Circuit Breaker Concept

MOCB,ABCB,VCB & SF6 CB

By: S.J.Lahiri,
Chief Manager(S/S)
Powergrid Corporation of India
400/220 KV Substation,Rourkela
Types of High Voltage
Circuit Breakers
High voltage breakers are broadly
classified by the medium used to
extinguish the arc.
Oil-filled (dead tank and live tank)
Oil-filled, minimum oil volume
Air blast
Sulfur hexafluoride
High voltage breakers are routinely
available up to 765 kV AC.
Interrupting Principles
High-voltage circuit-breakers have greatly changed since
they were first introduced about 40 years ago, several
interrupting principles have been developed that
contributed successively to a large reduction of the
operating energy.
Current interruption in a high-voltage circuit-breaker is
obtained by separating two contacts in a medium , such
as Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6), having excellent
dielectrical and arc quenching properties.
After contacts separation, current is carried through an
arc and is interrupted when this arc is cooled by a gas
blast of sufficient intensity As the pressure build up,
necessary to blast the arc, was generated mostly by gas
heating using arc energy, it has been possible to use low
energy spring operating mechanism to drive high-voltage
circuit-breakers, up to 800 kV.
Vacuum Circuit-Breaker
A circuit breaker is a device used to complete,
maintain, and interrupt currents flowing in a
circuit under normal or faulted conditions. A
vacuum circuit breaker utilizes a vacuum to
extinguish arcing when the circuit breaker is
opened and to act as a dielectric to insulate the
contacts after the arc is interrupted. One type of
circuit breaker is called a recloser. A vacuum
recloser is designed to interrupt and reclose an
AC current circuit automatically, and can be
designed to cycle a set number of times before it
must be reset manually.
Fig-1. Vacuum circuit breaker,inside
Fig-2. Vacuum circuit breaker, outside
VCB: Features
Solid lubricant (dry bearing) is adopted instead of
grease in the mechanical parts.

Vacuum interrupters are driven by an
electromagnetic actuator. The number of parts is
significantly decreased
The hybrid-type electromagnet has a high efficiency
by the combination of a permanent magnet and an
electromagnet. Long-term reliability is achieved by
preventing demagnetization of the permanent
magnet by using a suitable core structure.
The VCB is kept in the closing position by the
magnetic force of the permanent magnet without
using a coil current. The VCB can be controlled
using a small power supply with an output power of
less than DC100V 0.7A.
Newly developed VCB
Hybrid-type electromagnet in VCB
Fig:Vacuum interrupter
Vacuum interrupter
Sectional view of a Vacuum Circuit
Breaker, is shown above .The most
important part is the vacuum interrupter,
blown up view of which is given in Fig.
below. When the contacts separate, the
current to be interrupted initiates a metal
vapor arc discharge and flows through this
plasma until the next current zero.
Legends of above Fig.
1- cast resin post
insulator
2- upper connection
3- upper contact support
4- 5- fastening nuts
6- Rear pull strap
7- Front pull strap
8- vacuum Switching
chamber
9- contact Switch with
toroidal contact
Lower contact support
Consisting of :-
10.1 transmission lever
10.2 burn-off indicator
10.3 actuation crank
10.4 actuation lever
10.5 telescope rod with
contact spring
11 hook stick
Construction of the Switch pole
Minimum Oil Circuit-Breakers
In the bulk oil breakers, the oil serves as both
arcs extinguishing medium and main insulation.
The minimum oil breakers were developed to
reduce the oil volume only to amount needed for
extinguishing of the arc about 10% of the bulk-
oil amount. The arc control for the minimum oil
breakers is based on the same principle as the
arc control devices of the bulk oil breakers. To
improve breaker performance, oil is injected into
the arc.
MOCB: sectional view
MOCB Interrupter
The interrupter containers of the minimum oil
breakers are made of insulating material and are
insulated from the ground. This is usually referred
to as live tank construction. For high voltages
(above 132 kV), the interrupters are arranged in
series. It is essential to ensure that each interrupter
carries its share of the duty. Care must be taken
that all breaks occur simultaneously, and that the re-
striking voltage is divided equally across the breaks
during the interrupting process. The natural voltage
division depends on stray capacitances between the
contacts and to the ground, and therefore is in very
uneven. This is corrected by connecting
capacitances or resistors in parallel with the
interrupting heads
Minimum Oil Breaker (A. Reyrolle & Co.)
See the above Figure.
Left: three phase circuit breaker
Right: cross-section through a single phase

