SWITCHGEAR

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to switchgear for medium voltage or high voltage use with a substation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In state-of-art switchgear designs all the components are placed in one enclosure.

[0003] Maintenance can be problematic, as more and more electronics and subtle mechanisms are used for control, interlocking and monitoring functions within the power distribution compartments. The service continuity of the switchgear or its part is thus compromised in case, for example a specific component such as an auxiliary device requires maintenance.

[0004] Autonomous substations or switchgear systems have been proposed, and require a robotic system for the whole substation in order to achieve a required level of autonomy.

[0005] WO 2009 / 101713A1 describes that in a control center, a control unit comprising a main circuit device for switching a load and a protection control relay for protecting the load is housed in a drawable manner in a unit chamber which is defined in a box and which has an opening and closing door. In the control center, the protection control relay is housed in a case which is arranged on the front surface side in the control unit, which is constituted in such a manner that the case can be opened and closed from the outside, and which comprises a rear surface case and a front surface case. A display substrate which is an electronic component having a short life out of components constituting the protection control relay is detachably mounted on the front surface side of a base substrate in the case.

[0006] CN103996990A describes an inflatable switch cabinet which comprises a cabinet body. It is described that a gas tank is arranged on the rear side of the cabinet body, a control chamber is arranged on the upper portion of the front side of the cabinet body, a cable chamber is arranged on the lower portion of the front side of the cabinet body, a vacuum breaker is arranged on the upper portion of the gas tank, an isolating switch is arranged in the middle of the gas tank, a main loop is arranged on the lower portion of the gas tank, and an isolating switch operating mechanism and a vacuum breaker operating mechanism are arranged in the control chamber. It is described that the isolating switch operating mechanism achieves switch-on, switch-off and ground connection of a disconnecting link by operating a first operating shaft and a second operating shaft, and power-driven operation can be achieved. It is described that the vacuum breaker comprises an insulation support, a vacuum bubble and an operating main shaft, the vacuum bubble is arranged in the insulation support in the mode with an upward dynamic contact, a conductive contact and a conductive piece are fixedly arranged on the lower portion of the insulation support and are fixedly connected with a static contact at the lower end of the vacuum bubble, the conductive contact and the disconnecting link are matched for switch-on, and the operating main shaft drives the dynamic contact at the upper end of the vacuum bubble to vertically move to achieve switch-on and switch-off of the vacuum breaker.

[0007] EP2953219A1 describes that a pressure tank in which a circuit breaker and a disconnector are received and an insulating gas is sealed, a circuit breaker operating mechanism that is installed outside the pressure tank and operates the circuit breaker, and a disconnector operating mechanism that is installed outside the pressure tank and operates the disconnector form an integrated structure and are received in a housing. It is described that the integrated structure is rotated and positioned in accordance with positions of bus-connecting portions for buses, which are connected to the pressure tank, and a position of an external cable-connecting portion for an external cable.

[0008] US 2017 / 0085064 A1 describes local equipment room (LER) for use in an industrial facility, having one or more robots to perform certain tasks.

[0009] Such robotic systems operate with the substation or switchgear and perform both monitoring and maintenance tasks. Such robotic system can be quite complex and expensive, especially when considering variability existing in substations today. Even though robotic system can reduce maintenance tasks in a substation with respect to switchgear, the robot itself may require considerable maintenance.

[0010] There is a need to address these issues.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have means to more easily perform maintenance tasks for a switchgear.

[0012] The object of the present invention is solved with the subject matter of the independent claim 1, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0013] The plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the second group of components being housed or associated with the removable module does not necessarily mean that these components are totally enclosed within the removable module. But, being housed or associated with the removable module means that removal of the removable module from the switchgear also removes those components that are housed or associated with the removable module from the switchgear.

[0014] The terms "have a lifetime greater than a threshold" and "have a lifetime less than or equal to a threshold" here relate to an expected lifetime, that can be determined from prior experimental knowledge of components or from data sheets for example.

[0015] The plurality of main switchgear components in the first group of components are fixedly housed in the first compartment.

