SM-AirSeT: The Carbon-Neutral Solution for Businesses
As the world rallies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, sustainable and eco-friendly solutions are becoming increasingly urgent. At COP26, the international community pledged to achieve a “net-zero” target by 2050, focusing on reducing greenhouse gases, including SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride) – a gas considered highly detrimental to the environment.
SF6 has been widely used in medium and high-voltage electrical equipment since the 1950s due to its superior insulating abilities. However, this gas has a significant environmental impact. It is estimated that SF6 has a global warming potential that is 23,500 times higher than CO2 and can persist in the atmosphere for up to 3,200 years. These figures led to the Kyoto Protocol listing SF6 as the most harmful greenhouse gas, requiring its phase-out to accelerate carbon emission reductions.
SF6-free solution: SM-AirSeT
Despite the EU banning SF6 in various sectors, the electrical industry has continued to rely on it due to a lack of feasible alternatives. However, with technological advancements, corporations like Schneider Electric have pioneered SF6-free solutions for electrical equipment.
The SM AirSeT cabinet boasts three key features: zero emissions, digitalization, and a compact design, making it easy to convert from the traditional SM6 cabinet. Using this equipment not only reduces carbon footprints but also significantly saves energy consumption in commercial and industrial buildings.
Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has developed the SM AirSeT medium-voltage switchgear solution. This solution entirely eliminates the use of SF6 gas, instead utilizing pure air and vacuum technology. SM AirSeT has proven to be an efficient and sustainable choice for the electrical industry.
Notable awards include the Energy Efficiency Award at Hannover Messe, the Top 10 Innovations Award from Cool Earth Forum, the iF Design Award for sustainable and efficient design, and the EnerTIC Award for the smart grid project using SM AirSeT at E.ON Sweden. SM AirSeT was also recognized at the 2022 Energy Masters Awards and the International Carbon Footprint Awards during NYC Climate Week, and received the “Innovative Brand for User and Enterprise Solutions” award at the Better Choice Awards 2024.
Reliable Performance with Over 1.5 Million SM AirSeT Panel Installations Worldwide
According to Schneider Electric’s studies, if Vietnam synchronously implements digitalization and electrification solutions, including the conversion of SM6 to SM AirSeT cabinets, it can reduce up to two-thirds of carbon emissions and save 70% of energy consumption in buildings by 2030.
Schneider Electric’s SM AirSeT medium-voltage switchgear solution
SM AirSeT has been widely implemented in various industrial and commercial projects worldwide, making a significant contribution to the green energy transition. A notable example is the public transport brand Azienda Trasporti Milanesi (ATM), which installed 32 SM AirSeT cabinets for its green charging station serving 1,200 electric buses.
This project helps reduce approximately 560 tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually, clearly demonstrating the emission reduction capabilities of SM AirSeT. At Renault’s Flins Refactory plant, SM AirSeT has brought the company closer to its goal of carbon negativity by 2030. The plant integrates smart sensors, enabling remote monitoring and condition-based maintenance, meeting cybersecurity and 24/7 connectivity requirements.
To date, Schneider Electric has installed over 1.5 million SM AirSeT panels worldwide, proving its sustainability and reliability without compromising operational performance. SM AirSeT has not only gained support from businesses but has also garnered important international awards, affirming its superior performance and energy efficiency.
Schneider Electric Vietnam & Cambodia CEO, Mr. Dong Mai Lam
Mr. Dong Mai Lam, CEO of Schneider Electric Vietnam & Cambodia, emphasized the importance of introducing SM AirSeT in the Vietnamese market. He stated, “The launch of SM AirSeT aligns with Schneider Electric’s sustainability goals in Vietnam: to reduce carbon emissions for the energy sector. With the AirSeT portfolio, the group estimates to reduce emissions equivalent to 4 million tons of CO2 annually. The new technology also extends the product life cycle by 30% and facilitates easy recycling. Therefore, SF6-free SM AirSeT is the optimal choice for buildings and businesses pursuing carbon reduction to become more sustainable.”
