kK }§| "Circuit Breakers CONTENTS © Initiation of Arc High Resistance Arc Interruption Current Zero Arc Interruption Recovery Voltage Factor Affecting Recovery Voltage Restriking Voltage Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage Breaking of Capacitive Current Current Chopping Resistance Switching Circuit Breaker Rating Circuit Breaker Testing Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker Air Blast Circuit Breaker ee SF-6 Circuit BreakerS-2 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Question 1 What do you understand by Police gear? State the function of switchgear. ICSVTU Dec 2013} The apparatus used for switching, controlling and protecting the electrical circuits and equipment is known as switchgears. Different types of switchgear used in power system are : 1. Switches 2. Fuses 3. Circuit breakers 4, Isolators 5. Relays 6. Control panels 7. Metering panels 8 Lightning arrestors 9. Current transformers 10. Potential transformers etc. Functions of switchgear : The functions performed by switchgear are listed below : 1. To localise the effects of faults by operation of protective equipment and so automatically disconnect faulty point from the system. 2. Tobreak efficiently short circuits without giving rise to dangerous conditions. 3. To facilitate redistribution of loads, inspection and maintenance on the system. ‘Ans. The essential features of switchgear are : 1. Complete reliability. 2, Absolutely certain discrimination (The switch gear must be able to discriminate between faulty and healthy sections). 3. Quick operation. 4. Provision for manual control. 5. Provision for instruments. Ans. Circuit breakers are mechanical devices designed to close or open contact members, thus closing or opening of an electrical circuit under normal or abnormal conditions. Automatic circuit breakers, which are usually employed for the protection of electrical circuits, are equipped with a trip coil connected to a relay or other means, designed to open the breaker automatically under abnormal conditions, such as over- current.GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-3 Circuit Breakers a aay ey ere 5 The automatic circuit breakers perform the following duties : Tt carries the full-load current continuously without overheating or damage.” Tt opens and closes the circuit on no load. eR Itmakes and breaks the normal operating current. It makes and breaks the short-circuit currents of magnitude upto which it is designed for. = Operating Principle : A circuit breaker is a switching and current interrupting device. It essentially consists of fixed and moving contacts, which are touching each other and carry the current under normal conditions ie. when circuit breaker is closed. When the Gireuit breaker is closed, the current carrying contacts, called the electrodes, engage each other under the pressure of a spring. During the normal operating condition the circuit breaker can be opened or closed by a station operator for the purpose of switching and maintenance. To open the Circuit breaker, only a small pressure is required to be applied on a trigger. Whenever a fault occurs on any part of the power system, the trip coils of the breaker get energized and the moving contacts are pulled apart by some mechanism, thus opening the circuit. The separation of current carrying contacts produces an arc. The current is thus able to continue until the discharge ceases. The production of arc not only delays the current interruption process but it also generates enormous heat which may cause damage to the system or to the breaker itself. Therefore, the main problem in a circuit breaker is to extinguish the arc within the shortest possible time so that heat generated by it may not reach a dangerous value. The basic construction of a circuit breaker requires the separation of contacts in an insulating fluid which serves two functions : 1, Extinguishes the arc drawn between the contacts when the circuit breaker opens, 2. Provides insulation between the contacts and from each contact to earth. The insulating fluids commonly used for this purpose are as follows : Air at atmospheric pressure. Compressed air. Oil producing hydrogen for arc extinction. . Ultra high vacuum. 5. Sulphur hexa-fluoride (SK). The fluids used in circuit breakers should have the properties of high dielectric strength, non-inflammability, high thermal stability, arc extinguishing ability, chemical stability, and commercial availability at moderate cost. Of the simplest gas, air is the cheapest and most widely used for circuit breaking. Hydrogen has better arc extinguishing property but it has lower dielectric strength as compared to air. eyeSwitchgear & Protection 5-4 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Question 4 How does a circuit breaker differ from a switch? [CSVTU May 2012} Or What is the difference between circuit breaker and isolator? [CSVTU May 2009, 2016] Ans. A circuit breaker is a device that interrupts the abnormal or fault currents and in addition performs the function of a switch. Question 5 Why isolating switches are provided along with circuit breakers? Ans. Isolating switches are provided for separating the disconnected element from the live portion of the system for the purpose of safety. commercial gas-blast circuit breakers? oR oe ICSVTU Dec 2013] Ans. The fault occurring between a distance of a few km to few tens km from the circuit breaker are called kilometric faults. Question8 . city of a circuit breaker? SE Q oe ae [CSVTU Dec 2010, 2013] Ans. Breaking capacity of a circuit breaker is the highest rms value of current that it is capable of breaking under specified conditions of transient recovery voltage and power frequency voltage. It is expressed in kA.,,, at contact separation. Question9 == Ans. The rated maximum voltage of a circuit breaker is the highest rms voltage, above nominal system voltage, for which the circuit breaker is designed and is the upper limit for operation. Question 10 Enlist the types of CB’s based on quens Air-break Circuit Breaker Miniature Circuit Breaker (Transformer oil) | Oil Circuit Breakers : (() Bulk-oil (i) Minimum oil 3. | Compressed air (20-30 kg/cm?) | Air-blast Circuit BreakersGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Circuit Breakers reakers (Single pressure buffer type) [ 4 | SE, gas (6 kg/cm? 5. | Vacuum ___| Vacuum Circuit Breakers [6 | Oilor Airbiast _ HVE reaker [5:3 Initiation of Arc and Arc Interruption Question 14 Explain how arc is initiated and sustained in a CB, when the CB contacts breaker. Or Comment on initiation of arc in ac circuit breaker. ICSVTU Dec 2009] Or What is an arc? ICSVTU May 2012] La _CICSVTU May 2012) | Ans. Arc : During the flowing of current from one contact to other, the path becomes so heated that it sparks or glows. This is called arc. Arc phenomenon : On occurrence of a short-circuit a heavy current flows through the contacts of the circuit breaker before they are opened by the protective system. At the instant when the contacts begin to separate, the contact area decreased rapidly and large fault current causes increased current density and hence rise in temperature. The heat produced in the medium (usually oil or air) between the contacts is sufficient to ionise the air or vaporise and ionise the oil. The ionised air or vapour act as a conductor and an arc is struck between the contacts. The potential difference between the contacts is quite small and just sufficient to maintain the arc. The arc provide a low resistance path and consequently the current in the circuit remains uninterrupted so long as the arc persists. Initiation and maintenance of arc : The arc consists of a column of ionised gas ie., a gas in which molecules have lost one or more of their electrons resulting in positive ions. The electrons which have a negative charges are attracted towards the positive contact (ie, an anode). The initiating electrons are produced by the following Processes : (i) Field emission : When the voltage gradient at the surface is sufficiently high (10° V/cm) electrons can be dragged from the surface, it is conceivable that such gradient can occur at the first moment of parting when the voltage is appreciable but the distance infinitesimally small. (i) Thermal emission : When the contacts part, current tends to concentrate at few point leading to very high local current densities (10° A/cm’) and correspondingly high temperatures which would result in emission of electrons. The elecisone_ so lersted from, cathode maka, many cullsiors wei tte see oe molecules of the and vay existing between the contacts during their journey towards the anode, These collisions cause ionization of atoms and the molecules and thus liberating more electrons, ionization is facilitated by : (An increase of field strength.Switchgear & Protection 5-6 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS * (ii) An increase of main free path (it is the distance through which the electron moves with freedom). (iii) High temperature. Question 12 How is arc extincted in a circuit breaker? [CSVTU May 2014] Ans. Methods of arc extinction : During the arcing period, the current flowing between the contacts depends upon the arc resistance. The greater the arc resistance, the smaller the current that flows between the contacts. The arc resistance depends upon the following factors : 1, Degree of ionization : The arc resistance increase with the decrease in the number of ionized particles between the contacts. 2, Arc length : The arc resistance increases with the arc length ie., separation of contacts. 3. Arc cross-section : The arc resistance increases with decrease in cross-section of the arc. The following are the methods of extinguishing the arc : 1. High resistance method. 