[0016] The plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the first group of components are fixedly housed in the first compartment.

[0017] The plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the second group of components are divided into a plurality of logical groups, and wherein the components in a logical group are housed in or associated with the same removable module.

[0018] A disconnector switch drive and auxiliaries are housed in or associated with the same removable module.

[0019] In an example, the disconnector switch is a linear movement type switch or a rotational movement type switch.

[0020] A circuit breaker control electronics and auxiliaries are located in the same removable module.

[0021] The disconnector switch drive and auxiliaries are housed in or associated with a different removable module to the removable module within which the circuit breaker control electronics and auxiliaries are housed or associated.

[0022] In an example, the removable module within which is housed or associated the circuit breaker control electronics and auxiliaries also houses or is associated with at least one part of a circuit breaker drive. An interface to a circuit breaker pole comprises a removable mechanical or electrical connection configured to transfer mechanical energy from the circuit breaker drive to a circuit breaker moving contact or electrical energy from the supply source to the circuit breaker drive.

[0023] In an example, a circuit breaker single pole unit is housed in or associated with the removable module. The circuit breaker single pole unit utilizes a rotational circuit breaker pole. A vacuum interrupter is located in a central axis of the pole around the central axis is configured to act as a three position disconnector switch for connection, disconnection, and earthing.

[0024] In an example, each phase of three phases has a same logical group, and the logical group for each phase is housed in or associated with a different removable module.

[0025] In an example, each phase of three phases has a same logical group, and the logical group for each phase is housed in or associated with the same removable module.

[0026] The first compartment is arc proof.

[0027] Each removable module of the at least one removable module comprises a plug and socket connection to supply and signal collection circuits, configured to enable communication with at least one component external to the removable module.

[0028] In an example, for at least one specific component of the components of the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components or the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the second group of components, the at least one removable module comprises at least one plug and socket connection.

[0029] In an example, a plug and socket connection of the at least one plug and socket connection is configured for electrical connection between a circuit breaker drive electronics and a circuit breaker drive.

[0030] In an example, the switchgear comprises at least one cable connection compartment within which is housed or associated at least part of at least one cable connection for at least one vacuum interrupter housed in the first compartment.

[0031] In an example, at least one bushing forms part of the connection between the at least one cable connection and the at least one vacuum interrupter, and wherein the at least one bushing comprises current and voltage sensors.

[0032] In an example, the at least one cable connection compartment comprises at least one door or removable wall section.

[0033] In an example, a segregating wall between the first compartment and the at least one cable connection compartment is an arc proof segregation, enabling access of a user to the cable connection compartment when at least one component in the first compartment is operational.

[0034] In an example, a different cable connection compartment is provided for each phase of three phases for a three phase system In an example, the plurality of main switchgear components in the first group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the first group of components comprises one or more of: copper bars of a primary circuit; a circuit breaker CB pole; a vacuum interrupter; post insulators; current and voltage sensors; and disconnector fixed contacts.

[0035] In an example, the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the second group of components comprises one or more of: electronic components for control and feedback collection; disconnector switch drive; circuit breaker control electronics; auxiliary switches; sensors for condition monitoring; cable terminations, and plug and socket systems.

[0036] In an example, a primary circuit of the switchgear comprises one or more of: an earthing switch, voltage indication, surge arrestor, Ultra Fast Earthing Switch (UFES), IS-limiter (as invented by ABB Calor Emag in 1955), contactor, load-break switch, and fuse, and these components (and / or subcomponents of these components) when present are comprised within the second group of components of the plurality of main switchgear components or comprised within the second group of components of the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components.

[0037] In an example, the removable module is configured to be removed from the switchgear and replaced with a different removable module of the same type.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] Exemplary embodiments will be described in the following with reference to the following drawings: Fig. 1 shows an example of a switchgear; and Fig. 2 shows an example of a removable module or box for a switchgear. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Figs. 1-2 show examples of a switchgear for operation in a medium voltage or high voltage substation, and where the switchgear has one or more removable modules or boxes.

