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What is a medium voltage cell and what is it used for?

  • Secondary distribution network: This is the stage of the electrical power distribution system in which the energy voltage values ​​are adapted for its safe and efficient approach to consumption points such as our homes, offices, hospitals…  This is based on the work of the medium voltage transformation centers, which adapt the energy voltage for its transition to low and its subsequent consumption by the end user.

    • Secondary distribution cells: The medium voltage cells for secondary distribution are located very close to the consumption centers and are essential in the work of transforming the voltage from medium to low; which is why we can find them in transformation centers, and in ad hoc installations close to the final consumer, along with the rest of the critical elements of the medium voltage network. Its protection and network interruption function guarantees supply to consumers and protects the network against possible {“url”:”https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE”,”type”:”video”,”providerNameSlug”:”youtube”,”responsive”:true,”className”:”wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio”} –>

      https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE

      What elements make up an electrical distribution panel?

      Although the cells are an element of the electrical switchgear itself, these are in turn composed of different elements that make up the cells. Let’s look at the main ones:

      • Metal tank: This is the metal structure that brings together all the internal elements of a cell and serves as a watertight compartment for the passage of electricity. This, in turn, is divided into different sections depending on the type of cell itself.
      • Internal wiring: This is the set of cable lines that serve both to conduct electricity through the cell and to connect the different internal elements and their functions.  
      • Insulators: These are epoxy elements, such as terminals or connectors, that act as insulating pieces between the different watertight parts of a cell, guaranteeing safety and operation at all times.
      • Switches: These are devices that interrupt the flow of electric current in a circuit. They are designed to protect electrical equipment and prevent damage due to overcurrents, short circuits, and other electrical faults.
      • Disconnectors: They are used to isolate parts of the electrical system for maintenance or repair. They are often used in conjunction with switches and other protection devices.
      • Fuses: These are devices that protect electrical equipment by interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a certain level (short-circuit current). They are designed to protect against overcurrents and short circuits.
      • Relays: These are devices that act as controllers of what happens inside the cell to activate preventive protections when faults are detected. In this way, they guarantee the safety and operation of the cell. The relays, together with other devices called remote devices, are capable of transmitting data such as measurements and statuses in real time to control centers, as well as receiving orders from other control centers that act on the medium voltage cells. They are therefore remote-controlled elements.
      • External controls: These are the different devices, both mechanical and digital, that allow the functionalities of the interior of the cell to be managed. Whether through the external digital display, through the key operation of the different sections or the lever maneuver to open or close the flow of electricity.

      Ormazabal, experts in electrical solutions for the grid

      At Ormazabal we work to transform the electrical grid into an infrastructure of the future: more reliable, resilient and sustainable. Thus, we have more than 55 years of experience in the design and manufacture of electrical solutions for electrical distribution aimed at digitizing the grid to integrate greater renewable energy generation, enable more sustainable mobility and guarantee the electricity supply to buildings and infrastructures with critical energy needs.

      https://youtu.be/GM5zQXzcEBQ

      Within our route to zero, we have launched our innovative ranges of fluorinated gas-free products, based on industrial natural air insulation, for the public distribution market up to 24 kV cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24.  The most complete alternative solution to SF6 insulation on the market, guaranteeing zero changes, zero uncertainties, and a more sustainable electrical grid.

      Want to know more? Contact us:

        ormazabal@ormazabal.com

        Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edf. 104, 48170 Zamudio (Bizkaia) España

        +34 94 431 77 77

        • Secondary distribution network: This is the stage of the electrical power distribution system in which the energy voltage values ​​are adapted for its safe and efficient approach to consumption points such as our homes, offices, hospitals…  This is based on the work of the medium voltage transformation centers, which adapt the energy voltage for its transition to low and its subsequent consumption by the end user.