2. Low resistance or current zero method. Ans. The following methods are used for the arc interruption : () High resistance method (ii) Low resistance method or zero current interruption method. High resistance method : Principle : In this method of arc interruption, arc resistance is increased so as to reduce the current to a value insufficient to maintain the arc. When current is interrupted the energy associated with its magnetic field appears in the form of electrostatic energy. A high voltage appears across the contacts of the circuit breaker. If this voltage is very high and more than the withstanding capacity of the gap between the contacts, the arc will restrike. Therefore, the method is not suitable forGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-7 Circuit Breakers oo OOO" large-current interruption. This can be employed for low power ac and de circuit breakers. If the distance between fixed and moving contacts is increased then arc current reduces which causes increase in resistance of the arc. The resistance of the arc can be increased by the following ways : (i) Cooling of arc : The arc resistance can be increased by adding the neutral or cold air between the contacts. Gi) Increasing length of the arc : The resistance of the arc can be increased by increasing the mean length between the contacts. This decreases the voltage gradient of the contact and the arc phenomenon can be reduces. But this process is not practical because this increases the length of the contacts for the high voltage system. rant Kd, CaM ke d, 1 ke d, Fig. (a) If the distance between fixed and moving contacts is increased then arc current reduces which causes increase in resistance of the arc. ii) Reducing the cross-section area : The cross-section of the arc can be reduced by having the small contact surface area or the arc pass through the small hole to reduce the arc. (iv) Splitting the arc : This is best method of increasing the resistance of the arc. The arcs so formed arc spitted into the small channels to reduces the effect it. The provision of splitter is design in the circuit breaker and the formed arc is passed through it to from the series of arc into the splitter. This increases the mean length of the arc of and cooling is better. Air blast circuit breaker (ABCB) works on the same principle. Arc runners/Splitters/ Blow out coils : i ‘Magnetic coil > low out coils) Fig. (b)Switchgear & Protection 5-8 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® _——SSS_—_—— CATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® In are runners and splitters, a magnetic coil is provided called blow out coil. Under healthy condition, current through blow out coil is zero. Ifa fault is occurred then current is applied to the blow out coil and if the contact are opened, are will produce and this arc experiences a force due to magnetic field produced by the blow out coil. The length of the arc increases if it is passing through arc runners and arc is splitting by the are splitters and finally arc is extinguished. Applications : Used in Air blast circuit breaker (ABCB) both in HVDC and HVAC system. [5.5 Current Zero Interruption Question 14 __{€SVTU May 2010, 2014, 2016] Ans. This method is applicable only in case of ac circuit breakers. In case of ac supply, the Current wave passes through a zero point, 100 times per second at the supply frequency of 50 Hz. This feature of ac is utilised for arc interruption. The current is not interrupted at any point other than the zero current instant, otherwise a high transient voltage will occur across the contact gap. The current is not allowed to rise again after a zero current occurs. There are two theories to explain the zero current interruption of the arc. They are : 1. Recovery rate theory (Slepian’s Theory) 2. Energy balance theory (Cassie's Theory) 1. Recovery rate theory : The arc is a column of ionized gases. To extinguish the arc, the electrons and ions are to be removed from the gap immediately after the current reaches a natural zero. Ions and electrons can be removed either by recombining them into neutral molecules or by sweeping them away by inserting insulating medium (gas or liquid) into the gap. The arc is interrupted if ions are removed from the gap at a rate faster than the rate of ionization. In this method, the rate at which the gap recovers its dielectric strength is compared with the rate at which the restriking voltage (transient voltage) across the gap rises. If the dielectric strength increases more rapidly than the dielectric strength, then the ionization persists and breakdown of the gap occurs, resulting in an arc for another half figure explains the principle of recovery rate theory.GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-9 Circuit Breakers eS Restriking Voltage Dielectric Strength Restriking Voltage Voltage —> Voltage —> > > Time ———» Time ———> (i) Are extinguishes (ii) Arc does not extinguishes Fig. (a) Recovery rate theory 2. Energy balance theory : The space between the contacts contains some ionized gas immediately after current zero and hence, it has a finite Post-zero resistance. At the current zero moment, power is zero because restriking voltage is zero. When the arc is finally extinguished the power again becomes zero, the gap is fully deionised and its resistance is infinitely high. In between these two limits, first the Power increases, reaches a maximum value, then decreases and finally reaches zero value as shown in figure (b). Due to the rise of restriking voltage and associated current, energy is generated in the space between the contacts. The energy appears in the form of heat. The circuit breaker is designed to remove this generated heat as early as possible by cooling the gap, giving a blast of air or flow of oil at high velocity and pressure. If the rate of removal of heat is faster than the Tate of heat generation the arc is extinguished. If the rate of heat generation is more than the rate of heat dissipation, the space breaks down again resulting in an arc for another half cycle. 3 & 10 Time —> Rew Fig, (b) Energy balance theory 5.6 Recovery Voltage a AS ee Question 15 2 : Whats recovery voltage? Write mathematical expression for active recovery voltage. : as eos ICSVTU Dec 2015]Swit Ans. Recovery voltage : ‘The power frequency [normal freq! & Protection 5-10 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® ney (50Hz)| rms voltage that appears across the contacts of the circuit breaker after the transient oscillation die out and final are extinction in all the poles is called the recovery voltage. It is approximately equal to the system voltage. Mathematical Expression For Active Recovery Voltage in a 3-Phase Circuit : Let phase-to-neutral (rms) value of the system voltage be V volts. Hence maximum value of phase-to-neutral voltage V,,,, is given as, Vay = V2 V The active recovery voltage between phase and neutral is given as V,., sing. In general the active recovery voltage can be given as, V, = ky ky ky Veg, Sin where V, is the phase-to-phase value of active recovery voltage. kis the demagnetizing factor due to which the recovery voltage will be less than the system voltage. _ Recovery voltage ~~ System voltage k, is a condition or phase factor ie, it depends on the condition whether the symmetrical fault is grounded or not ie, its value is unity or 1.5 and & is a third constant whose value is unity if the active recovery voltage between phase and neutral is to be obtained and its value is 3 if the active recovery voltage between two lines is desired. or k, [L5.7 Factor Affecting Recovery Voltage Ans. 1. Effect of Power Factor of Circuit on Recovery Voltage : The value of active Tecovery voltage depends on the power factor of the circuit, as illustrated in figure. For unity power factor loads, the voltage and current are in Phase and both are zero at the same instant, For zero power factor currents, the peak of the voltage is impressed on the circuit breaker pole at the instant of current zero. Such a sudden application of voltage results in severe transient and has a high rate of transient recovery voltage (or restriking voltage). It is, therefore, obvious that a reactive short-circuit is much more difficult to interrupt than a resistive circuit of the same current and voltage, as the active recovery voltage in the former case is high (maximum voltage) as compared to latter (zero voltage), Unfortunat serious short-circuits are almost purely reactive, = ie(a) For zero PF currents (b) For Unit PF currents Fig. Effect of power factor on active recovery voltage In general, the active recovery voltage equals the maximum value of the system voltage multiplied by sin $, where @ is the power factor angle of the circuit. ie, Recovery voltage = V,., sing. Effect of Armature Reaction on Recovery Voltage : The short-circuit currents flowing in the generator windings, being of lagging power factor, have a demagnetizing armature reaction. As a result the induced emf of an alternator is reduced during short-circuit currents. The emf needs sometime to regain its value. Hence the power frequency component of recovery voltage (i.e., active recovery voltage) is slightly less than the normal value of system voltage. = na ina recovery voltage. _ICSVTU Dec 2011, 2015] Ans. Effect of current asymmetry on recovery voltage : The existence of a large de component in a short-circuit current may cause the recovery voltage wave to start near the zero point instead of at its peak. The instantaneous value of recovery voltage is thus considerably reduced. Thus by introducing asymmetry in the current wave to be interrupted it is possible to vary the value of active recovery voltage.Switchgear & Protection 5-12 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Current Wave at Zero pf 0% Asymmetry 30 % Asymmetry 60 % Asymmetry Voltage Wave Active Recovery Voltage With 0% Active Recovery Asymmetry Voltage With 60% Asymmetry Active Recovery Voltage With 30% Asymmetry Fig. Effect of current asymmetry on active recovery voltage and neutralis05 V,,. Ans. Effect of Circuit Conditions on Recovery Voltage: ‘Another factor that influences the active recovery voltage is the circuit conditions e.g,, the type of fault and the condition of the neutral point (whether grounded or insulated). Three phase faults that are insulated from earth, either at neutral or at fault, produce recovery voltages in the first phase to clear which are normally more severe than those produced by single phase oF three-phase faults on systems with grounded neutrals. Consider an ungrounded 3-phase fault on a 3-phase system with neutral grounded, being cleared by a circuit breaker. On opening of circuit breaker, an arc is drawn out in each phase. Let the arc in R phase be cleared first as shown in fig. (a). At the instant of extinction of this arc, Y andGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-13 Circuit Breakers B phi arcing and have the same instantaneous phase voltage, ~ 0.5 V where Vis the phase to neutral voltage of the system voltage. Now the arc resistances in the Y and B phases at this instant are negligible and therefore, the fault itself is momentarily at the potential of — 0.5V. Since the fault is common to all the three phases, the momentary value of the recovery voltage component in the first phase R must be V + 0.5V i.e, 1.5V, as shown in fig. (b). This means that the recovery voltage component in the first phase to clear on a 3-phase ungrounded fault is 1.5 times that on ground fault assuming grounded neutral. V,. =1.5V R >| kK R - Phase Momentary Recovery Voltage Before Band ¥ Clear B Yy @) (b) Fig, Effect of fault on recovery voltage [5.8 Restriking Voltage Question 19 Explain : [CSVTU Dec 2008, 2010, May 2011, 2013, 2015] 1. Arcvoltage 2. Restriking voltage 3. Recovery voltage 4. Active recovery voltage, 5. _RRRV. : Ans. 1. Arc voltage : The voltage across the contacts during the arcing is known as the “arc voltage”. Or The voltage drop across the arc is called are voltage. As the arc path is purely resistive, the arc voltage is in phase with the arc current. The magnitude of the arc voltage is very low, amounting to only a few percent of the rated voltage. A typical value may be about three percent of the rated voltage. 