[0040] One example relates to a switchgear. The switchgear comprises a first compartment 1, at least one removable module 6, 7, a plurality of main switchgear components, and a plurality of auxiliary switchgear components. The plurality of main switchgear components are sub-divided into a first group of components that have a lifetime greater than a threshold level and a second group of components that have a lifetime less than or equal to the threshold level. The plurality of auxiliary switchgear components are sub-divided into a first group of components that have a lifetime greater than the threshold level and a second group of components that have a lifetime less than or equal to the threshold level. The plurality of main switchgear components in the first group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the first group of components are housed in the first compartment. The plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the second group of components are housed in or associated with the at least one removable module. Removal of the at least one removable module from the switchgear is configured to remove the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the second group of components from the switchgear. Thus, removal of the removable module allows or enables these components also to be removed from the switchgear.

[0041] The threshold for the main switchgear components can be the same as the threshold for the auxiliary switchgear components. The threshold can be determined in a number of different ways, for example being an average lifetime of components in the switchgear, or a time span equal to that between major scheduled system maintenance for example. Other time thresholds can be utilized.

[0042] The plurality of main switchgear components in the first group of components are fixedly housed in the first compartment.

[0043] The plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the first group of components are fixedly housed in the first compartment.

[0044] The plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the second group of components are divided into a plurality of logical groups, and wherein the components in a logical group are housed in or associated with the same removable module.

[0045] A disconnector switch drive and auxiliaries are housed in or associated with the same removable module 6.

[0046] According to an example, the disconnector switch is a linear movement type switch or a rotational movement type switch.

[0047] A circuit breaker control electronics and auxiliaries are located in the same removable module 7.

[0048] According to an example, the disconnector switch drive and auxiliaries are housed in or associated with a different removable module to the removable module within which the circuit breaker control electronics and auxiliaries are housed or associated.

[0049] According to an example, the removable module within which is housed or associated the circuit breaker control electronics and auxiliaries also houses or is associated with at least one part of a circuit breaker drive 10. According to an example, not part of the invention, interface to a circuit breaker pole 4 comprises a removable mechanical or electrical connection configured to transfer mechanical energy from the circuit breaker drive to a circuit breaker moving contact or electrical energy from the supply source to the circuit breaker drive.

[0050] An electromagnetic drive is provided, which is fixedly coupled to the circuit breaker pole. The coil windings of this drive then fall into the "First group of components". The energy storage capacitor and the drive control electronics then fall into the "second group of components". Thus an electrical interface is sufficient, through for example a plug in the cable from the drive controller to the motor as part of a plug and socket functionality.

[0051] According to an example, not part of the invention, a circuit breaker single pole unit is housed in or associated with the removable module. The circuit breaker single pole unit utilizes a rotational circuit breaker pole. A vacuum interrupter located in a central axis of the pole serves as the main current switching device while rotation of the pole around the central axis is configured to act as a three position disconnector switch for connection, disconnection, and earthing.

[0052] According to an example, each phase of three phases has a same logical group. The logical group for each phase is housed in or associated with a different removable module.

[0053] According to an example, each phase of three phases has a same logical group, and wherein the logical group for each phase is housed in or associated with the same removable module.

[0054] The first compartment is arc proof.

[0055] Each removable module of the at least one removable module comprises a plug and socket connection to supply and signal collection circuits, configured to enable communication with at least one component external to the removable module.

[0056] According to an example, for at least one specific component of the components of the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components or the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the second group of components, the at least one removable module comprises at least one plug and socket connection.

[0057] According to an example, a plug and socket connection of the at least one plug and socket connection is configured for electrical connection between a circuit breaker drive electronics and a circuit breaker drive 10.

[0058] According to an example, the switchgear comprises at least one cable connection compartment 5 within which is housed or associated at least part of at least one cable connection for at least one vacuum interrupter 11 housed in the first compartment.

[0059] According to an example, at least one bushing 12 forms part of the connection between the at least one cable connection and the at least one vacuum interrupter, and the at least one bushing comprises current and voltage sensors.

