As urbanization accelerates and the demand for electricity rises, available space for substation installation continues to shrink. In this context, Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) is becoming the ideal solution for modern transmission and distribution systems. So, what exactly is GIS, how does it work, and why is it gaining popularity? Let LS ELECTRIC Vietnam walk you through the essentials in the article below.
🧠 What is GIS?
GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) is a type of high-voltage switchgear built within a sealed metal enclosure filled with SF₆ (sulfur hexafluoride) gas – a highly effective insulating medium. Core components such as circuit breakers, disconnectors, busbars, current transformers, and voltage transformers are all housed in a pressurized SF₆ gas environment.
🎯 Key Features:
- High dielectric strength and arc-quenching capability with SF₆ gas
- Modular, compact design that allows easy expansion
- Ideal for limited-space installations: urban areas, factories, buildings
⚙️ Basic Structure of GIS
A typical GIS system includes:
- Circuit Breaker Compartment (CB): Handles switching operations and fault interruption
- Disconnector Compartment (DS): Isolates components during maintenance
- Busbar Compartment: Connects different modules within the system
- Instrument Transformer Compartment (CT/VT): Measures and provides data for protection
- SF₆ Gas System: Filled and pressure-monitored automatically to ensure safety and function
All components are enclosed in a sealed aluminum or stainless-steel housing – resistant to dust, moisture, and corrosion.
🏆 GIS vs. AIS: A Comparative Advantage
| Criteria | GIS (Gas Insulated) | AIS (Air Insulated) |
|---|---|---|
| Installation Space | Extremely compact (~10–20% of AIS space) | Requires large outdoor areas |
| Insulation Quality | Very high, thanks to SF₆ | Depends on air – weather-sensitive |
| Maintenance | Low – sealed system | Frequent – exposed to dust, moisture |
| Lifespan | 30–40 years | 20–30 years |
| Initial Investment | Higher (~30–40%) | Lower |
| Applications | Cities, industrial zones, underground | Rural or open-space environments |
🌍 Real-World Applications of GIS
- Underground substations in dense urban areas
→ Saves space and supports zoning/planning flexibility - Power plants and industrial facilities
→ Ensures stable, safe operation with high availability - Ports and mining operations
→ Performs well in humid, dusty, and corrosive environments - High-rise buildings and data centers
→ Quiet, compact, and easily integrated into technical floors
📈 Global GIS Trends
- According to the IEA, global demand for GIS grows at an average of 7–9% per year.
- In Vietnam, major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang are shifting from AIS to GIS to save space and improve electrical safety.
- Industrial parks and high-tech zones like VSIP and Saigon Hi-Tech Park are already deploying GIS systems internally.
🛠️ GIS Solutions from LS ELECTRIC Vietnam – Built for Reliability
At LS ELECTRIC, we provide advanced GIS switchgear designed and manufactured in compliance with IEC standards, engineered for both local and global grid demands.
🔧 Key Features of LS ELECTRIC GIS Products:
- Voltage range: 24kV to 420kV
- Modular configurations: Compact and scalable
- Optional protection, control & SCADA-ready monitoring
- Manufactured according to IEC 62271-203
- ESG-compliant: low SF₆ leakage, recyclable materials
📌 When Should You Choose GIS?
- When space is limited: urban zones, factories, commercial complexes
- When high stability and low maintenance are required: remote or high-tech zones
- When weather resistance is essential: humid, dusty, or corrosive environments
📞 Looking for GIS Solutions for Your Project?
At LS ELECTRIC Vietnam, we are committed to being your trusted partner in delivering high-performance GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear) solutions tailored to your specific needs.
Our team of engineers and consultants is ready to provide on-site technical support to help you assess your existing power infrastructure and recommend optimized configurations. Whether you’re planning a new installation or upgrading an existing system, we offer comprehensive advice to ensure your solution is both technically sound and future-ready.
We specialize in cost-effective, space-saving GIS designs that address the challenges of limited urban space, high reliability, and long-term operational efficiency. Our modular systems are engineered for easy integration, scalability, and compatibility with the most demanding industrial and commercial environments.
To support your planning phase, LS ELECTRIC Vietnam provides detailed pre-engineering services, including layout drawings, bill of materials (BOM), and technical specifications for your proposed GIS setup. We work closely with your design or project teams to ensure smooth implementation from concept to commissioning.
We hope this article has given you valuable insight into the benefits of GIS technology. For more information or to request a customized quote, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to supporting your next power infrastructure project with confidence and expertise
📞 Hotline: 1800 6870
📧 Email: hamh@ls-electric.com.vn
