As the global energy transition accelerates and carbon neutrality goals gain momentum, medium-voltage distribution equipment is rapidly evolving towards SF₆-free, eco-friendly, compact, and intelligent solutions. Traditional SF₆ gas faces increasingly stringent environmental regulations due to its high Global Warming Potential (GWP), while conventional air-insulated equipment is limited by lower insulation margins and large footprints. In this context, Rockwill officially introduces its new-generation 24kV Dry Air Ring Main Unit (Pure Air / Dry Air Insulated RMU). Featuring a significantly smaller footprint, lower working pressure, and a completely green insulating medium, it provides a highly competitive SF₆-free solution for the industry.
Core Product Features
The Rockwill 24kV Dry Air Ring Main Unit uses pure dry air as the sole insulating medium, achieving true zero-carbon footprint. Its key design parameters and advantages are as follows:
Insulating Medium: 100% dry pure air, GWP=0. Contains no fluorinated gases or gas mixtures, entirely eliminating environmental risks and handling costs associated with SF₆.
Working Pressure: 0.2 MPa, lower than typical industry levels, reducing demands on sealing system design and long-term maintenance.
Ultra-Compact Dimensions:
Single Module Width: C/F functional unit cabinet width is only 325 mm, enabling flexible configurations.
Three-Unit Compact Design Dimensions: Height: 1330 mm × Width: 975 mm × Depth: 780 mm.
The overall footprint is significantly smaller compared to similar SF₆-free products, making it ideal for space-constrained installations (e.g., underground substations, urban renewal projects, compact switchrooms).
High Performance: Rated voltage 24kV, rated current 630A, rated short-time withstand current 20kA/3s, mechanical endurance ≥10,000 operations, protection rating up to IP67 (gas compartment) and IP54 (cabinet).
Smart Integration: Supports integrated primary-secondary intelligent monitoring and control, enabling real-time condition monitoring, rapid operation, and precise protection.
Comparative Analysis with ABB SafeRing/SafePlus Air
As a fellow SF₆-free dry air-insulated solution, the new Rockwill unit demonstrates clear advantages in installation footprint and working pressure:
Technical Parameter Comparison: Rockwill 24kV Dry Air RMU vs ABB SafeRing/SafePlus Air 24kV
Parameter
Rockwill 24kV Dry Air RMU
ABB SafeRing/SafePlus Air 24kV
Insulating Medium
Dry Pure Air
Dry Air
Rated Voltage
24 kV
24 kV
Rated Current (Busbar)
630 A
630 A
Working Pressure
0.2 MPa
0.25 MPa
Dimensions (H×W×D) for Typical 3-Unit Configuration
1330 mm × 975 mm × 780 mm
1400 mm × 975 mm × 797 mm
Single Module Width (Functional Unit)
325 mm
325 mm (for 12/24 kV functional units)
Environmental Profile
GWP=0, No fluorinated gases
GWP=0
Key Features Compact design, lower working pressure, fully sealed gas compartment, smart monitoring & control Same footprint, interfaces, and operation as previous SF₆ models
Key Advantage Insights
More Compact Size: Rockwill's design is 70mm lower in height and 17mm less in depth, offering a smaller overall volume while maintaining the same width. This saves valuable space in substations.
Lower Operating Pressure: The 0.2 MPa working pressure, compared to 0.25 MPa, reduces structural demands on the gas compartment, potentially enhancing long-term sealing reliability and lowering manufacturing complexity.
Equivalent Environmental Performance: Both utilize dry air insulation with a GWP of 0, fully complying with stringent environmental regulations like the EU F-gas Regulation.
Summary of Technical Advantages
Green & Sustainable, Entirely Fluorine-Free: Uses pure air insulation, eliminating SF₆ or other F-gases across the entire lifecycle—from production and operation to decommissioning—thus solving challenges related to greenhouse gas regulation and handling.
Space-Saving Design for Constrained Sites: Leverages optimized electric field design and solid composite insulation to ensure insulation performance while minimizing phase-to-phase and phase-to-ground clearances. Its industry-leading compact footprint is especially suitable for urban core areas, underground substations, and industrial park upgrades.