          • Secondary distribution cells: The medium voltage cells for secondary distribution are located very close to the consumption centers and are essential in the work of transforming the voltage from medium to low; which is why we can find them in transformation centers, and in ad hoc installations close to the final consumer, along with the rest of the critical elements of the medium voltage network. Its protection and network interruption function guarantees supply to consumers and protects the network against possible {“url”:”https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE”,”type”:”video”,”providerNameSlug”:”youtube”,”responsive”:true,”className”:”wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio”} –>

            https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE

            What elements make up an electrical distribution panel?

            Although the cells are an element of the electrical switchgear itself, these are in turn composed of different elements that make up the cells. Let’s look at the main ones:

            • Metal tank: This is the metal structure that brings together all the internal elements of a cell and serves as a watertight compartment for the passage of electricity. This, in turn, is divided into different sections depending on the type of cell itself.
            • Internal wiring: This is the set of cable lines that serve both to conduct electricity through the cell and to connect the different internal elements and their functions.  
            • Insulators: These are epoxy elements, such as terminals or connectors, that act as insulating pieces between the different watertight parts of a cell, guaranteeing safety and operation at all times.
            • Switches: These are devices that interrupt the flow of electric current in a circuit. They are designed to protect electrical equipment and prevent damage due to overcurrents, short circuits, and other electrical faults.
            • Disconnectors: They are used to isolate parts of the electrical system for maintenance or repair. They are often used in conjunction with switches and other protection devices.
            • Fuses: These are devices that protect electrical equipment by interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a certain level (short-circuit current). They are designed to protect against overcurrents and short circuits.
            • Relays: These are devices that act as controllers of what happens inside the cell to activate preventive protections when faults are detected. In this way, they guarantee the safety and operation of the cell. The relays, together with other devices called remote devices, are capable of transmitting data such as measurements and statuses in real time to control centers, as well as receiving orders from other control centers that act on the medium voltage cells. They are therefore remote-controlled elements.
            • External controls: These are the different devices, both mechanical and digital, that allow the functionalities of the interior of the cell to be managed. Whether through the external digital display, through the key operation of the different sections or the lever maneuver to open or close the flow of electricity.

            Ormazabal, experts in electrical solutions for the grid

            At Ormazabal we work to transform the electrical grid into an infrastructure of the future: more reliable, resilient and sustainable. Thus, we have more than 55 years of experience in the design and manufacture of electrical solutions for electrical distribution aimed at digitizing the grid to integrate greater renewable energy generation, enable more sustainable mobility and guarantee the electricity supply to buildings and infrastructures with critical energy needs.

            https://youtu.be/GM5zQXzcEBQ

            Within our route to zero, we have launched our innovative ranges of fluorinated gas-free products, based on industrial natural air insulation, for the public distribution market up to 24 kV cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24.  The most complete alternative solution to SF6 insulation on the market, guaranteeing zero changes, zero uncertainties, and a more sustainable electrical grid.

            Want to know more? Contact us:

              ormazabal@ormazabal.com

              Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edf. 104, 48170 Zamudio (Bizkaia) España

              +34 94 431 77 77

              • Primary distribution network: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry.

                • Primary distribution cells: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry.

                  • Primary distribution cells: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry. Primary distribution: Primary distribution cells are located in phases further away from the consumption points, highlighting their presence in electrical substations where they act as large switches to protect the rest of the facilities. We can also find them in end consumers, specifically in those that require greater power for their consumption: industry, mining activities, hydroelectric facilities… or generating power as is the case with substations in renewable generation sources.

                https://youtu.be/ieXpS_hsswI

                • Secondary distribution network: This is the stage of the electrical power distribution system in which the energy voltage values ​​are adapted for its safe and efficient approach to consumption points such as our homes, offices, hospitals…  This is based on the work of the medium voltage transformation centers, which adapt the energy voltage for its transition to low and its subsequent consumption by the end user.

