Rockwill RGIS Case Study and Gas Insulated Switchgear Project in Ghana

Focusing on the demand for improved distribution network reliability in Ghana, 11kV R-GIS gas-insulated switchgear is adopted. Integrating advantages of compact design, weather-resistant protection and intelligent management, it adapts to limited installation space and complex tropical local environments. It supports the upgrading of regional power distribution infrastructure and realizes safe, stable, maintenance-free and efficient operation.

01 Project Overview 1.1 Project Background

Ghana, as a significant economy in West Africa, has been experiencing rapid growth in industrial and urban power loads. The power distribution network faces multiple challenges, including limited installation space, high temperature and humidity, and high requirements for power supply reliability. Traditional Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS) occupies excessive space and has a higher failure rate, making it difficult to meet the long-term stable operation needs of mines, industrial parks, and urban grids.

To enhance power security and operational efficiency, local users selected Rockwill's 11kV R-GIS (Resilient Gas-Insulated Switchgear). This compact, reliable, and maintenance-free integrated solution ensures the safe and stable operation of the distribution network while supporting the upgrade of power infrastructure in the region.

1.2 Core Product & Technical Parameters

Item

Parameter

Product Name

11kV R-GIS Gas-insulated Switchgear

Model

R-GIS - 12/1250 - 31.5

Rated Voltage

12kV (System 11kV)

Rated Current

1250A

Rated Short-time Withstand Current

31.5kA/3s

Insulation Medium

SF₆

Degree of Protection

Gas Chamber IP67, Cabinet IP54

Annual Leakage Rate

Annual Leakage Rate ≤0.5%

Commissioning Location

Ghana

Commissioning Time

2025

02 Product Design & Quality Assurance 2.1 Core Technical Features

• Ultra-Compact Design: The fully enclosed modular design reduces the footprint by 60% compared to traditional AIS. It is perfectly adapted to the compact layout of distribution rooms in Ghana, significantly reducing civil engineering costs.
• Enhanced Weather Resistance: The gas tank features an IP67 fully sealed welding design, making it impervious to the tropical high temperature, high humidity, and dusty environments. It can withstand short-term immersion with zero degradation of insulation performance.
• Safety & Reliability: Comprehensive "Five-Proof" mechanical interlocking prevents misoperation, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment even under complex grid conditions.
• High Fault Withstand: With a 31.5kA/3s rated short-time withstand current, the device easily handles high-capacity loads and grid faults, with reliability far exceeding industry standards.
• Smart & Convenient: Supports both local and remote control and can be integrated into power distribution automation systems. Features include remote monitoring and fault location, specifically tailored to localized O&M needs in Africa.

2.2 Quality Certification

• ISO 9001 / ISO 14001 / ISO 45001 Integrated Management System certifications.
• The product has passed type tests and authoritative inspections according to IEC 62271 standards.

03 Factory Testing

All units undergo a complete range of factory acceptance tests (FAT) before dispatch：

• Insulation & Voltage Withstand Test: Power frequency (42kV/1min) and Impulse (95kV) passed.
• Gas Sealing Test: Verified annual leakage rate ≤ 0.5%.
• Mechanical Operation Test: Ensured precise mechanism action and met specified mechanical life.
• Protection & Interlocking Test: 100% functionality verified.
• Environmental Adaptation Test: Successfully passed high temperature, humidity, and dust resistance testing.

04 Packaging & Shipping

• Utilizes specialized export packaging—moisture-proof, vibration-proof, and dust-proof.
• Optimized for maritime transport and long-distance inland logistics in Africa.
• Complete sets of accessories, spare parts, and technical documentation with clear labeling.
• Timely and intact delivery to the project site in Ghana.

05 On-site Installation & Operation Summary 5.1 Installation Implementation

• The project owner in Ghana prefabricated foundations based on equipment dimensions, reserving cable channels and fixing points.
• Professional lifting equipment was used to position and secure the R-GIS units precisely.
• Completed high-voltage and control cable terminations, ensured tight connections, and verified insulation and grounding reliability.
• Conducted on-site commissioning, including gas pressure checks, mechanical interlocking verification, and protection/control functionality testing.
• Provided operation training for local O&M personnel and delivered full sets of technical dossiers.

5.2 Operation Feedback

To date, 20 units of the VZ-RGIS model have been in operation with zero failures and stable performance. The equipment has significantly improved the safety and reliability of the local distribution network, receiving high acclaim from Ghana's power utilities. After-sales service has been responsive, professional, and efficient.

This project fully validates Rockwill's capabilities in R&D, manufacturing, and overseas delivery of medium-voltage R-GIS. It stands as a landmark case for the export of Chinese gas-insulated switchgear to the African market, providing a reliable reference for future power grid upgrade projects in the region.

Customer Testimonial :"Rockwill's R-GIS solution is compact and reliable, perfectly suited to the environmental conditions in Ghana. Their technical service is professional and efficient, providing a solid foundation for our stable operations."

06 Full Lifecycle O&M Services

Our service framework is centered on R-GIS units while extending coverage to switchgear, ring main units (RMU), vacuum circuit breakers (VCB), pole-mounted switches, reactive power compensation devices, distribution automation terminals (DTU/FTU), and transformers. We provide an integrated lifecycle management service from selection adaptation to decommissioning.

For the Ghana R-GIS project, we implemented a customized guarantee mechanism featuring dedicated personnel, full-process status monitoring, and traceable operational data. We emphasize gas sealing monitoring, mechanical mechanism maintenance, and insulation/interlock verification to ensure long-term stable operation in tropical climates, effectively extending equipment life and reducing O&M costs.

Contact us for more details and to receive a customized solution for your power needs!