1 vent valve 6 separating piston
2 terminal pad 7 terminal pad
3 oil level indicator 8 upper drain valve
4 moving contact 9 lower drain valve
5 lower fixed contact

At voltages higher than 115 kV, it is customary to use separate
tanks for each phase. The practical limit for the bulk oil breakers is
275 kV. Figure 13 shows 220 kV one phase dead tank circuit
breaker
Specification of a MOCB is given below:
1 Type Minimum oil circuit breaker
2 Number of poles Three
3 Nominal system voltage 33 KV (r.m.s.)
4 Highest system voltage 36 KV (r.m.s.)
5 Rated Insulation Level
i) Standard impulse use withstand
voltage
200 KV (r.m.s.)
ii) One minute power frequency withstand
voltage
70 KV (r.m.s.)
6 Rated frequency 50 Hz.
7 Rated Normal current 1000 Amp.
8 Rated short circuit breaking capacity 25 KA
9 Rated transient recovery voltage for
terminal faults

a) Peak Value
62 KV
b) Rate of rise 0.57 KV / micro sec.
10 Rated short circuit making
current
62.5 KA
11 Duration of rated short time
current
25 KA for 1 sec.
12 Rated operating sequence 0-3 sec co-3 M-co
13 Total break time for any current
up-to the rated breaking current
5 or less cycles
14 Closing time Not more than 10
cycles.
15 Control circuit voltage 24 V DC.
16 Earthing of system Effective
17 Method of operation Motor & head operated
spring mechanism
supply to motor is
either at 230 V AC
single phase or 415 V 3
phase AC.
18 Contact number of auxiliary
contacts
10 No + 10 NC
19 First pole to clear factor 1.5

What is an Arc?
lets define an arc as a discharge of electric current crossing a
gap between two contacts.
Arcs are formed when the contacts of a circuit breaker are opened
under a load. Arcs can be very destructive and vary greatly in size
and intensity. The size of the arc depends on the amount of
current present when the contacts are pulled apart. For
example, an arc that forms when normal load current is broken is
insignificant compared to the arc that forms when a short circuit is
broken. Because arcs cannot be prevented, circuit breakers must be
designed to control them
The heat associated with an arc creates an ionized gas
environment. The more ionization, the better the conditions are for
an arc to be maintained and grow. The bigger the arc, the more heat
created, which increases ionization
The important thing to remember here is that the ability of the
circuit breaker to control the arc is the key to its short circuit
interrupting capability. This is a critical factor for selecting circuit
breakers
Arc Control Methods-1 & 2
The arc chute method only uses the Breaking Arc into Smaller
Pieces technique. Arc chutes are normally associated with low
voltage circuit breakers due to efficiency and cost. In general, an arc
chute will confine, divide and cool an arc, resulting in the arc
being unable to sustain itself. There is one arc chute for each set
of contacts.
The vacuum interrupter method uses the Enclosing Contacts
technique to extinguish arcs. The vacuum enables the contacts to
be smaller and eliminates the divider, making this method the most
cost effective and efficient above 1000V. Arcing takes place within a
sealed evacuated enclosure. The contacts are located inside and
arcing occurs when the contacts are separated. Because the
environment inside the interrupter envelope is a vacuum, an
arc cannot be easily sustained. It will not reach the intensity
possible with an arch chute. One vacuum interrupter is provided for
each set of contacts.