                  • Secondary distribution cells: The medium voltage cells for secondary distribution are located very close to the consumption centers and are essential in the work of transforming the voltage from medium to low; which is why we can find them in transformation centers, and in ad hoc installations close to the final consumer, along with the rest of the critical elements of the medium voltage network. Its protection and network interruption function guarantees supply to consumers and protects the network against possible {“url”:”https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE”,”type”:”video”,”providerNameSlug”:”youtube”,”responsive”:true,”className”:”wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio”} –>

                    https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE

                    What elements make up an electrical distribution panel?

                    Although the cells are an element of the electrical switchgear itself, these are in turn composed of different elements that make up the cells. Let’s look at the main ones:

                    • Metal tank: This is the metal structure that brings together all the internal elements of a cell and serves as a watertight compartment for the passage of electricity. This, in turn, is divided into different sections depending on the type of cell itself.
                    • Internal wiring: This is the set of cable lines that serve both to conduct electricity through the cell and to connect the different internal elements and their functions.  
                    • Insulators: These are epoxy elements, such as terminals or connectors, that act as insulating pieces between the different watertight parts of a cell, guaranteeing safety and operation at all times.
                    • Switches: These are devices that interrupt the flow of electric current in a circuit. They are designed to protect electrical equipment and prevent damage due to overcurrents, short circuits, and other electrical faults.
                    • Disconnectors: They are used to isolate parts of the electrical system for maintenance or repair. They are often used in conjunction with switches and other protection devices.
                    • Fuses: These are devices that protect electrical equipment by interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a certain level (short-circuit current). They are designed to protect against overcurrents and short circuits.
                    • Relays: These are devices that act as controllers of what happens inside the cell to activate preventive protections when faults are detected. In this way, they guarantee the safety and operation of the cell. The relays, together with other devices called remote devices, are capable of transmitting data such as measurements and statuses in real time to control centers, as well as receiving orders from other control centers that act on the medium voltage cells. They are therefore remote-controlled elements.
                    • External controls: These are the different devices, both mechanical and digital, that allow the functionalities of the interior of the cell to be managed. Whether through the external digital display, through the key operation of the different sections or the lever maneuver to open or close the flow of electricity.

                    Ormazabal, experts in electrical solutions for the grid

                    At Ormazabal we work to transform the electrical grid into an infrastructure of the future: more reliable, resilient and sustainable. Thus, we have more than 55 years of experience in the design and manufacture of electrical solutions for electrical distribution aimed at digitizing the grid to integrate greater renewable energy generation, enable more sustainable mobility and guarantee the electricity supply to buildings and infrastructures with critical energy needs.

                    https://youtu.be/GM5zQXzcEBQ

                    Within our route to zero, we have launched our innovative ranges of fluorinated gas-free products, based on industrial natural air insulation, for the public distribution market up to 24 kV cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24.  The most complete alternative solution to SF6 insulation on the market, guaranteeing zero changes, zero uncertainties, and a more sustainable electrical grid.

                    Want to know more? Contact us:

                      ormazabal@ormazabal.com

                      Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edf. 104, 48170 Zamudio (Bizkaia) España

                      +34 94 431 77 77

                      • Primary distribution network: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry.

                        • Primary distribution cells: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry.

                          • Primary distribution cells: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry. Primary distribution: Primary distribution cells are located in phases further away from the consumption points, highlighting their presence in electrical substations where they act as large switches to protect the rest of the facilities. We can also find them in end consumers, specifically in those that require greater power for their consumption: industry, mining activities, hydroelectric facilities… or generating power as is the case with substations in renewable generation sources.

                        https://youtu.be/ieXpS_hsswI

                        • Secondary distribution network: This is the stage of the electrical power distribution system in which the energy voltage values ​​are adapted for its safe and efficient approach to consumption points such as our homes, offices, hospitals…  This is based on the work of the medium voltage transformation centers, which adapt the energy voltage for its transition to low and its subsequent consumption by the end user.