[0060] According to an example, the at least one cable connection compartment comprises at least one door or removable wall section.

[0061] According to an example, a segregating wall between the first compartment and the at least one cable connection compartment is an arc proof segregation, enabling access of a user to the cable connection compartment when at least one component in the first compartment is operational.

[0062] According to an example, a different cable connection compartment is provided for each phase of three phases for a three phase system

[0063] According to an example, the plurality of main switchgear components in the first group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the first group of components comprises one or more of: copper bars of a primary circuit; a circuit breaker CB pole; a vacuum interrupter; post insulators; current and voltage sensors; and disconnector fixed contacts.

[0064] According to an example, the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear in the second group of components comprises one or more of: electronic components for control and feedback collection; disconnector switch drive; circuit breaker control electronics; auxiliary switches; sensors for condition monitoring; cable terminations, and plug and socket systems.

[0065] According to an example, a primary circuit of the switchgear comprises, in other words can include, one or more of: an earthing switch, voltage indication, surge arrestor, UFES, IS-limitor, contactor, load-break switch, and fuse, and these components (and / or subcomponents of these components) when present are comprised within the second group of components of the plurality of main switchgear components or comprised within the second group of components of the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components.

[0066] According to an example, the removable module is configured to be removed from the switchgear and replaced with a different removable module of the same type.

[0067] Thus, a new substation development is provided where the less reliable parts are separated from the more reliable parts and grouped in one or more replaceable modules for simplifying or automating the maintenance, while increasing the switchgear up-time. The modularization and segregation of the less reliable parts can facilitate the maintenance in both the human operated and maintained switchgear and controlgear designs as well as switchgears and controlgears with unmanned operation and maintenance designs. Thus, a non-robotic solution for a maintenance of internal parts of substation is provided.

[0068] Continuing with the figures, specific features are now described. In the examples, as discussed above the parts needing more regular maintenance are encapsulated to removable modules outside of the substation inner room and the robotic system or manipulator is operating outside the inner room. The arc proof enclosure of the switchgear or controlgear main functional parts serves as the inner room borders and as a safety barrier, allowing access for maintenance tasks on the switchgear removable modules or robotic system for human personnel with the switchgear in operation.

[0069] Fig. 1 shows a detailed example of a switchgear, where for ease of reference the following features shown are listed: 1. Arc proof enclosure; 2. Main busbar system; 3. Three position disconnector switch; 4. Circuit breaker single pole + electromagnetic drive coil + current and voltage sensors; 5. Human operator accessible cable connection box - with removable cover and / or doors; 6. Removable module or box with disconnector drive and auxiliaries with plug and socket connection to power source and station communication bus; 7. Removable module or box with circuit breaker control electronics and auxiliaries with plug and socket connection to the circuit breaker drive and auxiliaries and with plug and socket connection to power source and station communication bus; 8. Earthing copper; 9. Automatic maintenance system or human maintainer access side; 10. Circuit breaker drive; 11. Vacuum interrupter; and 12. Bushing providing sealing to cable compartment including current and voltage sensors.

[0070] Continuing with Fig. 1 the main and auxiliary components of a switchgear or controlgear has been divided into two groups: 1. the components that show high reliability and thus do not require preventive maintenance (and only exceptionally require corrective maintenance) in the expected lifetime of the switchgear or controlgear (typically the copper bars of primary circuit, the CB pole and vacuum interrupter, the post insulators, the current and voltage sensors, the disconnector fixed contacts) 2. the components that are less reliable or have shorter lifetime than expected lifetime of the switchgear or controlgear (typically all the electronic components for control and feedback collection, auxiliary switches, sensors for condition monitoring, cable terminations and plug and socket systems)

[0071] The parts belonging to the first group can be designed as fixed (i.e. removable only with extra effort, tools or preparation) and not easily accessible for the maintenance systems or personnel - protected by the enclosure. The enclosure of the parts from the first group can be arc proof as it contains most of the primary circuit current carrying and insulating parts. But it does not have to be arc proof.