Arc Control Methods-3 & 4
The SF 6 method also uses the Enclosing Contacts
technique. It was a precursor to the vacuum interrupter
and used SF6 gas as the dielectric. The heat energy
created by the arc works to break apart the SF 6
molecules. The larger the arc, the greater the
breakdown of the gas which aids in extinguishing
the arc. The technology is related more to European
manufacturers of medium and higher voltage circuit
breakers.
The minimum oil method also uses Enclosing Contacts
with oil as the dielectric. The arc energy is absorbed as
it rips hydrogen away from the oil molecule. The oil
itself also helps to cool the arc. As current zero is
approached, more oil is drawn into the system, further
cooling and Deionizing the arc. It is used today in low
voltage situations and potentially explosive environments
where an arc chute is not desirable.
Arc Control Methods-5 & 6
The puffer method uses the Blowing Out Arc and Enclosing
Contacts techniques. It uses SF6 gas as the dielectric. It is the most
efficient and cost effective method above 38 kV. This type
interrupter is basically a pair of separable contacts, a piston and
a cylinder, mounted in a reservoir of gas. As the contacts part,
the piston moves up to drive the gas through the arc to
interrupt it. It also utilizes coils and takes advantage of natural
magnetic affects to create a force sufficient to extinguish the arc.
The magnetic coil method uses the Breaking Arc into Smaller
Pieces technique. It is very similar to the arc chute method. The
natural movement of an arc is upward, in this instance, into an arc
chute. A coil, called a blowout coil, is located in the center of the
arc chute. The arc is broken into two. The arcs are lengthened
and cooled as they rise higher. The cooling reduces the rate of
ionization. When the ionization drops below the level necessary to
sustain the arcs, they extinguish at current zero. Prior to vacuum
interrupter technology becoming the method of choice with medium
voltage power breakers for extinguishing arcs, the magnetic coil
method served well for many years.

Arc Control Techniques
Stretching Arc The arc is produced when the
contacts part. As the gap widens, the arc is stretched
and cooled to the point where it is extinguished.
Breaking Arc into Smaller Pieces The arc is
produced when the contacts part. The arc moves up
into the arc divider and splits, cools and is
extinguished.
Blowing Out Arc In this method, a high-pressure
gas blows the arc into an arc divider to be
extinguished.
Enclosing Contacts In this method, the contacts
are housed in an oxygen-free enclosure with a
dielectric such as a vacuum, gas or cooling oil. Without
oxygen, the arc cannot sustain itself and the arc is
extinguished.
ABCB features
Some of the main features of air blast circuit
breakers.
Fast operations,
suitability for repeated operation,
auto re-closure,
unit type multi break constructions,
simple assembly, modest maintenance
A compressors plant necessary to maintain high
air pressure in the air receiver. The air blast
circuit breakers are especially suitable for
railways and arc furnaces, where the breaker
operates repeatedly. Air blast circuit breakers is
used for interconnected lines and important lines
where rapid operation is desired.
ABCB- other features
High pressure air at a pressure between 20 to 30 kg/
cm2 stored in the air reservoir.
Air is taken from the compressed air system. Three
hollow insulator columns are mounted on the reservoir
with valves at their basis.
The double arc extinguished chambers are mounted on
the top of the hollow insulator chambers.
The current carrying parts connect the three arc
extinction chambers to each other in series and the pole
to the neighbouring equipment.
Since there exists a very high voltage between the
conductor and the air reservoir, the entire arc extinction
chambers assembly is mounted on insulators
Brief History: SF6 CB
The first patent on the use of SF6 as
an interrupting medium was filed in
the USA in July 1951 by H.J. Lingal,
T.E.Browne and A.P.Storm . The first
industrial application of SF6 for
current interruption dates back to
1953. High-voltage 15 kV to 161 kV
load switches were developed with a
breaking capacity of 600 A. The first
high-voltage SF6 circuit-breaker built
in 1956 by Westinghouse, could
interrupt 5 kA under 115 kV, but it had
6 interrupting chambers in series per
pole. In 1957, the puffer-type
technique was introduced for SF6
circuit-breakers where the relative
movement of a piston and a cylinder
linked to the moving part is used to
generate the pressure rise necessary
to blast the arc via a nozzle made of
insulating material (see figure ).
Characteristics of SF6
circuit-breakers
Simplicity of the interrupting chamber which does not
need an auxiliary chamber for breaking ;
Autonomy provided by the puffer technique ; - The
possibility to obtain the highest performances, up to 63
kA, with a reduced number of interrupting chambers
Short break time of 2 to 2.5 cycles ; - High electrical
endurance, allowing at least 25 years of operation
without reconditioning
Possible compact solutions when used for GIS or Hybrid
switchgear; - Integrated closing resistors or synchronised
operations to reduce switching overvoltages
Reliability and availability
Low noise level
Characteristics of
SF6 circuit-breakers
The reduction in the number of interrupting
chambers per pole has led to a
considerable simplification of circuit-
breakers as the number of parts was
decreased as well as the number of seals.
As a direct consequence, the reliability of
circuit-breakers was improved, as verified
later on by CIGRE surveys.
Thermal blast chambers
The last years have seen the development of the self-
blast technique of interruption for SF6 interrupting
chambers. This technique has proved to be very efficient
and has been widely applied for high voltage circuit
breakers up to 550 kV. It has allowed the development of
new ranges of circuit breakers operated by low energy
spring-operated mechanisms .
These developments have been facilitated by the
progress made in digital simulations that were widely
used to optimize the geometry of the interrupting
chamber and the linkage between the poles and the
mechanism.
New types of SF6 breaking chambers, which implement
innovative interrupting principles, have been developed
over the course of the past 15 years, with the objective
of reducing the operating energy of the circuit-breaker.
Thermal blast chambers-1
One aim of this evolution was
to further increase the
reliability by reducing the
dynamic forces in the pole and
its mechanism
The reduction of operating
energy was mainly achieved
by the lowering energy used
for gas compression and by
making increased use of arc
energy to produce the
pressure necessary to quench
the arc and obtain current
interruption.
Low current interruption, up to
about 30% of rated short-
circuit current, is obtained by a
puffer blast