2. Restriking voltage : The transient voltage appearing across the contacts during arc extinction period is called the restriking voltage. If restriking voltage rises more rapidly than the dielectric strength of the medium between the contacts, the arc will persist for another half-cycle. The expression for the restriking voltage is given by (for a lossless system), = Vig: (1— C08 OF) = Ving (1 COS 2,0) ~Vau(1-co8 =Switchgear & Protection 5-14 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® —ee 1 Natural frequency, f, = >= where, v= restriking voltages at any instant t, V = voltage at the instant of interruption, and L, C= series inductance and shunt capacitance upto the fault point. Maximum restriking voltage would occur when, t t seat OF C08 = C08 ‘ t=xJIC seen (ii) It can be seen from the equation (i) that lower the value of the inductance and capacitance, the higher will be the natural frequency of oscillation and more severe will be the effect of restriking voltage. Therefore, a fault near the source is more severe from the view-point of arc interruption as compared to a fault far from the source. Further it is seen that v is a function of V which is tum depends upon the power factor of the system. When the system is highly lagging, this voltage will correspond to peak system voltage. The variation of this voltage is shown in fig. @) t=mVlC Time, t-——> Fig, (a) Restriking voltage across breaker contacts The above figure (a) gives the restriking voltage across the breaker contacts only when the arc voltage (being a small percentage of the system voltage) and the lossless are neglected. But taking losses into account the restriking voltage will be damped out depending upon the resistance of the system as shown in fig. (b) Fig. (b) Resriking voltage including arc voltageGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-15 Circuit Breaker Breskers The fig. (b) illustrates the restriking voltage assuming that the current lags behind the voltage by 9°. However in actual practice, it is not always true. The fault current can lag by any degree of asymmetry depending upon the time in the cycle at which fault occurs. In case when the angle of symmetry between current and voltage is 4, then restriking voltage will be obtained by substituting V,.. bY Ve sing which is certainly be low as compared to when $=90° 3. Recovery voltage : The power frequency (normal frequency (50Hz)) rms voltage that appears across the contacts of the circuit breaker after the transient oscillation die out and final arc extinction in all the poles is called the recovery voltage. It is approximately equal to the system voltage. 4. Active recovery voltage : The voltage at the instant of arc extinction is known as the “active recovery voltage (V,,)”. It is given by the expression, Vi, = Vag Si for 3-phase ground fault, The active recovery voltage depends upon : () Power factor. (ii) Armature reaction. (ii) Circuit conditions. 5. Rate of rise of restriking voltage (RRRV) : The restriking voltage is given by, 1 ¥ Ya I-008 7) The RRRV is given by, BT sin Ht a ic JIC RRRV will be maximum when, t as "ie snk or p= 2 VIC Vic 2 2 where, k=1. for 3-phase isolated fault. V, RRRV ) ay, = ONY Tic Peak value of restriking voltage Time taken to reach the peak value = Yam _ (RRRV), wi Thus if RRRV is smaller than the rate at which the dielectric strength between the contacts is developed, the arc will be quenched otherwise it will further restrike in next half cycle. This theory is called recovery rate theory. The average RRRV=Switchgear & Protection 5-16 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® [5.9 Rate of Rise of Restriking Voltage Question 20 Derive an expression for RRRV and explain its effect on operation of circuit breaker i under fault condition, [CSVTU May 2011, 2013, Dec 2010] Ans. Let us consider a simple circuit, having circuit breaker CB, as illustrated in figure (a) and short circuit occurs on the feeder close to the bus-bars. The equivalent circuit is shown in figure (b). Let L be the inductance per phase of the system up to the fault point, R be the resistance per phase of the system up to the fault point and C be the capacitance to earth of circuit breaker porcelain bushing. L R 00. oo ~ | Bar ll pete ~) v=Voq Snot C= y Short-Circuit : vu | | (@) (b) Fig, Fault and its equivalent circuit Expression For Restriking Voltage Transient : When the breaker contacts are opened and the arc finally extinguishes at some current zero, a voltage v is suddenly applied across capacitor and therefore, across the circuit breaker contacts. The current i which would flow to the fault is not injected in the capacitor and inductor. Thus, izi, tig or tat farce L Assuming zero time at zero currents when t= 0, and further V = Veg, COSOF i= Fox sino, before opening of circuit breaker a th dt x @coser i'r Substituting in equation (i) then, v, ay Faw Yo dY LoL dé The solution of this standard equation is, ¥ Vaal too 7h | Paul -o08200GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-17 Circuit Breakers From equation 2nf, =o, The above expression is the expression for rest value of recovery voltage (phase-to-neutral), henrys, Cis the capacitance in farads and vis riking voltage where V,,, is the peak t is time in second, L is inductance in the restriking voltage in volts. ‘The maximum value of restriking voltage is 2V,,, and occurs at = or 1=-nvIEC. o [3.10 Breaking of Capacitive Current [Question 21 Write short notes on interruption of capacitive current, Interruption of Capacitive Current : The i [CSVTU May 2010] 4 (a) Electrical circuit of a simple power system Q Sere Req, P (b) Transient voltage across the gap of the circuit breaker Figure : Interruption of capacitive currentSwitchgear & Protection 5-18 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® At the instant M, the capacitive current is zero and the system voltage is maximum. If an interruption occurs, the capacitor C, remains charged at the maximum value of the system voltage. After instant M, the voltage across the breaker Bap is the difference of ¥.and ¥.,. At instant N, i. half-cycle from A, the voltage across the gap is twice the maximum value of ,.. At this moment, the breaker may restrike. If the arc restrikes, the voltage across the gap becomes practically zero. Thus, the voltage across the gap falls from 2V/,.4 to zero. A severe high frequency oscillation occurs. The voltage oscillates about point S between R and N, i.e. between -3e,, and nx» When restriking current reaches zero, the arc may be interrupted again . At this stage, the capacitor C, remains charged at the voltage-3e,., . At instant P, the system voltage reaches its positive maximum shown by the point T in the figure, and at this moment the voltage across the gap becomes 4e,,, . The capacitive current reaches zero again and there may be an interruption. If the interruption occurs at this moment, the transient voltage oscillated between P(—3¢mq)and Q(+5¢,,.)- In this way, the voltage across the gap goes on increasing. But in practice, itis limited to 4 times the peak value of the system voltage. Thus, itis seen that there is a problem of high transient voltage while interrupting a capacitive current. [5.11 Current Chopping Ans. Current chopping is a phenomenon of current interruption before the natural current zero is reached. How is the effect of over-voltage developed ‘overcome? Ans. By using resistance switching i.e,, by connecting a resistance across the circuit breaker magnetising current of a transformer) is interrupted by a circuit breaker, current falls to zero before the natural current zero, it is termed as current chopping. It happens 50ATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-19 a since the circuit breaker exerts the sam — fe force of arc quenching as it were with heavy short circuit current. Recovery voltage ©) @ Fig. Current chopping ‘The effect of a practically instantaneous collapse of the arc current, even of only a few amperes, is potentially very serious from point of view of over-voltages which may result in the system. As shown in fig. (a) arc current gradually reduce with low arc voltage but at a certain time it suddenly becomes zero due to large de-ionizing force. The current in the arc was flowing from the source through the inductance and the circuit breaker contacts. The energy contained in the electromagnetic field cannot become zero instantaneously, and as such, it changes into some other form of energy. The only possibility is the conversion from electromagnetic to electrostatic form of energy ie, current is diverted from the arc to the capacitor. If i, is the arc current L and C are the inductance of the circuit and capacitance between breaker contacts respectively, then, stored in L, is equal to energy transformed to C where v is the voltage developed across the breaker contacts. v 2 edoy qu 2 vei de volts. BQSwitchgear & Protection 5-20 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS @ Switchgear & Protection 0005720 GAT ONS ® The voltage developed across the breaker contacts due to transfer of energy is called prospective voltage. This voltage any be extremely high as compared to the normal system. The de- ionizing force is still in action and current will again be chopped successive chops may ‘occur (as shown in the figure) until a final chop brings the current to zero prematurely with no further restrike since the gap is now in an advance of deionization. [5.12 Resistance Switching Question 26 What is the resistance switching? Derive an expression for critical resistance in terms of system capacitance and inductance, which give no transient oscillation. [CSVTU May 2009, 2010, Dec 2012} Or Show how the restriking transient can be damped by connecting a resistance across. the contact of a CB. : es . ICSVTU Dec 2014] Ans. Resistance switching : It has been observed that R during chopping a very high voltage appears f across the circuit breaker contact which may cause damage to it. It can be prevented by connecting a a resistance across the breaker contacts as illustrated in figure is called resistance switching. c The shunt resistor R performs one or more of the following functions : (i) It reduces the rate of rise of restriking voltage Fig. Resistance switching (RRRV) and thus reduces the burden on the circuit breaker. (i) During switching out inductive or capacitive loads, it ensures the damping of high frequency restriking voltage transients. (ii) It is a multi-breaker circuit breaker, it assists in distributing the transient recovery voltage more uniformly across all the contact gaps. With reference to figure the natural frequency of oscillations, is given by, a © 2nVC aRC In order to keep RRRV within the rating of circuit breaker, the critical value of tesistance R can be determined by making f= 0. i., = 2a ane *° Jt o44 1 LC 4c? TC aR R=0,5,GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS * 5-21 Cinait Beoakers .13 Circuit Breaker Rating ‘Question 27 | Why asymmetrical breaking current is hi circuit breaker? igher than symmetrical breaking current in a ‘Ans. Asymmetrical breaking current is the rms value of the combined sum of ac and de components of short-circuit current at the instant of separation of breaker contacts while symmetrical braking current is the rms value of the ac component alone. Thus asymmetrical breaking current is higher than symmetrical breaking current. Question 28 Ans. The making capacity of a circuit breaker, when closed on a short circuit, is the peak value of the maximum current wave (including de component) inthe first cycle of the current after the circuit is closed by the circuit breaker. Rated making capacity = 2.55 x symmetrical rated breaking capacity oan oad ake Ans. Ratings of Circuit Breakers : The rating of a circuit breaker depends upon the duties it performs. A circuit breaker is required to perform the following duties (besides normal working) under short-circuit/fault conditions. 