                          • Secondary distribution cells: The medium voltage cells for secondary distribution are located very close to the consumption centers and are essential in the work of transforming the voltage from medium to low; which is why we can find them in transformation centers, and in ad hoc installations close to the final consumer, along with the rest of the critical elements of the medium voltage network. Its protection and network interruption function guarantees supply to consumers and protects the network against possible {“url”:”https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE”,”type”:”video”,”providerNameSlug”:”youtube”,”responsive”:true,”className”:”wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio”} –>

                            https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE

                            What elements make up an electrical distribution panel?

                            Although the cells are an element of the electrical switchgear itself, these are in turn composed of different elements that make up the cells. Let’s look at the main ones:

                            • Metal tank: This is the metal structure that brings together all the internal elements of a cell and serves as a watertight compartment for the passage of electricity. This, in turn, is divided into different sections depending on the type of cell itself.
                            • Internal wiring: This is the set of cable lines that serve both to conduct electricity through the cell and to connect the different internal elements and their functions.  
                            • Insulators: These are epoxy elements, such as terminals or connectors, that act as insulating pieces between the different watertight parts of a cell, guaranteeing safety and operation at all times.
                            • Switches: These are devices that interrupt the flow of electric current in a circuit. They are designed to protect electrical equipment and prevent damage due to overcurrents, short circuits, and other electrical faults.
                            • Disconnectors: They are used to isolate parts of the electrical system for maintenance or repair. They are often used in conjunction with switches and other protection devices.
                            • Fuses: These are devices that protect electrical equipment by interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a certain level (short-circuit current). They are designed to protect against overcurrents and short circuits.
                            • Relays: These are devices that act as controllers of what happens inside the cell to activate preventive protections when faults are detected. In this way, they guarantee the safety and operation of the cell. The relays, together with other devices called remote devices, are capable of transmitting data such as measurements and statuses in real time to control centers, as well as receiving orders from other control centers that act on the medium voltage cells. They are therefore remote-controlled elements.
                            • External controls: These are the different devices, both mechanical and digital, that allow the functionalities of the interior of the cell to be managed. Whether through the external digital display, through the key operation of the different sections or the lever maneuver to open or close the flow of electricity.

                            Ormazabal, experts in electrical solutions for the grid

                            At Ormazabal we work to transform the electrical grid into an infrastructure of the future: more reliable, resilient and sustainable. Thus, we have more than 55 years of experience in the design and manufacture of electrical solutions for electrical distribution aimed at digitizing the grid to integrate greater renewable energy generation, enable more sustainable mobility and guarantee the electricity supply to buildings and infrastructures with critical energy needs.

                            https://youtu.be/GM5zQXzcEBQ

                            Within our route to zero, we have launched our innovative ranges of fluorinated gas-free products, based on industrial natural air insulation, for the public distribution market up to 24 kV cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24.  The most complete alternative solution to SF6 insulation on the market, guaranteeing zero changes, zero uncertainties, and a more sustainable electrical grid.

                            Want to know more? Contact us:

                              ormazabal@ormazabal.com

                              Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edf. 104, 48170 Zamudio (Bizkaia) España

                              +34 94 431 77 77

                              Primary distribution cells
                              Primary distribution cells

                              The medium voltage cell, one of the most recognizable elements of the electrical network, whose function It is crucial for the correct operation of the network

                              Observing the electrical grid in detail is similar to observing an enormous and complex spider web. Infinite lines intertwine and form nodes through which the energy that fuels our needs as consumers circulates. To achieve this, these nodes have a multitude of technological elements that are part of the so-called electrical switchgear and are located in multiple places. Dedicated to different functions, they all have one thing in common: ensuring that energy reaches the end consumption points continuously, efficiently, and safely. Although we have already detailed what main elements make up this electrical switchgear and what its overall functions are, today we are going to take a break to explain one of the most relevant and well-known systems: the medium voltage switchgear, also called the electrical distribution switchgear.