Self blast chambers
Further development in the thermal blast
technique was made by introducing a valve
between the expansion volume and the
compression volume.
When interrupting low currents the valve opens
under the effect of the overpressure generated
in the compression volume. The blow-out of the
arc is made as in a puffer circuit breaker thanks
to the compression of the gas obtained by the
piston action.
In the case of high currents interruption, the arc
energy produces a high overpressure in the
expansion volume, which leads to the closure of
the valve and thus isolating the expansion
volume from the compression volume.
Self blast chambers.
The overpressure necessary
for breaking is obtained by the
optimal use of the thermal
effect and of the nozzle
clogging effect produced
whenever the cross-section of
the arc significantly reduces
the exhaust of gas in the
nozzle.
In order to avoid excessive
energy consumption by gas
compression, a valve is fitted
on the piston in order to limit
the overpressure in the
compression to a value
necessary for the interruption
of low short circuit currents.
Self blast chambersContd
This technique, known as self blast has now
been used extensively for more than 10 years
for the development of many types of
interrupting chambers. The better knowledge of
arc interruption obtained by digital simulations
and validation of performances by breaking
tests, contribute to a higher reliability of these
self blast circuit-breakers. In addition the
reduction in operating energy, allowed by the
self blast technique, leads to a higher
mechanical endurance.
Double motion of contacts
An important decrease in operating energy
can also be obtained by reducing the
kinetic energy consumed during the
tripping operation.
One of the possible means consists in
displacing the two arcing contacts in
opposite directions so that, for each of
them, the speed is half what would be
necessary in a conventional layout with a
single mobile contact.
Double motion of contacts-1
The thermal and self blast principles
has enabled the use of low energy
spring mechanisms for the operation
of high voltage circuit breakers, they
progressively replaced the puffer
technique since the 80's, first of all in
72.5kV, then from 145 kV to 800kV.
Comparison of single motion and
double motion techniques
The double motion technique allows to divide by 2 the
tripping speed of the moving part.
In principle the kinetic energy could then be divided 4,
however as the total moving mass is increased the
practical reduction in kinetic energy is closer to 60%.
The compression energy is almost the same for both
techniques, therefore the reduction of the total tripping
energy is approximately 30%, the exact value been
function of the application considered and of
characteristics of the operating mechanism in particular.
Depending on the case under study, the double motion
technique or single motion one will lead to the most
economical solution. Of course other considerations
have to be taken into account, for example
rationalization of the circuit-breaker range.
Generator circuit-breakers
Generator circuit-breakers are connected between a
generator and the step-up voltage transformer. They
are generally used at the outlet of high power
generators (100 MVA to 1800 MVA) in order to
protect them in a sure, quick and economic manner.
Such circuit breakers must be able to allow the
passage of high permanent currents under
continuous service (6 300 A to 40 000 A), and have a
high breaking capacity (63 kA to 275 kA).
They belong to the medium voltage range, but the
withstand capability required by ANSI/IEEE Standard
C37.013 is such that the interrupting principles
developed for high-voltage range must be used . A
particular embodiment of the thermal blast technique
has been developed and applied to generator circuit-
breakers.
Thermal blast chamber with arc-
assisted opening
In this interruption principle arc energy is used,
on the one hand to generate the blast by thermal
expansion and, on the other hand, to accelerate
the moving part of the circuit breaker when
interrupting high currents. The overpressure
