Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) is an electrical power distribution system that uses air as the dielectric medium for insulation. AIS is a popular technology due to its low cost, simple design, and ease of maintenance. The global Air Insulated Switchgear market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 5% from 2021 to 2026. This growth can be attributed to several drivers and restraints that are discussed in this article.
Growth Drivers:
- Increasing demand for electricity: The growing demand for electricity in developing countries, coupled with the need for efficient and reliable power distribution systems, is expected to drive the growth of the AIS market. The rapid industrialization and urbanization in these regions have increased the need for reliable and uninterrupted power supply, which can be achieved by installing AIS.
- Rising investment in renewable energy: The global shift towards clean energy sources such as wind and solar power is driving the demand for AIS. AIS is widely used in renewable energy projects as it is cost-effective and offers efficient power distribution.
- Expansion of transmission and distribution infrastructure: The expansion of the transmission and distribution infrastructure in developed countries is driving the demand for AIS. The need for upgrading the existing power grid infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for electricity is also fueling the growth of the AIS market.
- Low maintenance and operational costs: AIS requires minimal maintenance, which makes it a popular choice for power distribution systems. It also has lower operational costs compared to other types of switchgear.
Restraints:
- High competition from other switchgear technologies: The AIS market faces stiff competition from other switchgear technologies such as gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and hybrid switchgear. GIS offers higher reliability and is preferred for high voltage applications, while hybrid switchgear is a combination of AIS and GIS and offers the benefits of both technologies.
- Safety concerns: AIS is not suitable for applications where safety is a primary concern. For instance, in areas with high seismic activity, AIS may not be able to withstand earthquakes and can pose a safety hazard.
- Environmental concerns: AIS is not environmentally friendly as it uses air as the dielectric medium, which can contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer. The use of SF6 gas as an alternative to air in switchgear can be an environmentally friendly option; however, SF6 gas is a potent greenhouse gas and has a high global warming potential.
- Limited voltage range: AIS is not suitable for high voltage applications as it has a limited voltage range. For high voltage applications, GIS or hybrid switchgear is preferred.
Conclusion:
The growth of the AIS market is driven by several factors such as increasing demand for electricity, rising investment in renewable energy, and expansion of transmission and distribution infrastructure. However, the market faces stiff competition from other switchgear technologies, safety concerns, and environmental issues. The AIS market can overcome these challenges by developing innovative solutions that offer improved safety, reliability, and environmental sustainability.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Knox Market Research journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
