Alternatives Benefits Calculator
About the SF6 Alternatives Benefits Calculator
The SF6 Alternatives Benefits Calculator is designed to help transmission and distribution utilities evaluate the total lifecycle cost and environmental impacts of different circuit breaker technologies. The tool provides stakeholders a resource to further evaluate alternatives to replacing SF6 circuit breakers (Gas Circuit Breakers (GCBs)) with Vacuum Circuit Breakers (VCBs) at electrical power systems.
EPA involved original equipment manufacturers and Partner utilities for technical review of the tool during development.
A user creates a scenario by inputting values into ten different assumption cells that determine the economic and greenhouse gas impacts of two scenarios. From there, the tool is designed to track the initial, annual, inspection, and decommissioning costs to account for all expenses over the lifetime of a GCB and VCB breaker system. After all inputs are completed, the results tab calculates the emissions savings if the user opts for the VCB system as well as a cost comparison between the VCB system and GCB system (or GCB system with tank heater if applicable).
Data inputs required for analysis:
- Initial unit and installation costs for both GCB and VCB
- Annual labor and materials costs
- Frequency of routine and periodic inspections
Results:
- Lifetime cost savings: discounted and undiscounted total and average annual costs for all breakers evaluated
- Greenhouse gas emission savings
Download the Tool
Download the SF6 Alternatives Benefits Calculator (xlsx)