Application of sulfur hexafluoride in electrical engineering. Historical past, current state and prospects in future

Abstract

A pressing issue today is the analysis of the possibilities of using SF6 gas and its possible limitations of use from the point of view of harmful effects on the environment. The article, based on free sources of information, systematizes the historical facts of the development of SF6 gas, the main stages of the formation of the SF6 gas environment as insulation for electrical equipment. Comparative characteristics of electrical strength for various insulating substances are presented. Research has been carried out on modern examples of the use of SF6 gas in medium and high voltage circuit breakers. Examples of the use of SF6 gas and its mixtures as gas insulation for high-voltage power lines are analyzed. It is shown that a promising direction for the development of SF6 gas is its use in gas-insulated power lines. Design features and examples of practical application of high-voltage gas-insulated power lines are presented. The features of using SF6 insulation in electrical equipment of different voltage classes are determined. Current environmental problems associated with the use of SF6 gas are analyzed and possible directions for overcoming them are established. The elements of SF6 gas decomposition products that are toxic and pose the greatest danger are considered. The characteristics of SF6 gas as a greenhouse gas are given and promising ways to reduce its use are shown. It has been established that by using not pure SF6 gas, but gas mixtures based on it, it is possible to significantly reduce the percentage of SF6 gas use. Promising directions for further development of gas insulating medium for electrical equipment without the use of SF6 gas have been established.