1. It must be capable of breaking the circuit and isolating the faulty section. 2. It must be capable of making circuit in the greatest symmetrical peak in current wave. 3. It must be capable of carrying fault current safely for a short time while another circuit (in series) is clearing fault corresponding to above mentioned duties, the circuit breaker have following three ratings. They are : (i) Breaking capacity. (ii) Making capacity. (iii) Short-time capacity. In addition to the above rating, a circuit breaker should be specified in terms of : (i) Number of poles. (ii) Service voltage. (ii) Normal current. (iv) Frequency. (v) Operating duty, _ Making and breaking capacities are expressed as the making and breaking currents, which are determined from the test oscillograms. fees c (i) Breaking capacity : It is the current (rms value) that a circuit ee capable of breaking at given recovery voltage and under specified condi (e.g., power factor, RRRV).Switchgear & Protection 5-22 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS @ The breaking capacity is always stated as the r.m.s. value of fault current at the instant of contact separation. On the occurrence of a fault there is a considerable asymmetry in the fault current due to the presence of DC component. The DC component dies rapidly (a typical decrement factor being 0.8 per cycle). 4 LU nstant of contact a separation Fig. Determination of current at the instant of contact separation Refer to figure the contacts are separated at AA’ at this instant, the fault current has, x= maximum value of AC component (short-circuit wave), and »=DC component (short-circuit wave). Now, symunetrical breaking current= rms value of AC component. x V2 Asymmetrical breaking current =1Mms value of combined sums of AC and DC component. x ’ 2 “a) + Generally the breaking capacity is expressed in terms of MVA and is equal to the Product of rated breaking current and rated service voltage. Breaking capacity for a 3-phase circuit breaker = V3 Vx 1x10*MVA where , V = Rated service line voltage in Volt. 1=Rated breaking current (symmetrical or asymmetrical) in Amperes. The Indian (or british) practice is to take breaking current equal to the rms value of symmetrical breaking current where as American practice is to use asymmetrical value of breaking current in place of symmetrical value. (ii) Making capacity : It is possible that the circuit breaker is closed under short- circuit conditions. The making capacity of a circuit breaker depends upon its ability to withstand the effects of electromagnetic forces. These force are Proportional to the square of the peak value of the making current. Thus the making capacity is stated in terms of a peak value of current instead of rms value.GATE ACADEMY PUBL ‘TIONS ® 5-23 The peak value of current (including the DC component) during first cycle of current wave after the closure of circuit breaker is known as making capacity. Making capacity = 2.55x symmetrical breaking capacity. (The total multiplication factor 2.55 = 2 1.8, where V2 is used to convert rms to peak value and 1.8 is used to include the “double effect’ of maximum asymmetry). ii) Short-time rating : The short time rating of a circuit breaker depends upon its ability to withstand the electromagnetic force effects and the temperature rise. The oil circuit breaker have a specified limit of 3 seconds when the ratio of symmetrical breaking current to the rated normal current does not exceed 40. However if this ratio exceed 40, then the specified limit is 1 second. (iv) Normal current rating : It is the rms value of current which the circuit breaker is capable of carrying continuosly at its rated frequency under specified conditions. The important condition for normal working of an oil circuit breaker is that the temperature of oil should not be more than 40°C and that of contacts should not be more than 35°C. [5.14 Circuit Breaker Testing performed ona CB, [CSVTU May 2015, Dec 2009] Ans. There are two types of tests of circuit breakers namely : (i) Routine tests (ii) Type tests. Routine tests are performed on every piece of circuit breaker in the premises of the manufacturer. The purpose of the routine tests is to confirm the proper functioning of a circuit breaker. Type tests are performed in a high voltage laboratory, such tests are performed on sample pieces of circuit breakers of each type to confirm their characteristics and rated capacities according to their design. These tests are not performed on every piece of circuit breaker. All routine and type tests are performed according to Indian Standard (IS) codes or International Electromechanical Commission (IEC) codes or British Standard (BS) codes. A few important type tests, such as breaking capacity, making capacity, short-time current rating test will be discussed here. These tests come in the category of short circuit testing of circuit breakers. For circuit breakers of smaller capacity, these tests are carried out by direct testing techniques. Circuit breakers of large capacities are tested by the synthetic testing method. In addition to short circuit tests, mechanical tests, thermal tests, dielectric tests (power frequency tests, impulse tests), capacitive charging-current breaking test, small inductive breaking current test, etc. are also Performed. Short-circuit testing stations : There are two types of short-circuit testing stations. They are : (i) Field type testing station (ii) Laboratory type testing station& Protection 5-24 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® In a field type testing station, the power required for testing is derived from a large Power system. The circuit breaker to be tested is connected to the power system. Large amount of power is easily available for testing. Hence, this method of testing is economical for testing of circuit breakers, particularly high voltage circuit breakers. But it lacks flexibility. Its drawbacks are : () For research and development work, tests cannot be repeated again and again without disturbing the power system. (ii) The power available for testing varies, depending upon the loading conditions of the system. (iii) It is very difficult to control the transient recovery voltage, RRRV, etc. In a laboratory type testing station, the power required for testing is taken from Specially designed generators which are installed in the laboratory for such testing. Its advantages are : @ For research and development work, tests can be carried out again and again to confirm the designed characteristics and capacity. Gi) Current, voltage, restriking voltage, RRRV, etc. can be controlled conveniently. (ii) Tests for circuit breakers of large capacity can be carried out using synthetic testing. The drawbacks of laboratory type testing stations are : @) High cost of installation. (ii) Availability of limited power for testing of circuit breakers. Short-circuit generator : In a laboratory, short-circuit generators are used to provide Power for testing. The design of such generators is different from a conventional Benerator. These are specially designed to have very low reactance to give the maximum short-circuit output. To withstand high electromagnetic forces their windings are specially braced and made rugged. They are provided with a flywheel to supply kinetic energy during short circuits. This also helps in speed regulation of the set. The generator is driven by a three-phase induction motor. The short-circuit current has a demagnetising effect on the field of generator. This Tesults in reducing the field current. Consequently, the generator's emf is reduced. Impulse excitation or super excitation is employed to counteract the demagnetisation effect of armature reaction. At the time of short-circuit, the field current is increased to about 8 to 10 times its normal value. Short-circuit transformer : Such a transformer has a low reactance and it is designed to withstand repeated short-circuits. To get different voltages for tests, its windings are arranged in sections. By series and parallel combinations of these sections, the desired test voltage is obtained. To get lower voltage than the generated voltage, a three phase transformer is generally used. For voltages higher than the generated voltages, normally banks of single phase transformers are employed. As the transformer remain in the circuit for a short time, they do not pose any cooling problem.GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS Master circuit breaker : It is used as a backup circuit breaker. If the circuit breaker under test fails to operate, the master circuit breaker opens. The master circuit breaker is set to operate at a predetermined time after the initiation of the short-circuit. After every test, it isolates the circuit breaker under test from the supply source. Its capacity is more than the capacity of the circuit breaker under test. Making switch : This switch is used to apply short-circuit current at the desired moment during the test. The making switch is closed after closing the master circuit breaker and the test circuit breaker. It must be bounce-free to avoid its burning or contact welding. To achieve this, a high pressure is used in the chamber. Its speed is also kept high. 5-25 Circuit Breakers Capacitors : Capacitors are used to control RRRV. They are used in synthetic testing which will be discussed while describing such testing. Capacitors are also used for voltage measurement purpose. Reactors and resistors : Resistors and Teactors are used to control short-circuit test current. They also control power factor. The resistor controls the rate of decay of the de component of the