Grid automation and smart grids to aid switchgear market growth

In an interview with EPR Magazine, Parasmal Jain, Managing Director, Fybros talks about his outlook on the market for switchgears inT&D applications.

How do you look at the current market for switchgear in T&D applications?

The switchgear market in India presumes enormous growth across industrial, commercial, and residential sectors. Additionally, the rise in demand for numerous electrical appliances automatically leads to an increase in electricity consumption.

The advanced and emerging trends have an immediate impact on the dynamics of the electric transmission and distribution equipment industries. These direct impacts include growing implementation of advanced metering infrastructure, implementation of smart grid technology, and transition from traditional switchgear equipment to modular switchgear. This is due to the reason that government is engaged in enhancing and expanding the transmission and distribution framework.

Most regions are experiencing robust growth of switchgear in the electricity transmission industry. The increase in the use of aging infrastructure, renewable energy sources, and the rise in demand for electricity is uplifting the need to enhance transmission efficiency and energy security, contributing to switchgear in the electricity transmission and distribution market.

What is the role of switchgears in efficient power transmission and distribution systems?

Since the electricity market, globally, adopted an AC system instead of a DC system for power transmission and distribution, switchgear has been defined as the spine of electricity grids.

Switchgear is mainly a blend of components like switches, fuses and circuit breakers utilised to control, secure and isolate electrical equipment to accelerate continuous and reliable electricity supply. The utilisation of switchgear helps to provide safety against short circuit conditions, overload, insulation failure and so forth.

The switchgear market is relied upon to continue on its development trajectory. The extension of crucial infrastructures and industries like telecom, railways, air terminals and ports and the increase in grid automation and smart grids are expected to help the switchgear market.

How can switchgears bring in sustainability in T&D system?

In the modern era of automation and technology, many daily processes rely on the consistent and reliable supply of power – be it in residential, commercial or industrial settings. Fluctuating power supply is one of the significant causes of the inefficient and improper functioning of machinery such as servo motors, motor starters, etc. and other infrastructure.

The continuous power supply is a significant element in a smart city development. For a constant supply of power in the smart city, it is essential to have smart and reliable transmission and distribution systems

Switchgears are unique primary devices that are designed to stabilise any unsteady or irregular flow of power. Our modular switchgears provide shielding to the interconnected devices by metering, controlling and regulating the flow of electricity in the distribution management system.

What is your outlook on the market for switchgears in T&D applications?

The power sector in India is going through a rapid transformation with an aggressive push to increase energy generation. An increase in demand for the advent of the smart grid and advancement in the switchgear is expected to give momentum to switchgears. The use of the voltage fluctuator is widespread in the industry as well as commercial sectors. It is used in the transmission and distribution of energy to consumers and for running machinery. The need for energy and power is increasing day by day, aiding the overall expansion of the switchgear market.