Schneider Electric, BRPL deploy India’s first SF6-free smart RMU pilot
Schneider Electric and BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) have deployed India’s first pilot project featuring a sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free smart Ring Main Unit (RMU). The pilot will evaluate the performance of SF6-free switchgear under operating conditions while assessing its digital capabilities for urban power distribution.
Pilot project
The smart RMU integrates digital monitoring, automation and communication capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring of equipment health, load conditions, fault events and operational status. The system is designed to support faster fault response, remote operation and more efficient maintenance.
Unlike conventional RMUs that use SF6 as the insulating and switching medium, the pilot uses an SF6-free solution. SF6 has a very high global warming potential, and utilities are increasingly adopting alternative technologies to reduce emissions from power distribution infrastructure.
Grid modernisation
For BRPL, the project supports the modernisation of its urban distribution network by improving fault isolation, service restoration and operational flexibility. It also provides operational experience with next-generation distribution technologies.
The deployment is also relevant as utilities integrate more distributed energy resources such as rooftop solar, battery storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, which require smarter medium-voltage distribution equipment.
The companies said operational data and field experience from the pilot will help inform future procurement decisions, technical standards and wider deployment of SF6-free technologies in India’s power distribution sector.