current. They control the transient recovery voltage. [5.15 Minimum Oil Circuit Breaker ‘Question 34 = 8 2 eee 0 t it breakers? ‘Ans. Current chopping is not common in oil circuit breakers because in most of the oil circuit breakers the arc extinguishing power is proportional to the magnitude of current to be interrupted. z z Ans. Low (or minimum) oil circuit breakers : The oil in the bulk oil circuit breakers serves two purpose : (It acts as an arc quenching medium. (i) It insulates the live parts from earth. It has been observed that major part of the oil is utilised for insulation purposes whereas a small percentage of oil is actually used for arc extinction. The quantity of oil required for bulk oil circuit breakers reaches a high figure with the increase in system voltage. Consequently, besides increased in the expenses, tank size and weight of the breaker, the fire risk and maintenance problems are also increased. These factors led to the development of low oil circuit breaker. A low circuit breaker employs solid materials for insulation purposes and uses a small quantity of oil which is just sufficient for extinction of the arc. As regarding to quenching arc, the oil behaves identically in bulk as well as low oil circuit breaker. The arc extinction (in a low circuit breaker) can be further facilitated by using suitable control devices.Switchgear & Protection 5-26 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® he ee Emm HONS * It can be self-blast type or external blast type or a combination of the two. In case of self-blast type, the gas pressure developed depends upon the current to be interrupted. The higher the current to be interrupted, the larger is the gas pressure developed and hence more effective is the breaker for arc quenching. But this puts a limit on the design of the arc chamber for mechanical stresses. With the use of better insulating materials for arcing chamber such as glass fibre, reinforced synthetic resins, etc. The low oil circuit breakers are able to meet easily the increased fault levels of the system. These days, most of the low oil circuits breakers are of the self-blast type. In terms of the ventings provided, two different designs of arcing chamber provided are : (a) Axial venting (b) Radial venting (®) In case of axial venting the gases produced sweep the arc in longitudinal direction whereas in case radial venting they sweep the arc in transverse direction. (i) Since axial venting generates high gas pressures and has high dielectric strength, it is used mainly for the interruption of low current at low voltages. (iii) The radial venting is used for interruption of relatively heavy currents at low Voltages as the gas pressures developed are low and also the dielectric strength is low. Many times a combination of both is used so that the arc chamber is equally efficient at low as well as at high current. Such chambers, however, suffer from the disadvantage of longer arcing periods which can be eliminated by providing oil injection devices in addition to the self-blast. The contacts are usually operated by pull rods or rotating insulators actuated in turn by solenoid or pneumatic mechanisms. This type of circuit breaker is available upto 8000 MVA at 245 kV with a total break time of 3 to 5 cycles. Advantages : A low oil circuit breaker claims the following advantages over a bulk oil circuit breakers. (i) Requires lesser quantity of oil. (i) Requires smaller space. (ii) Reduced risk of fire. (iv) Reduced maintenance problems. Disadvantages : (i) Owing to smaller quantity of oil, the degree of carbonisation is increased. (ii) Due to high degree of decarbonisation, the dielectric strength of the oil deteriorates rapidly. (iii) It is difficult to removes gases from contact space in time. Maintenance of oil circuit breakers : Generally the maintenance work required on oil circuit breakers is replacement of contacts and oil. After a circuit has interrupted fault currents a few times or load currents several times, its contacts may get burnt by arcing and oil may lose some of its dielectric strength due to carbonisation. This may Jead to reduction in rupturing. capacity of the breaker. Thus it is imperative to inspect the circuit breaker at regular intervals (say 3 to 6 months).GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-27 Circuit Breakers The following points should be checked during inspection of the circuit breaker (i) check the oil level, (ii) check the closing and tripping mechanism, (iii) check the dielectric strength of the oil. If the oil is badly discoloured, it should be changed or reconditioned. The oil in good condition should withstand 30 kV for one minute in a standard oil testing cup with 4mm gap between electrodes. [5.16 Air Blast Circuit Breaker Question 33 What are the types of air blast circuit breakers? [CSVTU May 2010] Ans. Type of air blast circuit breakers : (i) Axial-blast type (ii) Cross-blast type (iii) Radial-blast type Ans. Air blast circuit breakers : These breakers use a high pressure air blast (at a pressure of 20 bar) as an arc quenching medium. Type of air blast circuit breakers : Air blast circuit breaker, according to type of flow of blast of compressed air, are classified as follows : 1. Axial-blast type: Air blast is directed along the arc path as shown in fig. (a). 2. Cross-blast type: Air blast is directed at right angles to the arc path as shown in fig. (b). 3. Radial-blast type : Air blast us directed radially as shown in fig. (c). Moving I gpa of { Motion on —> Motion Fig. (a) Axle blast Fig. (b) Cross blast Fixed contact Moving contact —> Motion Air Fig. (c) Radial blast8 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Switchgear & Protection Two principle types of air blast circuit breakers namely axial blast and cross blast type breaker are described as follows : Axial blast air circuit breaker : The most common type of air blast circuit breaker employing axial flow of blast air for extinction of air is shown in fig. (d). The moving contact is connected to a piston and the shaft of the contact is guided by guide springs. The circuit breaker is closed by opening lower air valve. for closing Fig. (d) Axial blast air circuit breaker When the fault occurs, the relay operates and opens the upper air valve. The compressed air (at a pressure of about 15 bar) enters the arcing chamber and piston chamber and accelarates the moving contact. On the separation of contacts an arc is struck, the cold air rushes round the contacts axially and blows out the arc. (ii) Cross blast air circuit breaker : In this type of circuit breaker, an air-blast is directed at right angles to the arc. The cross blast lengthens and force the arc into a suitable chute for arc extinction. The essential parts of a typical cross blast breaker is shown in fig. (e) Are splitters Fig. (e) Cross blast air circuit breakerGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS @ 5-29 Circuit Breakers $$$ ___—————(OC((MC#NSC TT Er When the moving contact is withdrawn , an arc is struck between the fixed and moving contacts. The high pressure cross blast forces the arc into a chute consisting of arc splitters and baffles. The splitters serve to increase the arc length and baffles provide improved cooling. Consequently, the arc is blown out and flow of current is interrupted. Application : They find wide application in system operating at 132 kV and above (up to 400 kV) with breaking capacity upto 7500 MVA (during short-circuit fault) and above, although such breakers have also been designed to cover the wide range of 6.6 to 132 kV. Advantages : (No risk of fire hazard and explosion. (ii) Short and consistent arc duration. (iii) The burning of contacts is less due to less arc energy (since the arc duration is short and consistent). (iv) Less maintenance required. (v) High speed operation. (vi) Facility of high speed reclosure. (vii)Very suitable for conditions where frequent operation is required (since the cooling medium is replaced constantly). Disadvantages : (i) A compressor is constantly required to remain in operation. (ii) The air leakage at the pipeline fittings creates problems. (iii) Sensitivity to restriking voltage. (iv) Current chopping. a _How current chopping is prevented in air bla ___ICSVTU Dec 2011] | Ans. The effect of natural frequency or current chopping on the performance of the air blast circuit breaker is over come by shunting the arc with resistor of suitable values. 5.17 SF-6 Circuit : sciated. with ‘circuit breakers? Explain the constructionSwitchgear & 5-30 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Ans. Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF, ) circuit breakers : SF, is an electro-negative gas and has a strong tendency to absorb free electrons. The contacts of the breakers are opened in a high pressure flow of SF, gas and an arc is stuck between them. The conducting free electrons in the arc rapidly captured by the gas to form relatively immobile negative ions, This loss of conducting electrons in the arc quickly builds up enough insulation strength to blow out the arc. ‘SK, breakers can withstand severe rate of rise of restriking voltage (RRRV) and therefore are most suitable for short line faults without switching resistors and can interrupt capacitive currents without restriking. Construction: A typical SF, circuit breaker is shown in figure. Fig, Sulphur hexafluoride (SF, ) circuit breaker (It consists of an interruption chamber which houses fixed and moving contacts and is connected to SK 8as reservoir. When the breaker contacts open, the valve mechanism permits a high pressure SF, gas from the reservoir to flow towards the interruption chamber. (ii) The fixed contact is a hollow cylinder current carrying contact fitted with an arc horn. (iii) The moving contact is also a hollow cylinder with rectangular holes in the sides to permits the SK, gas to let out through these holes after flowing along and across the arc. The tips of fixed contact, moving contact and arcing horn are coated with copper- tungsten (arc resistant material), ‘SF, gas being costly, is reconditioned and reclaimed by suitable auxiliary system after each operation of the circuit breaker,GATE. ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS 5-31 Circuit Breakers Working : When the circuit breaker is in closed position, the contacts remain surrounded by SF, gas at pressure of about 2.8 bar. As the circuit breaker operates, the moving contact is pulled apart and arc is struck between the contacts. Immediately the valve opens and permits SF, gas at 14 bar pressure to flow from the reservoir to the arc interruption chamber. The high pressure flow of SF, rapidly absorbs the free electrons in the arc path to form immobile negative ions which are ineffective as charge carriers. Consequently, the medium between the contacts quickly builds high dielectric strength and causes the arc to extinguish. After the arc is extinguished, the valve is closed by the action of a set of springs. Advantages of SF, breakers : (i) Very short arcing time, this reduces contact erosion. (ii) No risk of fire (since SF, gas in non-inflammable). (iii) No reduction of dielectric strength (since no CO, is formed). (iv) Silent operation. (v) Performance of the circuit breaker is not due to atmospheric conditions. (vi) Breaker is compact in size and electrical clearances are drastically reduced. (vii)The current chopping tendency is minimised by using SF, gas at low pressure and low velocity. (viii)The closed gas enclosure keeps the interior dry so that the moisture problem is almost eliminated. (i) Since the dielectric strength of SF, gas is 2 to 3 times than of air, such breakers can interrupt much larger currents. (x) Being totally enclosed, these breakers are particularly suitable where explosion hazard exists (e.g., coal mines). Disadvantages : () Due to high cost of SF, gas these breakers are costly. (ii) Since SF, gas has to be reconditioned after every operation of the breaker, additional equipment is required for this purpose. (ii) SF, is to some extent suffocating (but non-poisonous). In case of leakage in the breaker tank, Sf, gas heavier than air settles in the surrounding and may lead to suffocation of the operating personnel. Application : . A @) A typical sr, circuit breaker consists of interrupter units, each capable of dealing with current upto 60000 A and voltages in the range of 50 KV to 80 kV. number of units are connected in series according to the voltage of the system. Gi) ‘These breakers have been developed for voltage 115 kV to 230 kV, power ratings of 10 MVA to 20 MVA and interrupting time less than 3 cycles.Switchgear & Protection 5-32 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® ———— AT ACE ICATIONS # Remarks : Owing to the following properties, SK, proves superior to other medium such as oil or air for use in circuit breakers. (i) Very high dielectric strength (about 24 times than of air and comparable to oil), (ii) Non-reactive (being an inert gas) to the other components of circuit breakers. (iii) About 100 times more effective than air in extinction of arc. (iv) Owing to its high density, its heat transfer property is about 1.6 times than of air. (v) It can be stored at a relatively smaller pressure than that of air (since thermal time constant of Sis low). [5.18 Vacuum Circuit Breaker Question 37 Explain the process of arc development and its extinction in vacuum circuit breaker, re ICSVTU May 2011] Ans. Arc development : In a vacuum (vacuum means the pressure below atmospheric pressure which is 760 mm of Hg) circuit breaker vacuum of the order of 10° to 107 torr (1 torr = 1 mm of Hg) is used as the arc quenching medium. In such a low Pressure mean free path of the electrons is of the order of few meters and thus when the electrodes are separated by few mm an electron crosses the gap without any collision. It is due to this reason that the dielectric strength of the vacuum is 1000 times more than that of any other medium. Construction : Fig (a) shows the parts of a vacuum circuit breaker. Fig, (a) Vacuum circuit breaker (It consists of an outer envelope which is made of glass and is joined with metallic end caps. The glass envelope facilitates the examining of the breaker from outside after operation. When it becomes milky white (from its original finish of silver mirror) it indicates that it is losing vacuum. (ii) After the envelope there is a sputter shield made of stainless steel to prevent the metal vapour reaching the envelope.GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-33 Circuit Breakers Ce (iii) Inside the shield the breaker has two points one ‘fixed’ and the other ‘moving, contact’ which moves through a distance of 5 to 10 mm depending upon the operating voltage. The metallic bellows made of stainless steel are used to move the lower contact. (iv) The periphery of the end-cap is sealed to the envelope and the fixed contact stem is an integral part of one end-cap. One end of the fixed as well as moving contact is brought out of the chamber for external connections. (v) The lower end of the breaker is fixed to a spring-operated or solenoid operated mechanism so that the metallic bellows inside the chamber are moved downward and upwards during opening and closing respectively. Arc extinction : As the breaker operates, the moving contact separates from the fixed contact and an arc is struck between the contacts. The production of arc is due to the ionisation of metal ions and depends very much upon the material of contacts. The arc is quickly extinguished because the metallic vapour, electrons and ions produced during the arc are diffused in a short-time and seized by the surfaces of moving and fixed members and shield. Since vacuum has very fast rate of recovery of dielectric strength, the arc extinction in a vacuum breaker occurs with a short contact separation, say 6.25 mm. Advantages : () Compact, reliable and have longer life. (i) No fire hazards. (iii) Less maintenance required. (iv) Quiet in operation. (v) No generation of gas during and after operation. (vi) It can break any heavy fault current perfectly just before the contacts reach the definite open position. (vii) Low arc energy. (viii) Require smaller power for control mechanism (due to low inertia). (ix) It can withstand lightning surges successfully. Applications : (i) These breakers are employed for reactor switching, transformer, switching, capacitor-bank switching where the voltages are high and the current to be interrupted is low. (ii) Vacuum breakers are being used for outdoor application ranging from 22 KV to 66 kV even with limited rating of say 60 to 100 MVA, they are suitable for a majority of application in rural areas. “Bplinconsrcton of y CR Wie aitferent ype of fatlating Eu ed 1 - CB, and also write their properSwitchgear & Protection 5-34 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® insulating fluid which serves two functions here : (i)_ Tt extinguishes the arc drawn between the contacts when the CB opens. (ii) Tt provides adequate insulation between the contacts and from each contact to earth, Many insulating fluids are used for an arc extinction and the fluid chosen depends upon the rating type of CB. The insulating fluids commonly used for CBs are : Air at atmospheric pressure. Compressed air. Oil which produced hydrogen for arc extinction. Ultra high vacuum. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF) Properties of a gas used in CB are : @ High dielectric strength. Gi) Thermal and chemical stability. (ii) Non-inflammability. Gv) High thermal conductivity : This assists cooling of current carrying conductors immersed in the gas and also conductivity of arc extinction process. (v) Are extinguishing ability : It should have a low dissociation temperature , a short thermal time constant (ratio of energy contained in an arc column at any instant to the rate of energy dissipation at the same instant) and should not produce conducting products such as carbon during arcing. (i) Commercial availability at moderate cost : OF the simple gases air is the cheapes and most widely used for circuit breaking . Hydrogen has better arc extinguish Property but it has lower dielectric strength as compared to air. Also if hydrogen is contaminated with air, it forms an explosive mixture. Nitrogen has similar Properties as air, CO, has almost the same dielectric strength as air but is a better arc extinguishing medium at moderate currents. Oxygen is a good extinguishing medium but is chemically active. SF, has outstanding arc quenching properties and goes dielectric strength of all these Sf, and air are used in commercial gas blast circuit breakers, Air at atmospheric pressure is free but dry air a lot when stored at say 75 atmospheres. The compressed air supply system is a vital part of an air blast CB moisture from the air is removed by refrigeration, by drying agents or by storing at several times the working pressure and then expanding it to the working pressure for use in the CB, The relative cost of storing the air reduces with increase in pressure. If the air to be used by the breaker is at 35 kg/cm?it is common to store it at 210kg/ cm? rereGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-35 Circuit Breakers — LL __ _ —ensc—n—r— o——r—e Air has an advantage over the electronegative gases that the air can be compressed to extremely high pressure at room temperature and then its dielectric strength even exceeds that of these gases. The dielectric strength of SF, at normal pressure and temperature is 2 to 3 times than of air and at 2 atm its strength is comparable with the transformer oil. Although SF, is a vapour, it can be liquefied at moderate pressure and stored in steel cylinders. Even though Sf has better insulating and arc quenching Properties than air at an equal pressure , it has the important disadvantage that it cannot be used much above 14 kg/cm”, have heaters installed in the high pressure reservior. The interrupting capacity of a CB is approximately directly proportional to the gas pressure, therefore, it is possible for a compressed-air breaker to have a higher interrupting capacity than an SF; breaker at the expense of increased gas pressure. The choice between the two gases depends to a large extent on the cost of the complete equipment during maintenance of an SF, filled CB the gas is pumped from the breaker into a receiver and stored in liquid form. Metal fluorides which may be formed during the interruption of short circuit current are removed from the CB tank by filtering the gas through activated alumina before the breaker is inspected. When the maintenance is complete, the breaker is resealed, dried with nitrogen and evacuated to a few mm Hg pressure to remove air Prior to refilling with SF, during operation of the CB the gaseous decomposition products, which can be toxic in the presence of moisture are removed using activated alumina as Ans. (i) Copper-bismuth, copper-lead, copper-tellurium, copper-thallium, silver-bismuth, silver-lead and silver-tellurium are some of the alloys employed as contact materials in vacuum circuit breakers. (ii) The three problems encountered in HVDC circuit breakers are : (a) How to create artificial current zero. (b) How to prevent restriking of arc. (©) How to dissipate the stored energy. 