For greater safety in energy distribution

Drives for high- and medium-voltage switchgear are indispensable in power distribution, as they must function reliably even after long periods of inactivity or during sudden overloads. Failure to do so can result in damage or even power outages. Groschopp AG – Drives and More offers custom-made electric motors designed to meet the industry's specific requirements.

"Safety and reliability play a crucial role in power distribution," explains Christian Skaletz, Product Manager at Groschopp. "This applies to all components used in switchgear manufacturing, but especially to the drive systems for medium- and high-voltage switches." Switchgear manufacturing requires powerful, compact drives that operate with 100% reliability—for instance, to handle events such as short circuits, earth faults, residual currents, or overloads. They also play a vital role during maintenance, enabling the safe disconnection of entire sections of the grid to protect personnel.

DC Motors as a cost-effective 0ption

Groschopp’s KE series of commutator motors was designed specifically for medium- and high-voltage electrical switchgear. These brushed DC motors are characterized by their high quality and long service life. Thanks to their robust construction and repairability, they are ideally suited for use in demanding environments. In switchgear applications, they are primarily configured as series-wound motors, allowing them to withstand massive short-term overloads and operate on both direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC). They are ideal for applications requiring high starting torque and do not require external power electronics. Furthermore, they can be flexibly customized to meet specific customer requirements.

Current trends in switchgear manufacturing

"The current trend in drive technology is moving toward PMDC motors," notes Skaletz. Permanent-magnet motors are generally more compact than separately excited motors, in which the external magnetic field is generated by a coil assembly. They are also characterized by high performance and excellent controllability. However, they can reach their limits under heavy overload conditions. "Another topic for the future is brushless DC motors (BLDC); thanks to their maintenance-free nature and high performance, they are increasingly being used in modern switchgear systems," adds Skaletz.

Groschopp offers comprehensive consulting, assists switchgear manufacturers in selecting the right motor technology, and develops customized solutions. Durability, reliability, and quality are crucial factors in avoiding costly failures and ensuring the operational safety of the entire switchgear system and its associated infrastructure.