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Prysmian Group – 2015 Sustainability Report
Sustainable Innovation
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Oil & Gas
The two main activities implemented in the Downstream segment during 2015 involved the development, by
various affiliates, of an improved low temperature solution ("Arctic onshore") for projects in Russia (Yamal
LNG and Zapsib 2). These solutions ensure a more sustainable approach over the long term to the servicing
of cables at extremely low temperatures (-52°C), while also reducing the risk of damage during installation.
As in North America last year, the innovative Airguard solution has been implemented on various projects
around the world, extending the product range from medium voltage to low voltage, as well as to
instrumentation and control cables. Airguard is a proprietary Prysmian solution that has been developed as
an alternative to armoured cables and lead sheathing. Performance is better during the installation phase
(preparing the cable terminals and laying) and the environmental impact is lower, due to the elimination of
heavy metals and armouring at the manufacturing stage.
OEMs
With regard to cables for wind farms and, in particular, for their generators, we have developed the Tropical
Wind range of medium voltage cables for the market in South America. These cables have been designed
specifically for use in tropical areas, where environmental requirements allow the sizing and use of materials
with a lower environmental impact.
In addition, we have transferred technology for the production of TecSun cables in China, in order to support
the development and spread of photovoltaic power stations in the Far East, by providing high performance
products that retain the eco-compatible characteristics expected in Europe.
Monitoring systems
Work began in 2015 on the development of a system for the monitoring and control of power flows along
high voltage transmission lines. The system applies known technology, but the Prysmian Group's own
application will be optimised in order to maximise the efficiency of the systems supplied and installed directly.
Two important innovations have been made in development of the Prycam technology, which measures
partial discharges.
The first relates to the manufacture of Prycam family products using materials that, in weight terms, are more
than 70% recoverable and recyclable, as well as to the technology used, which has considerable
environmental advantages due to very low consumption and high energy efficiency. In particular, the first
innovation in 2015 relates to the Prycam Grids that will monitor partial discharges in fixed installations and,
as with the other components in the family, allow the information obtained to be viewed on the web and sent
to Pry-Mon, the common monitoring platform.
The second innovation relates to Prycam Wings 2.0, a new sensor that draws on the experience gained with
the Prycam Portable sensor for the identification of partial discharges, but also includes sensor functions for
temperature and current. A new injection technology for the manufacture of the sensor was perfected during
the year and the duration tests under extreme conditions (from -60° to +80° with up to 100% humidity) were
completed successfully.