                              These technological marvels – the result of decades of development and engineering applied to the field of electrical energy – are one of the key players in ensuring that the electrical grid is managed perfectly and, thus, avoid a possible total collapse of the rest of the switchgear in the event of a voltage, current and/or frequency problem. Thus, the cells fulfill the function of receiving electricity and distributing it to the electrical transformer so that it varies the arrival voltage, it would be something like a very large switch on the scale of these electrical voltages.

                              In addition to this, the function of the cell goes further, acting as a protector of the transformer and the rest of the elements that follow it in the distribution chain, such as the low voltage panel, from possible alterations in the network. That is, the cells can also function as large protective fuses, which prevent the rest of the components from suffering problems in situations of voltage alteration.

                              Medium voltage cells are one of the key elements that make up the MV switchgear, forming part of the transformation centers among others configurations

                              However, medium-voltage cells are present at all times where an end user requires electricity. They are used to distribute electrical energy from high-voltage transmission lines to end consumers, for specific use in industrial applications such as factories, mining operations, or to connect renewable energy sources such as solar, hydroelectric or wind power to the electrical grid. This is why they are so relevant in our society.

                              Schema-red-electrica-Loja-Tension
                              The medium voltage cell is one of the main elements of electrical switchgear

                              What technology do these distribution cells use?

                              To perform these functions, the cells are subjected to a very significant electrical voltage, since the electrical energy flows through their interior either at high or medium voltage, which implies that, in order to guarantee their conduction properties, a stable and safe technological solution is required that meets the technical requirements of each installation. The power reaches them through the electrical grid and must be conducted to the rest of the elements or interrupted according to the needs at any given time.

                              Thus, the most advanced medium-voltage distribution cells use a technology known as GIS (Gas Insulated Switchgear). This solution is based on the use of different types of gases as insulation to generate an insulation barrier inside the cell tank where the dynamic elements interact, thus enabling its safe and efficient operation. These gases include compounds such as SF6 (sulfur hexafluoride), which has been the predominant insulator in the industry in recent decades, or new and innovative industrial natural air solutions such as those implemented by Ormazabal in its cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24 solutions. A technology that emerges after more than 10 years of continuous research and that will represent an evolutionary change in terms of technological sustainability.

                              What types of medium voltage cells can we distinguish?

                              As we said before, cells are elements that can act in different configurations and sets depending on the needs of the electrical installation in general and of the users. One of the great revolutions in the world of cells was the technology of interconnection of the same, what is commonly called “cell sewing”; a development that allows you to configure numerous arrangements of different cells, each with its own function, in a single thread of cells as a whole. In this way, the circuit runs through different cells with specific functions that together generate a complete solution.

                              An operator performs a check in a center equipped with medium-voltage distribution cells

                              Types of cells by function

                              Within these different cells, we can mainly find the following:

                              • Input or output cell: Its function is to connect and disconnect the electrical installations that arrive or leave the set of cells.
                              • Lift cell: They are used as a mechanical protection element for the conductors that connect to the bars. They are normally present in installations that do not require electrical protection as such.
                              • Protection Cell: As its name indicates, its function is to provide protection to medium voltage transformers.
                              • Breaker Cell: With protection functions for medium voltage transformers, this type of cell allows for much faster operation and circuit restoration than traditional protection cells.

                              Types of cells by electrical distribution phases

                              To understand what types of medium voltage cells exist, it is important to know their functions. Depending on the power of the installation or node, two types of distribution cells are distinguished: primary distribution and secondary distribution.

                              • Primary distribution network: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry.

                                • Primary distribution cells: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry.

                                  • Primary distribution cells: This is the electricity distribution stage in which the energy reaches the substations to be transformed and distributed in medium voltage to the next phase of the network or for direct consumption by electro-intensive consumers such as industry. Primary distribution: Primary distribution cells are located in phases further away from the consumption points, highlighting their presence in electrical substations where they act as large switches to protect the rest of the facilities. We can also find them in end consumers, specifically in those that require greater power for their consumption: industry, mining activities, hydroelectric facilities… or generating power as is the case with substations in renewable generation sources.

