2006-02-06 - Ferrari has selected ABB’s PASS M0 hybrid switchgear for its legendary Maranello production complex and test track in Italy.
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ABB’s Plug and Switch System (PASS) M0 switchgear has revolutionized substation design. It combines all the functions of a complete air insulated switchgear (AIS) bay in a single ready-to-install module that requires 60 percent less space than the conventional AIS alternative and takes just a few hours to install.
It was the innovative simplicity and proven reliability of this pioneering technology – more than 1500 units have been sold to customers in 35 countries since 2000 – that appealed to Ferrari.
When Ferrari engineers visited ABB’s new, state-of-the-art high-voltage factory at Lodi near Milan they insisted that PASS be installed in the high-voltage substation that feeds the vast Maranello complex of assembly lines, offices, museum and race track with power.
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| It was the innovative simplicity and proven reliability of this pioneering technology – more than 1500 units have been sold to customers in 35 countries since 2000 – that appealed to Ferrari. |
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The Ferrari-owned substation was scheduled for modernization to secure reliability and meet the growing need for electricity at the complex. As with all substation upgrades, switchgear compactness and reliability were fundamental requirements.
Bay-in-a-box
In a conventional AIS bay the circuit breaker, current transformer, disconnectors and earthing switch are separate components, each taking up space in the switchyard and requiring its own concrete foundation as well as connections and wiring.
The PASS M0 combines these functions in a single pre-assembled, pre-tested module that has a footprint of only 600 mm by 600 mm and an installation time of less than a day. The use of a small amount of SF6 gas and the reduction in the number of components and moving parts make it virtually maintenance-free.
Hybrid AIS/GIS switchgear is an ABB innovation. PASS M0 is for voltages up to 170 kV, PASS M00 for voltages between 72.5 and 100 kV.
Terna, the national utility which operates the Italian high voltage and extra high voltage transmission grid, was awarded the turnkey contract for the Maranello substation by Ferrari.