High Reliability, Maintenance-Friendly Design: Fully sealed, welded stainless-steel gas compartment with long-life sealing ensures internal dryness and stability, preventing faults like condensation. The integrated operating mechanism and smart units support condition monitoring, enabling predictive maintenance.
Easy Installation & Strong Compatibility: Features a standard modular design with interfaces compatible with mainstream products, supporting rapid deployment and non-stop power supply switching for efficient distribution network upgrades.
Typical Application Scenarios
Urban Distribution Network Upgrades: Underground substations, capacity expansion in old residential areas.
Industrial Parks & Data Centers: Locations with high power supply reliability requirements and limited space.
Renewable Energy Plants: Ring main units for PV or wind farm grid connection points.
International Grid Projects: Particularly suited for regions with strict environmental regulations and space constraints.
Conclusion
The launch of the Rockwill 24kV Dry Air Ring Main Unit marks a significant step forward in the compactness and practical engineering of SF₆-free ring main units. While maintaining high performance and reliability, it offers superior space utilization and lifecycle cost benefits through its smaller size and lower operating pressure. As global demands for environmental sustainability and efficiency continue to rise, this product will provide robust support for the safe, green, and efficient operation of distribution networks.
[Lishui, China — May 2026] – Rockwill Electric, a leading national high-tech enterprise and global power transmission and distribution solution expert, proudly announces the successful completion of the Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) for core electrical equipment ordered by the Rwanda Energy Development Corporation Limited (EDCL)
This critical milestone, achieved at Rockwill’s Lishui intelligent manufacturing base, marks the official transition of Rwanda's national grid modernization project into the equipment delivery and on-site installation phase.
Rigorous Compliance with IEC International Standards: 100% First-Time Pass Rate
Conducted under the direct supervision and active participation of the EDCL delegation, the FAT process strictly adhered to IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) standards and specific project technical codes. Rockwill’s engineering team performed comprehensive, end-to-end verifications on the following core equipment:
Medium & High-Voltage Switchgear and Automatic Circuit Reclosers : Focused on mechanical operation reliability, dielectric strength, and continuous stability under high-load conditions.
High-Efficiency Dry-Type Transformers: Underwent precise validation for load loss, temperature rise, and the responsiveness of the intelligent temperature control systems.
Full System Safety Audits: Covered closed-loop performance tests for lightning protection, surge suppression, and mechanical interlocking safety devices.
Through rigorous on-site live testing, all equipment passed inspection on the first attempt. Every technical parameter met or exceeded the international standards stipulated in the contract, showcasing Rockwill Electric's manufacturing precision and stringent quality control.
Deepening African Market Penetration to Power Local Infrastructure
"We are deeply honored to directly serve Rwanda's EDCL national grid project. This successful FAT not only confirms Rockwill Electric's capability to deliver durable, high-performance power solutions for Africa’s energy infrastructure, but also reflects our commitment to global energy equity," stated the Project Director at Rockwill Electric. "This project will significantly enhance grid stability and electricity access across Rwanda."
End-to-End After-Sales Support Ensures Long-Term Operational Stability
The approved equipment has now entered the specialized moisture-proof reinforcement packaging and logistics phase to guarantee on-time delivery. Moving beyond hardware supply, Rockwill Electric will provide a comprehensive "end-to-end" lifecycle service guarantee, including:
On-Site Installation & Grid-Connection Guidance: Deploying senior field engineers to ensure flawless physical integration with Rwanda’s existing power network.
System Integration & Commissioning: Providing round-the-clock technical support for smooth grid synchronization and early-stage operations.
Localized Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Training: Empowering local Rwandan power departments to establish a robust daily inspection routine, maximizing equipment service life.
Leveraging over 30 years of deep industry expertise, Rockwill Electric continues to utilize the technical advantages of its Lishui intelligent manufacturing base to build a smarter, greener, and more stable power future for global partners.