[0072] The components belonging to the second group can be further sub grouped to logical subassemblies and encapsulated into removable modules. For example, disconnector switch drive and auxiliaries can be enclosed into one module, while circuit breaker (CB) control electronics and auxiliaries can be enclosed into another module. This is shown in the detailed example of Fig. 1.

[0073] Each of these removable modules has a plug and socket connection to the supply and signal collection circuits allowing communication with the rest of the switchgear.

[0074] If electrical connection to the component associated with the removable module is needed, a plug and socket connection to this component can be provided as well (for example electrical connection between the CB control electronics and the CB drive).

[0075] The first step of any maintenance action on the parts from second group is by replacing the module with parts that require maintenance with a spare module of the same type. The switchgear then can stay in operation or the down-time of the affected part of the switchgear can be limited to a minimum. Meanwhile the maintenance action itself on the parts in the replaced module can be postponed to a most suitable time and does not have to be carried out urgently.

[0076] The components from the second group that cannot be easily encapsulated to the removable module and equipped with the plug and socket system (for example power cable terminations) are located in a separate compartment. This compartment shall be preferably segregated with arc proof segregation from the inner room of the switchgear, and is separate for each feeder circuit and is accessible for human operators or maintainers. When all covers are properly closed this compartment is preferably arc proof and enclosed against the inner room of the switchgear as well as the outer space.

[0077] As shown in Fig.1, the removable modules for the disconnector switch and the circuit breaker can be designed for each phase separately. These modules can however be designed as one module per all three phases.

[0078] As shown in Fig.1, a separate removable module is provided for the disconnector switch and for the circuit breaker. These modules can however be designed as one module for both the devices.

[0079] In Fig.1 the phases are arranged one above the other - the CB pole orientation being horizontal for all phases. The phases can be arranged in other geometries, for example poles of all phases oriented vertically or poles not being parallel and one pole oriented horizontally, with the second pole tilted 45degrees from horizontal and the last pole vertical.

[0080] In Fig. 1 the CB poles include the current and voltage sensors. The sensors in a bushing can be a separate component connected to CB pole with a removable connection. Rather than having the sensors embedded into a bushing that is separate from the pole, the current and voltage sensors can be kept as stand alone devices located in the cable compartment and not integrated in the bushing.

[0081] The disconnector switch shown in Fig.1 is a linear movement type. A disconnector switch with rotational movement can be used as well.

[0082] The removable module of the circuit breaker shown in Fig.1 includes the control electronics and auxiliaries and allows simple electrical plug and socket connection to the circuit breaker drive. However, the module can also include parts of the CB drive and then the interface to the CB pole can be a removable mechanical connection transferring mechanical energy from the drive to the CB moving contact. The removable module can comprise the complete circuit breaker single pole unit (the pole including drive and auxiliaries). For that purpose it would be possible to use a rotational circuit breaker pole. The vacuum interrupter located in the central axis of the pole is then used for current interruption, while rotation of the pole around the central axis serves for connection, disconnection and earthing as three position disconnector switch.

[0083] It is to be noted that a removable cover of the cable termination compartment (shown on the right hand side of Fig.1) can be replaced with doors.

[0084] The primary circuit of the switchgear can include other components and devices not described in Fig.1, such as earthing switch, voltage indication, surge arrestors, UFES, IS-limiters, contactors, load-break switches, fuses. The concept of separation of less reliable or shorter lifetime parts is applied to these components in that case.

[0085] The removable module of the disconnector switch can embed the drive and auxiliaries only, or it can include the moving contact of the disconnector switch in as well. This is represented in Fig. 2.