4Switchgear & Protection 5-36 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS « ee ittection CATE ONS © 19 Numerical Based on Circuit Breakers Question 40 Ina short-circuit on 132 kV 3-phase system, the breaker gave the following results : Power factor of the fault = 0.5 Recovery voltage ~ 0.9 time full line voltage The breaking current is symmetrical and the restriking transient had a natural frequency of 15 kHz. Determine the rate of rise of restriking voltage (RRRV) in the following types of faults: - [CSVTU May 2016} ()_Grounded fault ae (ii) Ungrounded fault. Sol. Given : Power factor of the fault, cos =0.5 Recovery voltage = 0.9 Full line voltage, f, = 15 kHz, V = 132 kV Peak value of phase voltage (line-to-neutral voltage), 132 V ==xV2 =107.8kV 3 Recovery voltage, V,,., = 0.9V = 0.9%107.8 kV =97kV Time taken to reach the peak value, = (i) Grounded fault : Active recovery voltage = kV,.., sing = 1x97 sin(cos”' 0.5) = 84kV [For grounded fault, k=1] The maximum (peak value) restriking voltage = 2x 84 = 168kV Peak value of g voltage _ 168 Peak value of restriking voltage _ 168 _souivius Ans, ime taken to reach the peak value 33.33 a RRRV = (ii) Ungrounded fault : Active recovery voltage = kV, sin = 1.5x97xsin(cos” 0.5) = 126kV [For ungrounded fault, k=1.5] RRRV= =7.56kV/ps Ans. 2x126 3.33, Question 41 "The folloiving data relate to a 50'Hz generator E.mf to neutral = 7.5 kV (rms); Réaclanc# of generator and connected syatem=50 _ Distributed capactance to neutral = 0.02)F;Reitance negligible _ Determine the following : ’ @ Maviam votge aro th contacts fret breaker when treks «shat circuit current at zero current. (ii) Frequency of the transient oscillation. (ii) Average rate of rise of voltage uptGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-37 Sol. Circuit Breakers Given : E.m4f. to neutral= 7.5 kV(rms) Reactance of generator and connected system X, = 50. Distributed capacitance to neutral C = 0.02 uF (i) Maximum voltage across contacts : Active recovery voltage (phase to neutral), = V2«7.5 =10.6kV Maximum restriking voltage (phase-to-neutral) = 10.62 = 21.2kV Ans. (i) Frequency of the transient oscillation, f, : X, =2nfl =5 5 5 t= -—5_. . 2nf 2axsp 0019 1 1 = 8.92H: . 2nVLC — 2nV0.0159x0.02x10° a Ans (iii) Average rate of rise of voltage : f v=V| 1-cos: ( Ti) Maximum restriking voltage would occur when, t t =-1 or cos = 0: Vic vie °°" nd 1 t=nJiC =—*_--_-__1__gg, * nf, Df, 2xB92x10" ~ 6-O5HS Average rate of rise of restriking voltage __ Maximum restriking voltage _ 21.2 cos A dreuit breaker inter TuD oe _KV. The magnetising current of the transformer is 5% of the full load current. i “Determine the maximum ‘voltage which : may appear across the gap of the breaker _ when the magnetising current is interrupted at 59% of its peak value. The stray / Capacitance is 2500 uF . The inductance is 30 H. ICSVTU May 2015] Given : Three phase power = 100 MVA, three phase voltage = 220 kV (L-L), stray capacitance = 2500 pF and inductance = 30H 100x10° = = 262.44A The full load current of the transformer Bunnie Magnetising current = mt 262.44 =13.122A Current chopping occurs at 0.53x 13.1222 = 9.83Switchgear & Protection 5-38 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS * Switchgear & Protection > _GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 1 sie Leroscoany = Leas00.10% 0 Maximum voltage, v= 1076.8 kV Question 43 In a 132 kV, S-phase, 50 Hz power system the line-to-ground capacitance is 0.02yF and the inductance is 4.5 H. Determine : @ Voltage appearing across the breaker pole when a magnetizing current of 5 A {instantaneous value) is interrupted. (i) Resistance is to be connected across the contacts to eliminate the restriking voltage, = IcsvTu 2014] Sol. Given: C = 0.02uF = 0.02x10"F, Z =45H, Magnetizing current to be interrupted, i=5A. (Voltage appearing across the breaker pole : The voltage appearing across breaker contacts = voltage across the capacitor, L 45 =i =5x,|-——~__ = 75000V or 75kV Ans. vai, cn 00210" 75 or (ii) Resistance to be connected across contacts, R: iL 45 R=0.5,J— =0.5,|-——~—_ = 75002 or 7.5kQ2 Ans. c 0.0210 2 ; = z i ae Ans. Sol. Given :3-phase power = 1500 MVA, 3-phase voltage = 33 KV and current= 1500 Amp @) Rated normal current =1500A. (ii) Breaking capacity =1500MVA. (iii) Rated symmetrical breaking current= as = 26243, (rms). (iv) Rated making current = 2.55% 26243 = 66920A (peak). (v) Short-time rating = 26243 for 3 seconds. (vi) Rated service voltage = 33KV (rms line value). FRR FR RFGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-39 Circuit Breakers SSeS Ee Obtain their values for a 3-phase oil circuit breaker having the following data : Operating voltage = 11 kV, Rupturing capacity = 500 MVA, Normal current = 500 A, Time =3 seconds. Sol. Given : Operating voltage = 11 kV, Rupturing capacity = 500 MVA, Normal current = 500 A, Time = 3 seconds (i) Symmetrical breaking current is given by, Symmetrical breaking current = Rupturing capacity in MVA x10° V3 Operating voltage 500% 10° = 200%10" 2623 Ans. V3x11x10° ta) (ii) Rated making current = 2.55.26243 = 66920 A. Ans. (iii) Short time rating = 26243 A for 3 seconds. Ans. ternator with earthed neutral has a reactance of 5 ohms per to a bus-bar through a circuit breaker. The distributed Given: f =50Hz, 3-4 voltage = 11 kV, earth neutral reactance = 5. xX, 5 + =—— =00159 5p 7 0.0159H Capacitance per phase, C = 0.01yF =10°F (i) Maximum value of recovery voltage (Phase in neutral), Vou = Vix = 8.98 1V F Peak re-striking voltage = 2xV,_, = 28.98 =17.96kV Ans. 1 1 ii) Fi f oscillation is f, = ——— = ——_____ = 12.628kHz Ans. ee 8 hoe 2nV0.0159x10 (iii) Peak re-striking voltage occurs at a time ‘f’ is given by, ar = VIC = nV0.0159%10" =39.6psec Average rate of rise of restriking voltage, Peak restriking voltage —17.96kV Time upto first peak 39.6p1sec Ans. =0.453kV/psec = 453x10° V/sec a Inductance per phase, L =Switchgear & Protection 5-40 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Switchgear & Protection Eee’ Question 47 ‘A 50 Hz, 11 KV generator is connected to a power system. The system inductance and ‘capacitance per phase are 10 mH and 0.02 pF respectively. Calculate : (a) The maximum voltage across the contacts of the circuit breaker at an instant when is passes through zero. (b). Frequency of transient oscillation. (©) Average rate of rise of voltage upto the first peak of oscillation. Neglect resistance. ICSVTU May 2009] Sol. Given :3-4 Voltage = 11 kV, Per phase inductance = 10 mH, Per phase capacitance = 0.02 uF (a) Active recovery voltage (phase-to-neutral) = V2 F =8.98kV Maximum restriking voltage (phase-to-neutral) =2x active recovery voltage= 28.98 = 17.96kV Ans. (b) Frequency of transient oscillation is given by, 1 1 f= = =11.254kHz Ans. 2mVLC ~ 2niOx10> x0.0210 (©) The average rate of rise restriking voltage upto the first peak is given by, _ maximum restriking voltage time upto first peak And first peak restriking voltage occurs at t = nVIC © Average rate of 3 of restriking voltage 17.96 = 404kV/) : “wl alloxan - " Ans Sol. Given: Time reach the pedksetong pies eee - Peak restriking voltage = 100 kV Time to reach the first peak restriking voltage is given by, t= VIC = 55x10“ second 1 1 Natural of the circuit = =——_—__ = 9 (a) frequency cirouit = See = aaseiot =. 0olktla Ans.GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-41 Circuit Breakers oe EO (b) Average rate of rise of restriking voltage Peak restriki __Peak restriking voltage 100 sokv/us ana’ Time toreach peak restriking voltage 55 Question 49 Ina short-circuit test on a 3-pole, 110 kV circuit breaker power factor of the fault was 0.4, the recovery voltage was 0.95 times full-line value. The breaking current was symmetrical. The frequency of oscillation of restriking voltage was 15,000 c/s. Estimate the average rate of rise of restriking voltage. The neutral is grounded and the fault involves earth. ICSVTU Dec 2014] Given : 3-4 voltage = 110 kV, pf=0.4, frequency of oscillation of restrking voltage, f= 15000 c/s = 15 kHz, k, = 0.95 The peak value of line-to-neutral voltage, Voy = ape V2 =89.8 kV Power factor, cos = 0.4 Power factor angle, $= cos" 0.4 = 66.42° sing =sin 66.42° = 0.9165 Recovery voltage is 0.95 times peak value. The active recovery voltage is given by, V, =k; ky ky Vag, Sing volts where, k, is multiplying factor due to system voltage and is equal to 0.95, 4, is a condition or phase factor and is unity in this case since the fault involves ground, f, is unity for recovery v~" age between phase and neutral. So recovery voltage (from Gt neutral) V, =0.95x1, 1,.99,8%0.9165 = 78.2kV (instantaneous). Time to reach the peak restring voltage, Ans. nC __1 1 temic =2EC 1! 3333, Ae" Df, 215,000 a ee5-42 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Given: 3-4 voltage = 132 kV, pf=0.4, f, =16kHz fe 3 x2 =107.78kV Multiplying factor due to system voltage, k, = 0.9 Condition or phase factor, , =1.5 as the fault does not involve ground. k, =1 (for recovery voltage between phase and neutral) Power factor, cos =0.4,9 = cos" 0.4 = 66.42° sing =sin 66.42° = 0.9165 Active recovery voltage, V, = bass ky Vag, Sin = 0.9%1.5%1x107.78 0.9165 = 133.35kKV Time to reach the peak restriking voltage, 1 The peak value of line-to-neutral voltage, V., Average RRRV -% = 2213335 _ 9 535 evs Ans. 31.25 (ii) Time for m ONE ec Given : Inductance = 1.6 mH/phase, capacitance = 0.0032 uF /phase, short circuit current = 8000 A () Frequency of oscillation, 1 1 . J FRM amliexio™ x0.0032<108 ak Ans __(gjhor+eireuit current =8,000 A © (py Aitance = 2nfl = 2nx50x1.6x10 = 0.50260 Given : TY Voltage~short-circuit currentx reactance = 8000 0.5026 = 4021 V (rms) Peak restrik2Very voltage, Time to reach K, = ¥2x 4021 = 5687V (line -to-neutral) Ans, ‘ydmum RRRV, (a) Natural frequency; = 5 Vi 610° x0,0032x10" =3.55ps Ans.GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-43 Circuit Breakers ——— TONS SS eT Ee (iv) Maximum RRRV, RRRV,,, = Loe —___ S687 = 2.513 kV/ps Ans. VEC Ji.6x10 ' 0.003210 * Question 52 A 220 KV system, the reactance and capacitance upto the location of circuit breaker is 8.0 and 0.025pF respectively. A resistance of 600 Q is connected across the contacts of the circuit breaker. Determine the following : (Natural frequency of oscillation, (i) Damped frequency of oscillation, (iii) Critical value of resistance which will give no transient oscillation, Gv) The value of resistance which will give damped frequency of oscillation, one fourth of the natural frequency of oscillation. [CSVTU Dec 2013] Sol. Given : System capacitance upto CB, C = 0.02510° F Resistance connected across breaker contacts, R = 600 2 Reactance X, =82 System inductance upto CB, nf 2nx50 (@ Natural frequency of oscillation, 1 1 aro roi 2nV0.025 x10 «0.0255 (ii) Damped frequency of oscillation, Lf7__t fl sea “InVIC 4c 1 1 1 te | _______ _ 3.41 kHz Ans. Jn = FR 00255%0.025x10 4x (0.02510)? 