produced by the arc energy downstream of the
interruption zone is applied on an auxiliary
piston linked with the moving part. The resulting
force accelerates the moving part, thus
increasing the energy available for tripping.
Arc-assisted opening
With this interrupting principle it is
possible, during high-current interruptions,
to increase by about 30% the tripping
energy delivered by the operating
mechanism and to maintain the opening
speed independently of the current.
It is obviously better suited to circuit-
breakers with high breaking currents such
as Generator circuit-breakers
The self blast
technique, as
described above, is
also widely used for
SF6 Generator circuit
breakers operated by
low energy spring-
operated
mechanism,as
illustrated by the
figure below showing
a 17.5 kV 63kA
circuit breaker.
Evolution of tripping energy
The operating energy
has been reduced by
5 to 7 times during
this period of 27
years, it illustrates
well the great
progress made in this
field of interrupting
techniques for high-
voltage circuit-
breakers.
Future perspectives
In the above chapters several interrupting
techniques have been presented that all aimed
to reduce the operating energy of high-voltage
circuit-breakers. To date they have been widely
applied, resulting in a large reduction of drives
energy. In the near future, present interrupting
technologies can be applied to circuit-breakers
with the higher rated breaking currents (63 kA
80 kA) required in some networks with
increasing power generation.
Future perspectives: cont
Self blast or thermal blast circuit breakers are
nowadays accepted world wide and they are in
service for high voltage applications since about
15 years, starting with the voltage level of 72,5
kV.
Today this technique is also available for the
voltage levels 420/550/800 kV.
Service experience shows, that the expectations
of the designers at the beginning, with respect to
reliability and day-to-day operation, have been
fulfilled completely
A few words-1
Until recently oil circuit breakers were used in
large numbers for Medium voltage Distribution
system in our country. There are number of
disadvantages of using oil as quenching media
in circuit breakers. Flammability and high
maintenance cost are two such disadvantages.
Manufacturers and Users were forced to search
for different medium of quenching. Air blast and
Magnetic air circuit breakers were developed but
could not sustain in the market due to other
disadvantages associated with such circuit
breakers. These new types of breakers are bulky
and cumbersome
Further research were done and
simultaneously two types of breakers were
developed with SF6 as quenching media
in one type and Vacuum as quenching
media in the other. These two new types
of breakers will ultimately replace the other
previous types completely shortly. There
are a few disadvantages in this type of
breakers also.
A few words-2
Sulfur hexafluoride
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a gas that
consists of one part sulfur and six parts
fluorine. It is colorless, odorless, non-toxic,
and non-flammable.
It is soluble in water and some other
liquids.
It is generally transported as a liquified
compressed gas.
Use of SF6 Gas
SF6 is used by the electricity industry as an insulator for
high voltage (100kV and up) circuit breakers, switch
gear, and other electrical equipment, often replacing
harmful PCBs.
This Gas is used as insulator because it makes it
possible to reduce the size of electrical gear significantly,
thus making it more suitable for eg. indoor placement, as
opposed to air insulated electrical gear, which takes lots
of room because of long insulating distances required by
high voltages.
Gas insulated electrical gear is also more immune to
effects of pollution and climate, as well as being more
reliable in long term operation because of more
controlled operating environment.
Sulfur hexafluorideContd
It is also used in the semiconductor industry as an
etchant. It has been used successfully as a tracer in
oceanography to study diapycnal mixing and air-sea gas
exchange. It is also emitted during the aluminium
