What Are the Advantages of a Medium Voltage Ring Main Unit

A medium voltage ring main unit plays a key role in monitoring, protecting, and distributing electrical energy in medium voltage range (10kV-35kV) power distribution systems. It is an integral part of urban power networks, industrial facilities, commercial centers, and residential neighborhoods. It eliminates problems of conventional distribution systems such as oversized equipment, complicated upkeep, and poor dependability. For instance, GPSwitchgear specializes in power equipment solutions and designs medium voltage ring main unit systems to help them function better in the field. Here are the primary reasons why modern power distribution systems must have these medium voltage ring main units.

Medium Voltage Ring Main Unit Enhances Power Supply Reliability

Reliable power supply is the top priority for any distribution system, and the medium voltage ring main unit excels in this aspect through its "ring network" design. Unlike radial distribution systems (where a single fault cuts off power to all downstream users), the medium voltage ring main unit connects to a circular power grid—if one section of the line fails, the unit automatically switches to an alternative power source via its built-in load switch or circuit breaker. For example, in a residential area equipped with a medium voltage ring main unit, a fault in one feeder line will not cause a blackout; the unit quickly reroutes power from the opposite direction, restoring supply within seconds. GPSwitchgear's medium voltage ring main unit further improves reliability with high-quality insulating materials (such as SF6 gas or solid insulation) that prevent moisture, dust, or corrosion from affecting internal components. This design ensures the medium voltage ring main unit maintains stable operation even in harsh environments, reducing unplanned power outages by 60-70% compared to traditional distribution cabinets.

Space Saving and Lower Deployment Costs with Medium Voltage Ring Main Units 

Older medium voltage distribution equipment designs take up a lot of room and require dedicated large enclosures, which increase land use and construction costs. Complications with land use become costly when it comes to Urban Areas. The medium voltage ring main unit's compact and modular design helps with space and allows for flexible arrangements. It takes 70-80% less space and offers 3 cubic meters of room, which depends on feeders. Other models of the same equipment give 2-3 cubic meters of room and take up 1-3 cubic meters. The modular design of the medium voltage ring main unit enables on-site assembly to be completed in a shorter duration with a more compact design. What's more, GPSwitchgear's modernized units are ready in 1-2 days, whereas traditional switchgear takes 5-7 days. 30-40% of construction costs are saved because the medium voltage ring main unit speeds up the process-update old grids. 30-40% of construction costs are saved because the medium voltage ring main unit speeds up the process-update old grids.  The medium voltage ring main unit is cost effective because it saves on deployment and construction costs.

Improved Operational Safety and Maintenance Workload

When it comes to the power distribution industry, the medium voltage ring main unit has incorporated numerous design features to ensure operator and equipment safety. To start, it implements hermetic insulation technology. GPSwitchgear’s medium voltage ring main unit utilizes SF6 gas insulation or solid epoxy insulation technology, which keeps high-voltage components separated from the outside environment. By doing so, the devices prevent electric arcs and other potential fire hazards due to live electric parts. The design further ensures the reduced possibility of accidental electric shock. In addition to design safety, the unit comes with smart monitoring technology. Integrated sensors detect and monitor the internal temperatures, gas pressures (in the SF6 models), and current/voltage levels and properly notify the control center of any gas pressure and temperature aberrations. Operators can preemptively troubleshoot, securely, and remotely without accessing the unit. In regard to maintenance, the design of the medium voltage ring main unit’s sealed unit effectively contains SF6 gas reducing maintenance intervals to 5-8 years. Solid-insulated units require nearly no periodic maintenance and eliminate the 1-2 year maintenance intervals of traditional switchgear. Overall, the maintenance labor and material costs are reduced by 50-60% which lowers the total cost of ownership for power utilities.

Explore the Flexibility of the MV RMU in Adaptable Power Distribution

Modern power distribution systems have to be flexible to accommodate new loads like EV charging stations and expansions to new regions. Due to the MV RMU's modular design, expansions are straightforward, and new feeder modules and protective or monitoring devices can be integrated into the primary unit without extensive changes. As an example, when an industrial park substations a new factory, GPSwitchgear can provide a new feeder module, plug it into the existing MV RMU, and do it in a matter of hours instead of overhauling the entire system. The RMU functionality can be adapted to a variety of situations. It operates at various levels of voltage (10kV, 20kV, 35kV) and can be adjusted to provide between 2 and 8 feeders and includes overload and earth fault protection. These devices are designed to meet the needs of urban, industrial, and remote rural power distributions. The MV RMU also supports smart grid technologies. For instance, GPSwitchgear devices integrated with SCADA systems enable remote power distribution control, data collection, and automated load changes. This functionality advances modern power network distribution systems.

First, the medium voltage ring main unit incorporates low-resistance internal components (like high conductivity copper busbars). This greatly minimizes power transmission energy loss—GPSwitchgear’s medium voltage ring main unit has a power loss rate of less than 0.5%, as opposed to 1-1.5% with traditional switchgear. This is thousands of kilowatt hours energy waste saved over the course of a year for a single unit. This energy efficiency greatly supports the integration of renewable energy sources (solar/wind farms) with the medium voltage ring main unit. The fast switch control and stable voltage control handle fluctuating green power with ease, and smooth control of the voltage and power frequency are critical to the safe feeding of renewable energy mid voltage to the network. For instance, a medium voltage ring main unit allows a wind farm directly connected to the grid to regulate power output in real-time to match wind speed, while downstream users receive consistent power. This integration to support green energy mid voltage systems is imperative for global carbon reduction, and makes the medium voltage ring main unit a safe investment in sustainable energy power systems.