibility: RM AirSeT offers both functional extensibility (adding units within the tank) and spatial extensibility (adding adjacent tanks), providing unmatched scalability.
Easy Upgradeability: Kits including motorization are available for switch-disconnectors and circuit breakers. Auxiliary contacts (up to 7 O & 8 C contacts), motors, and coils can be added for automation upgrades.
Adaptable Front Plate: The front plate of RM AirSeT is adaptable and does not need to be replaced during upgrades, reducing upgrade costs and downtime.

2.4 Digital and Smart Grid Readiness

EcoStruxure™ Ready Solutions: RM AirSeT Active Plus provides local and remote improved operation and maintenance capabilities, contributing to comprehensive smart grid solutions.
24/7 Real-Time Connectivity: Enables effective asset management, enhanced safety, and real-time connectivity for network management.
PowerLogic™ Integration: Compatible with PowerLogic T300 Remote Terminal Unit for modular integration, supporting up to 23 RM AirSeT functions and 3 transformer management units with powerful communication protocols.
Protection Relay Options: Full range of protection relays available — from self-powered VIP relays (VIP 45, VIP 400, VIP 410) to advanced PowerLogic P1, P3, P5, and P7 relays with features including arc flash detection, cybersecure platforms, and virtualization readiness.
End-to-End Cybersecurity: EcoStruxure architecture ensures end-to-end cybersecurity with cloud and/or on-premises deployment options.

2.5 Comprehensive Protection Solutions

Self-Powered Protection Relays: VIP 45, VIP 400, and VIP 410 relays require no auxiliary power supply, increasing MV network availability and suiting most application scenarios.
PowerLogic™ P1: Successor to MiCOM P111, Vamp V11, and Sepam10 — over 200,000 installations worldwide. Provides overcurrent, earth-fault, and voltage-frequency protection.
PowerLogic™ P3: Available in P3 Standard (universal applications) and P3 Advanced (with arc flash fault detection) variants.
PowerLogic™ P5: A major advancement in protection relays with built-in arc flash protection, bringing best-in-class features together in one device.
PowerLogic™ P7: High-end protection and control range for MV and HV applications with a 7-inch color touchscreen, modular and cybersecure platform, fully prepared for virtualization.

2.6 Integrated Cable Test Facility (iCTF)

Front-Access Testing: The iCTF facilitates tests on medium voltage cables and separable connectors from the front of RM AirSeT, eliminating the need for cable compartment access or dismantling cable terminations.
Reduced Operational Risk: Operations are reduced and simplified, helping reduce risks of operational mistakes.
Complete Circuit Testing: The complete circuit can be tested including MV cables and separable connectors without disconnection of the cables.

2.7 Advanced Interlocking Systems

Four Levels of Interlocks: Each functional unit is equipped with comprehensive interlocking to ensure safe operation.
Built-in Functional Interlocks: Cable access doors interlocked with earthing switches; standard systems prevent opening of cable compartments under voltage.
Key Interlock Options: Available in flat key and tubular key types, with flexible choices including semi-crossed locking (R1 type) for network ring configuration.
SVI™ Safety: The 3-position switch-disconnector provides reliable isolation with one operation to break and disconnect, and one operation to earth.

2.8 Quality Components and Accessories

Vacuum Circuit Breaker: Over 60 years of experience in MV vacuum circuit breaker technology. Features ceramic chamber, fixed/mobile contacts, shield, and metal bellows for reliable interruption.
Operating Mechanisms: CompoDrive spring mechanisms with energy-stored operation for both manual and electrical actuation. Double-function mechanisms available for switch-disconnector and earthing switch.
Fault Passage Indicators: PowerLogic Flair range (21D, 22D, 23DM) — self-powered, adjustment-free indicators with 4-digit LCD display, ammeter/maximeter, and remote/relay output for SCADA interface.
Voltage Transformers: LPVT (Low Power Voltage Transformers) available with double class accuracy (up to Class 0.5) for metering and protection applications.
Current Transformers: Toroidal sensors and bushing-mounted CTs available in various ratios and accuracy classes.

Application Scenarios

3.1 Electrical Distribution Networks

RM AirSeT is the optimal choice for Electrical Distribution Companies and Distribution Service Operators worldwide. Key applications include:

MV/LV Distribution Substations: Ideal for dense urban areas where compact footprint and high reliability are critical.
Network Ring Configuration: Supports traditional RMU ring main configurations with flexible functional unit combinations.
Network Extension and Reinforcement: Extensibility features allow seamless network growth and capacity upgrades.
Urban Underground Networks: IP67 protection and SF6-free design make RM AirSeT suitable for underground substations and prefabricated kiosks in urban environments.

3.2 Industrial Applications

Heavy Industry: Suitable for steel, cement, chemical, and other heavy industrial facilities requiring reliable medium voltage switching and protection.
Manufacturing Plants: Provides flexible and compact switchgear solutions for factory power distribution and motor protection.
Oil & Gas: Rugged IP67 design suitable for harsh industrial environments including offshore and hazardous areas.
Mining: Designed for demanding conditions with high vibration, dust, and temperature variations.

3.3 Renewable Energy

Solar Photovoltaic Farms: RM AirSeT provides reliable switching and protection for solar PV substations with compact design suitable for large-scale installations.
Wind Farms: Suitable for wind turbine collector substations and offshore wind platform switchgear applications.
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS): Provides protection and switching for battery storage integration with the grid.
Hydro Power Plants: Reliable performance in hydroelectric generating stations and associated switchyards.

3.4 Infrastructure and Buildings

Critical Infrastructure: Hospitals, data centers, and other critical facilities requiring highest availability and safety standards.
Commercial Buildings: MV/LV transformer stations and distribution networks for large commercial complexes.
Transportation Infrastructure: Railway substations, metro systems, and airport power distribution.
Public Utilities: Water treatment plants, waste management facilities, and other municipal infrastructure.

3.5 Smart Grid and Digital Applications

Smart Grid Integration: EcoStruxure-ready solutions enable RM AirSeT to participate in intelligent grid management, demand response, and distributed energy resource integration.
Remote Monitoring and Control: PowerLogic T300 RTU and protection relays enable comprehensive remote monitoring, control, and analytics capabilities.
Predictive Maintenance: Digital features support condition-based and predictive maintenance strategies, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Microgrid Applications: Suitable for islanded and grid-connected microgrid configurations with high penetration of renewable energy sources.

3.6 Special Applications

High Reliability Requirements: Applications demanding the highest levels of availability such as data centers, healthcare facilities, and continuous process industries.
Seismic Zones: IAC classification and robust mechanical design suitable for seismic-prone regions.
Harsh Environmental Conditions: IP67 enclosure protects against dust, water, and other environmental contaminants for outdoor and semi-outdoor installations.

Retrofit and Replacement Projects: Easy upgradeability and adaptable design make RM AirSeT suitable for retrofitting existing switchgear installations with modern, SF6-free technology.