smelting process.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC), SF6 is the most potent greenhouse gas
that it has evaluated, with GWP (global warming
potential) of 23,900 (CO2 is 1). However, because its
mixing ratio in the atmosphere is low vs. CO2 (ca. 5 ppt
vs. 365 ppm), its contribution to global warming is
accordingly low.
An Interesting Fact of SF6
Sulfur hexafluoride can affect the sound of
a persons voice if it is inhaled in small
quantities. When SF6 is inhaled, the pitch
of a persons voice decreases dramatically
because the speed of sound in SF6 is
considerably less than it is in air. This is
the opposite of what is heard when a
person inhales helium.
Maintenance of Circuit-Breakers-General
The correct and safe operations of the circuit
breaker are critical to electrical transmission and
distribution system operation.
It is of utmost importance that the scheduled
routine and special testing and maintenance of
equipment be adhered to.
Many times misoperation during system upset is
the first evidence of poor condition. This can and
sometimes does result in catastrophic damage
and loss of electrical service.
Importance of information
Since inception the breaker has become the key
component of the controlled power distribution
system.
The majority of accidents involving electrical
personnel occur when this device is
inadvertently left closed, becomes closed or is
misunderstood in its electrical location.
How many times have we heard I thought this
was off or all breakers are open. The one
breaker overlooked, the one breaker not
properly isolated, the one breaker erroneously
closed, is all it takes for the catastrophic events
to occur to which we all strive to prevent.
Pre-cautions
The breaker with all its development and advances
remains in final analysis an automated switch. In this, the
criteria for our field tests to evaluate condition are fairly
simple.
We need to measure and insure good conductivity when
the breaker is closed. We need to insure line to load
isolation is adequate when the breaker is open.
At all times the phase voltages must be isolated from
each other and ground. As a matter or course the
breaker must operate mechanically, that is open and
close with no concern for reliability.
The other testing required is more of a performance
nature related to the specific breaker type and
application.
The following tests are more specialized and highlighted
for specific breaker type where applicable.
Check-1
Oil Analysis/Chemical and Dissolved Gas
Oil Immersed Types. Routine evaluation
of oil condition can give indication of
problems with breaker operation.
Gas buildup and acetylene are indicators
of contact problems.
Note: Should always be performed after
interruption of a major fault.
Check-2
Vacuum Integrity Test Vacuum Breakers
High voltage AC or DC test done across open
contacts to confirm the vacuum is intact. Due
to the small separation of contacts flash over
will occur if vacuum is lost.
Note: When utilizing DC testing X-rays can
be emitted for a short distance around the
bottle.
Standard testing approach distance will
normally afford the required safety margin.
C & tan DeltaTest
C & tan DeltaTest All High Voltage
Breakers
High voltage power factor/dissipation
factor test. This is a relative and
comparative alternate measurement of
insulation integrity.
The above test is an integral part of our
Routine test scheme.
Pressure Test - SF6 Breakers
This test utilizing nothing more fancy than
a tire pressure gauge provides gas
pressure confirmation.
Some breakers are fitted with gauges.
Insure a proper fitting and therefore no
loss of gas during test.
CB Operation Analyzing
High Speed Contact Recording All
breaker types Measurement of opening
and closing of all three phases with
respect to each other and from time of
initiating signal.
This methodology can indicate contact
bounce and phase to phase timing but
does not relate to current break times
unless done in a dynamic mode.

DCRM test
High Speed Contact Recording with
dynamic contact closing /Tripping along
with separate chanels for current &
Contact resitances.
Gives fair analysis for CB health.
DCRM Print
Thank You