6007 (iii) Critical value of resistance to eliminate transient oscillation, L 0.0255 =0.5,/4 =0,5,| 29? _ - 504.90 Ans. R ose SV 025x10" (iv) Let the resistance of R ohms be connected across the breaker contacts so that damped frequency of oscillation becomes, one-fourth of the natural frequency of oscillation i.e., 3, F> = 0.8525 kHz of 852.5 Substituting L = 0.0255H, C =0.025x10% and f, =852.5Hz in damped frequency oscillation equation 6.3kHz Ans. 1 a 852.5= 57 7 ga55x0.025x10* 4x(0.025x10*) R Ans. R=509.32Switchgear 5-44 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® —_———————— GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS @ Question 53 An 11 kV, 500 MVA circuit breaker suddenly closes on to a fault. Determine : @ The symmetrical breaking current (i) The asymmetrical breaking current assuming 50% de component (iii) The peak making current as per IEC specification {iv) The short-time current rating. Sol. Given : Rupturing capacity = 500 MVA, Operating voltage = 11 kV (Symmetrical breaking current = Rupturing capacity inMVA. __500_ _ og 44a (rms) Ans. V3 x operating voltage inkV 3x11 AC component of short-circuit current, x= 2xsymmetrical breaking current = 226.24 =37.1 A DC component of short-circuit current, y =50% of e= 437121855 (ii) Asymmetrical breaking current = 4 ) +y = (26.24) +08.55)° =32.13 kA (ms) Ans. 2.55x symmetrical breaking current 55x 26.24 = 66.9 kA Ans. (iv) Short-time current rating =32.13 kA Ans. In a system of 1 line to ground capa itance is 0.01}F and the inductance is 5H. Determine the age appearing across the pole of a C.B. magnetising current of 5 amps (instantaneous value) is terrupted. Determine also the value of resistance to be used across the contacts to eliminate the restriking voltage. [CSVTU May 2014] Sol. Given : Line to ground capacitance = 0.01 HE, Line to ground inductance = 5 H, Magnetising current =5 A, 3- voltage = 132 kV This is a case of conversion of electromagnetic energy into electrostatic energy and hence the voltage appearing across breaker contacts is nothing but the voltage across the capacitor which is given by, iL 510° =i, fe =118kV v c 5x, 001 us Ans. In order to eliminate the transient critically the value of resistance across the breaker contacts required is, L 3 fe nase Soraig® ~Ht8Ka Ans,GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-45 Circuit Breakers eee Question 55 A circuit breaker is rated at 1500 amps, 2000 MVA, 33 kV, 3 sec, 3-phase, oil circuit breaker. Determine the breaking current, making current and short time rating (current). Sol. Given: The rated normal current = 1500 A, 3+ rated power = 2000 MVA and 3+ voltage = 33 kV . 2000 Breaking current = =34.99) a 3x33 KA Making current = 2.55x34.99= 89.22kA Short time rating = 34.99kA for 3 sec. FEF E le CB to a transformer is rated 10 MVA, 13.8 kV and X, =100%. It is operating at no load and Xj" =10%, X/'=15%, X, =100% (i) Since the steady reactance is 100%, ‘The steady state short circuit MVA =10MVA 10x1000 Steady state short circuit current = a Bax138 (ii) The initial symmetrical r.m.s. current is the current corresponding to sub-transient state where the % reactance is 10. =418A Ans. Short citcuit Mva=10.x100=100MVA 100 _ _ 4180A(ms.) ‘Ans. Yur 8 (iii) The maximum possible de component = peak value of the subtransient current = =2x4180=S910A. Ans, . The short circuit current5-46 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® (iv) Momentary current rating = 1.6xShort circuit current = 1.6 4180 = 6688 A Ans. (¥) Since it is a 3-cycle breaker the current to be interrupted by the breaker 1.2x symmetrical breaking current = 1.2 x 4180 = 5016 A Ans. (vi) The interrupting KVA = V3 13.8% 5016 = 119894 KVA or 119.894 MVA. Ans. Question 57 A 3phase, 10 MVA, 11 KV generator is connected to a power system, the system inductance and capacitance per phase are 5mH and 0.04 yF respectively. Calculate: @ Maximum restriking voltage. i) Frequency of transient oscillation. (iii) Average rate of restriking voltage. [CSVTU May 2012] Ans. Given : 3 phase power = 10 MVA, 3 phase voltage = 11 KV, Per phase inductance = 5 mH and per phase capacitance = 0.04F @ Maximum restrking voltage = 2xY, = 2x72 x2 =17.963 kV Ans. (fi) Frequency of transient oscillation “SE 5 i =11,.254 kHz 2nVLC 2nv5x10" x0.04x107 Ans, (iii) Average rate of restriking voltage “gee 1796310" 0.404 V/s VLC 5x10" x0.04x10" Sol. Given: 3 phase power= 1500 MVA, 3 phase volage = 33kV @_ Rated symmetrical breaking current = ee: 26243, (rms) Ans. (i) Rated making current = 2.55 x26243 = 66920 A (Peak) Ans. (iii) Short time rating = 26243 A for 3 sec. Ans. (iv) Rated service voltage =33kV(tms line value) Ana.GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® 5-47 Circuit Breakers —_————————— Question 59 2 For a 132 kV system, the reactance and capacitance up tthe eatin of eret bresker is 39 and 0.015 uF respectively. Calculate the following : @ The frequency of transient oscillation. (@) The maximum value of restriking voltage across the contacts of circuit breaker. (iii) The maximum value of RRRV. [(CSVTU May 2011] Sol. (i) The frequency of transient oscillation is given by, X,=3=2nfL 3 —— =0: i 00954H. 1 f= = = 13.291 kHz Ans. elie 2nV0.00954x0.015 x10 (ii) The restriking voltage is given by, V, = E(\-cosa,t) The maximum value of the restriking voltage = 2x Epay note 215.56 kV Ans. (iii) The maximum value of me is given by, = 0, Eng = 2rf, xipixioo =2ax13.291%10° xx PR x100 =900.05x10° V/sec = 0.90kV/ps Ans. Table 5.1: COMPARISON BETWEEN FUSE AND CIRCUIT BREAKER Tt performs the function of interruption only. Fault is Tt performs both of functions-detection as well as interruption. Inherently complete automatic. Very small (say 0.002 second or so). ‘| Small. Very large. _ Needs replacement No replacement after operation. after every operation.5-48 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Table 5. ‘OMPARISON OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF CIRCUIT BREAKERS, (Are quenching medium, voltage, breaking capacity, design features, applications of various types of circuit breakers are given below in tabular form). ‘Type of Voll S. | Chreait phenal fee Applications | Remarks _ Capacity 430-600 V,5- | Arcrunners, | Formedium | Have current 15:35MVA_ | arcsplitters, | low voltages _| limiting 3.6-12kV, | magnetic coils. | ac/ de. features. 500 MVA. Small size, Industrial 430-600V | current circuit breakers - limiting For low and feature. medium voltages Dielectricoil [12KV,36 | Onetankupto | Used upto12 | Getting (Transformer | kV, 500 36KV, three | kV,500MVA__| obsolete now. MVA tanks above 36 | For metal Now Gi) 3.6KV to 145 | KV, fitted with | enclosed superseded by Minimum kv arc control switchgear SF,circuit oil preferably | devices. upto 36 kV, breakers. Small size, are | outdoor type control device | between 36 and used. 245 kV. 3. | Airblast | Compressed | 245 KV, Unit type Suitable for all | High speed Circuit air 35,000 MVA | construction, | EHV operation, Breakers | (20-30 upto 1100 | several units | applications, | Requirement kg/cm?) kV, 50,000 per pole. Also for are of auxiliary MVA furnace duty. | compressed air system. Now superseded by SK, circuit breakers for 145 KV and above. SR, gas(6 | 12kV,1000 | One Most popular | Maintenance kg/em? MVA interrupter over wide free. 36KV, 2,000 | pole upto 245 | range of MVA kV voltages from 145 kV, 7,500 3.6 KV to 760 MVA kv 245 kV, 10,000 MVA. 420 KV, 40 kAGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS ® Circuit Breakers %. | Vacuu Vacuum Uptod6kV, | Variety of | Suitable for Long life, Circuit 750 MVA, designs variety of modest Breakers applications —_| maintenance. from 3.6 kV to 36kV. Preferred for indoor switchgear upto 36 kV, 750 MVA 6 | HVDC Oil or Air- 33kV,2kA_ | Artificial For HV direct Circuit blast current zero by | current = Breaker switching in | interruption. capacitors. Table 5.3 : Merits and Demerits of different types of Circuit Breaker 3 | DES ee ] No. | Circuit Merits _ Demerits Breaker | os be: 1. | Bulk-oil | Simplicity in construction, high | Larger size and greater weight, fre Circuit Tupturing capacity, suitability hazard, explosion hazard, unsuitability Breakers | for automatic as well as manual _| for indoor installation, requirement of operation, possibility of locating | large volume of high grade mineral oil CTs in bushings. (scarcely available in our country), necessity for periodic inspection of the quantity and quality of oil in the tank, greater wear and tear of the contacts resulting in their frequent replacement, unsuitability for repeated cycles of operation in connection with automatic 2, | Minimum. | Requirement of lesser quantity _ | Increased degree of carbonization due oil of oil, smaller space to smaller quantity of oil, rapid Circuit —_| requirement, smaller tank size, | deterioration of oil dielectric strength Breakers | less weight, low cost, reduced —_| due to high degree of carbonization, tisk of fire and reduced greater contact damage, comparatively maintenance problems, easier low rupturing capacity, difficulties in access to the contacts, suitability | removal of gases from the contact space for both automatic and manual _| in time and locating CTs, necessity of operation. more frequent inspection and replacement of oil and total unsuitability for repeated cycles of operation, Now superseded by SF, circuit breakers.Switchgear & Protection 5-50 GATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS © 3. | Airdlast Circuit Breakers High speed operation, sui for frequent operation, facility for high speed reclosure, negligible maintenance, elimination of fire hazard, reduced size, comparatively less weight, less contact damage, very easy access to the contacts, very high rupturing capacity. lity | Requirement of a complete compressed air system consisting of air compressor, electric motor, air-tight tubes etc., more complicated construction, higher cost, requirement of highly trained personnel for maintenance, problem of current chopping, sensitivity to circuit severity i.e., RRRV. Becoming obsolete now. Q0aGATE ACADEMY PUBLICATIONS 5-51 Circuit Breakers 1 Last Minute Revision (LMR) Active recovery voltage can be given as, V, = hy ky ky Vou, 80 where V, is the phase-to-phase value of active recovery voltage. is the demagnetizing factor due to which the recovery voltage will be less than the system voltage. = a empate 4, is a condition or phase factor ie. it depends on the ~ condition whether the symmetrical fault is grounded or .e,, its value is unity or 1.5. and &, is a third constant whose value is unity if the active Tecovery voltage between phase and neutral is to be obtained and its value is V3 if the active recovery voltage ‘The restriking voltage is given by (for a lossless system). - ¥=Vags(1—COS@E) ae : a ay Sais where __y =restriking voltages at any instant t, nV = voltage at the instant of interruption, and L, C = series inductance and shunt capacitance upto the fault point, Peak valueof restriking voltage ‘The averege ERRV » vee taken foreach thoposk valve Prag, = FRRRV ow,Switchgear & Protection & Voltage developed across the breaker contacts vai, Eons yc vols. ‘The critical value of resistance R = os fe . Rated making capacity = 2.55 x symmetrical rated breaking capacity Symmetrical breaking current = rms value of AC component. tas a "Asymmetrical breaking current "~~ =3ms value of combined sums of AC and DC “component.