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LinkedIn Engineering Report : 11 Author: Zark Bedalov, Feb. 5/ 2021

➔ Generator Circuit Breakers (GCB) 2 pages

(A part excerpt from: Wiley Book: Practical Power Plant Engineering

Power Plant One Line Diagrams

The diagrams Fig 18.1 and Fig 18.2 in simplified form present two types of one line diagrams for power
plants, each having two generating units. The first one is used for smaller plants for generators of up to
60 MW, while the next one is implemented for larger generator units. The main difference is the
location of the generator breakers (GCB). The GCBs are expensive pieces of equipment installed
adjacent to the generators, thus occupying large spaces on the generator floor. A benefit of this
arrangement is a capability to synchronize the generator within the plant across the GCB.

Fig.18.1 Power Plant, Smaller Units Fig.18.2 Power Plant, Larger Units
GSUT – Generator Step up Transformer, UAT – Unit Auxiliary Transformer,
SST – Station Service Transformer, GCB – Generator Circuit Breaker.

Smaller GCBs can be placed in the adjacent switchgear assembly together with the other MV distribution
breakers, and be connected by cables. The larger CGB are hooked in line with the Isolated Phase Bus
(IPB). This occupies a lot of plant space and obstructs the passage around the generators.
Having local GCB breakers, unit auxiliary transformers (UAT) may be omitted as well as the transfer
switching from SST to UAT is not needed during the startups.
The other approach used for larger generator currents is not to have a local GCB, but connect the
generators directly to the output transformers within the plant and connect the transformers at HV to
the remote switchyard with regular HV breakers. In this case the generator synchronizing and switching
is done by remote switchyard breakers. This concept saves on the cost of breakers, but complicates on
the breaker remote control wiring, commissioning and switching.
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Generator Circuit Breakers (GCBs)

Unlike the regular circuit breakers used for
transmission or distribution the circuit
breakers for generators (GCB) (Courtesy of
Eaton and ABB) are specially made for the
generator duty to meet the requirements
specified in IEEE Std.37.013,as shown on Fig
18.15 .
Generator breakers can experience multiple
fault conditions, including: Delayed Current
Zero condition, where the high inductance to
resistance L/R ratio of the system can cause
the DC component asymmetry of the fault
current to exceed 100%, high fault currents
due to out-of-phase angle conditions.
Furthermore, due to doubly feeding from
generator as well as from the grid the
breakers must possess extremely high short
circuit interrupting ratings for the fault
locations at ‘a’ and ’b’ shown on Fig.18.15. Fig. 18.15 GCB Switching, ABB
Out of Phase Fault/ Out of Phase, Angle 1500

Generator breakers ratings at 5 kV and 15 kV, 4-5 kA continuous, up to 75 kA interrupting are available
by Eaton Corp. for installation in the plant switchgear for the generator protection and local
synchronizing and switching. This breaker offers a relatively economical solution for generators up to 60
MW, 13.8 kV, 0.8 power factor. For even larger generators over 30 kA and voltages up to 38 kV, ABB
breakers are used. These GCBs are fitted in line with the Isolated Phase Bus (IPB) installation. The
breakers shall be capable to carry the short-circuit current for a time of 0.25 seconds. In certain
situations insert resistances may be needed for the circuit-breakers to rapidly bring down the fault d.c.
component after contact separation.

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The Linkendin Engineering Report 12: ?