                                https://youtu.be/ieXpS_hsswI

                                • Secondary distribution network: This is the stage of the electrical power distribution system in which the energy voltage values ​​are adapted for its safe and efficient approach to consumption points such as our homes, offices, hospitals…  This is based on the work of the medium voltage transformation centers, which adapt the energy voltage for its transition to low and its subsequent consumption by the end user.

                                  • Secondary distribution cells: The medium voltage cells for secondary distribution are located very close to the consumption centers and are essential in the work of transforming the voltage from medium to low; which is why we can find them in transformation centers, and in ad hoc installations close to the final consumer, along with the rest of the critical elements of the medium voltage network. Its protection and network interruption function guarantees supply to consumers and protects the network against possible {“url”:”https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE”,”type”:”video”,”providerNameSlug”:”youtube”,”responsive”:true,”className”:”wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio”} –>

                                    https://youtu.be/Siipok3n5VE

                                    What elements make up an electrical distribution panel?

                                    Although the cells are an element of the electrical switchgear itself, these are in turn composed of different elements that make up the cells. Let’s look at the main ones:

                                    • Metal tank: This is the metal structure that brings together all the internal elements of a cell and serves as a watertight compartment for the passage of electricity. This, in turn, is divided into different sections depending on the type of cell itself.
                                    • Internal wiring: This is the set of cable lines that serve both to conduct electricity through the cell and to connect the different internal elements and their functions.  
                                    • Insulators: These are epoxy elements, such as terminals or connectors, that act as insulating pieces between the different watertight parts of a cell, guaranteeing safety and operation at all times.
                                    • Switches: These are devices that interrupt the flow of electric current in a circuit. They are designed to protect electrical equipment and prevent damage due to overcurrents, short circuits, and other electrical faults.
                                    • Disconnectors: They are used to isolate parts of the electrical system for maintenance or repair. They are often used in conjunction with switches and other protection devices.
                                    • Fuses: These are devices that protect electrical equipment by interrupting the flow of current when it exceeds a certain level (short-circuit current). They are designed to protect against overcurrents and short circuits.
                                    • Relays: These are devices that act as controllers of what happens inside the cell to activate preventive protections when faults are detected. In this way, they guarantee the safety and operation of the cell. The relays, together with other devices called remote devices, are capable of transmitting data such as measurements and statuses in real time to control centers, as well as receiving orders from other control centers that act on the medium voltage cells. They are therefore remote-controlled elements.
                                    • External controls: These are the different devices, both mechanical and digital, that allow the functionalities of the interior of the cell to be managed. Whether through the external digital display, through the key operation of the different sections or the lever maneuver to open or close the flow of electricity.

                                    Ormazabal, experts in electrical solutions for the grid

                                    At Ormazabal we work to transform the electrical grid into an infrastructure of the future: more reliable, resilient and sustainable. Thus, we have more than 55 years of experience in the design and manufacture of electrical solutions for electrical distribution aimed at digitizing the grid to integrate greater renewable energy generation, enable more sustainable mobility and guarantee the electricity supply to buildings and infrastructures with critical energy needs.

                                    https://youtu.be/GM5zQXzcEBQ

                                    Within our route to zero, we have launched our innovative ranges of fluorinated gas-free products, based on industrial natural air insulation, for the public distribution market up to 24 kV cgm.zero24 and sbp.zero24.  The most complete alternative solution to SF6 insulation on the market, guaranteeing zero changes, zero uncertainties, and a more sustainable electrical grid.

                                    Want to know more? Contact us:

                                      ormazabal@ormazabal.com

                                      Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Bizkaia, Edf. 104, 48170 Zamudio (Bizkaia) España

                                      +34 94 431 77 77