Claims

1. A medium voltage or high voltage switchgear, comprising: - a first compartment (1); - at least one removable module (6, 7); - a plurality of main switchgear components; and - a plurality of auxiliary switchgear components; wherein the plurality of main switchgear components comprises a circuit breaker pole with a vacuum interrupter (11) and a disconnector switch (3); wherein the first compartment is arc proof; wherein each removable module (6, 7) of the at least one removable module comprises a plug and socket connection to supply and signal collection circuits, configured to enable communication with at least one component external to the removable module; wherein, the plurality of main switchgear components are sub-divided into a first group of components that have a lifetime greater than a threshold level and a second group of components that have a lifetime less than or equal to the threshold level; wherein, the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components are sub-divided into a first group of components that have a lifetime greater than the threshold level and a second group of components that have a lifetime less than or equal to the threshold level; wherein, the plurality of main switchgear components in the first group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the first group of components are fixedly housed in the first compartment (1); wherein, the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the second group of components are housed in or associated with the at least one removable module (6, 7); wherein the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the second group of components are divided into a plurality of logical groups, wherein the components in a logical group are housed in or associated with the same removable module (6, 7), wherein a disconnector switch drive and auxiliaries are housed in or associated with the same first removable module (6), and wherein a circuit breaker control electronics and auxiliaries are housed in or associated with the same second removable module (7); wherein, removal of the at least one removable module from the switchgear is configured to remove the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the second group of components from the switchgear; characterized in that, an electromagnetic circuit breaker drive (10) is fixedly coupled to the circuit breaker pole; coil windings of the electromagnetic circuit breaker drive are part of the first group of components; and an energy storage capacitor and control electronics of the electromagnetic circuit breaker drive are part of the second group of components.

2. Switchgear according to claim 1, wherein the disconnector switch is a linear movement type switch or a rotational movement type switch.

3. Switchgear according to any of claims 1-2, wherein each phase of three phases has a same logical group, and wherein the logical group for each phase is housed in or associated with a different removable module.

4. Switchgear according to any of claims 1-2, wherein each phase of three phases has a same logical group, and wherein the logical group for each phase is housed in or associated with the same removable module.

5. Switchgear according to any of claims 1-4, wherein for at least one specific component of the components of the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components or the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the second group of components, the at least one removable module comprises at least one plug and socket connection.

6. Switchgear according to claim 5, wherein a plug and socket connection of the at least one plug and socket connection is configured for electrical connection between the control electronics of the electromagnetic circuit breaker drive and the electromagnetic circuit breaker drive (10).

7. Switchgear according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the switchgear comprises a cable connection compartment (5) within which is housed at least part of a cable connection for the vacuum interrupter (11) housed in the first compartment.

8. Switchgear according to claim 7, wherein at least one bushing (12) forms part of the connection between the at least one cable connection and the at least one vacuum interrupter, and wherein the at least one bushing comprises current and voltage sensors.

9. Switchgear according to any of claims 7-8, wherein the at least one cable connection compartment comprises at least one door or removable wall section.

10. Switchgear according to any of claims 7-9, wherein a segregating wall between the first compartment and the at least one cable connection compartment is an arc proof segregation, enabling access of a user to the cable connection compartment when at least one component in the first compartment is operational.

11. Switchgear according to any of claims 7-10, wherein a different cable connection compartment is provided for each phase of three phases for a three phase system12. Switchgear according to any of claims 1-11, wherein the plurality of main switchgear components in the first group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the first group of components comprises one or more of: copper bars of a primary circuit; the circuit breaker CB pole; the vacuum interrupter; post insulators; current and voltage sensors; and disconnector fixed contacts.

13. Switchgear according to any of claims 1-12 wherein the plurality of main switchgear components in the second group of components and the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components in the second group of components comprises one or more of: electronic components for control and feedback collection; disconnector switch drive;; auxiliary switches; sensors for condition monitoring; cable terminations, and plug and socket systems.

14. Switchgear according to any of claims 1-13, wherein a primary circuit of the switchgear comprises one or more of: an earthing switch, voltage indication, surge arrestor, UFES, IS-limiter, contactor, load-break switch, and fuse, and these components when present are comprised within the second group of components of the plurality of main switchgear components or comprised within the second group of components of the plurality of auxiliary switchgear components.

15. Switchgear according to any of claims 1-14, wherein each of the at least one removable module is configured to be removed from the switchgear and replaced with a different removable module of the same type.