Rockwill has successfully delivered 84 units of 33kV outdoor SF6 load break disconnectors. The equipment has been officially commissioned and connected to the grid for operation in the White City Power Project of Tanzania REA Phase II, empowering the upgrading and improvement of rural power grids in Tanzania.
01 General Overview: Tanzania White City 33 kV Grid Upgrade ProjectThe Phase II project (REA II) of the Tanzania Rural Energy Agency (REA) is one of the largest rural electrification initiatives in East Africa. It aims to improve electricity coverage and stability in remote areas by upgrading the 33 kV distribution network. The distribution lines in White City span a typical tropical savanna climate zone, facing challenges such as extreme high temperatures (exceeding 45°C), intense UV radiation, humidity fluctuations during alternating dry and wet seasons, and high dust environments.
To address these challenges, Rockwill delivered 84 units of 33 kV outdoor SF6 gas-insulated load break switches (LBS). These devices are integrated with motorized operating mechanisms and SCADA monitoring systems. Through line segmentation, isolation, and automated dispatching, they effectively resolve the long-term power outage issues caused by manual fault patrolling on long-distance distribution lines.
The equipment used in this project adheres to strict international standards for electrical performance and environmental resistance:
Parameter Specification Equipment Type Outdoor SF6 Insulated Load Break Switch (LBS) Rated Voltage 33 kV Rated Continuous Current 630 A Rated Frequency 50/60 Hz Short Time Withstand Current 20 kA / 3s Rated Short-circuit Making Current 50 kA (Peak) Mechanical Operations 10,000 times (Guaranteed) Mechanism Type Motorized with backup manual handle Compliance Standards IEC 62271-103, IEC 62271-1:2017The project solution implements a "segmentation + automated operation" logic to achieve an intelligent upgrade of the Tanzania REA II lines:
To counter the risks of high dust and humidity in the tropical savanna climate, Rockwill utilizes a fully sealed stainless steel enclosure. SF6 gas, as the insulation and arc-extinguishing medium, provides excellent dielectric properties, reducing the equipment volume by 40% compared to air-insulated alternatives. The internal contacts are completely shielded from external salt spray and moisture corrosion.
Rockwill maintains "engineering-grade" quality control. Before delivery, all 84 units passed comprehensive type tests in authoritative third-party laboratories:
Routine Factory Tests:
For long-distance inland transport in Tanzania, the equipment is packed in heavy-duty fumigated wooden cases, equipped with internal shock absorbers and vacuum plastic sealing to protect precision motorized mechanisms from damage during bumpy transport.
Rockwill's overseas project support team ensured that the 84 units were delivered to the White City site in batches, effectively safeguarding the overall progress of the REA II project.
Thanks to the highly integrated pole-mounted design, the site construction team achieved "plug-and-play" installation. Standardized terminals and clear control cabinet interfaces significantly shortened the on-site commissioning cycle.
The successful commissioning of the Tanzania White City project demonstrates the superior reliability of Rockwill SF6 load break switches in harsh tropical environments. Through SCADA integration, the average fault recovery time in the region has been reduced by approximately 50%, providing a successful model for the intelligent transformation of East African power grids.
