High-capacity single-pressure SF/sub 6/ interrupters. Final report

Technical Report · Sun May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5979155· OSTI ID:5979155

Rostron, J R; Berkebile, L E; Spindle, H E

The object of this project was to design and develop a high-voltage, single-pressure, SF/sub 6/ interrupter with an interrupting capability of 120 kA at 145 kV with a continuous current rating of 5000 A and an interrupting time of 1.5 cycles or less. A second objective of 100 kA at 242 kV was added during the project. Mathematical models were used to extrapolate design requirements from existing data for 63 and 80 kA. Two model puffers, one liquid and the other gas, were designed and tested to obtain data at 100 kA. An interrupter, optimized on the basis of total prospective breaker cost, was designed using the mathematical models. A study was made of the construction materials to operate under the high-stress conditions in this interrupter. Existing high-speed movies of high-current arcs under double-flow conditions were analyzed to obtain more information for modeling the interrupter. The optimized interrupter design was built and tested. The interrupting capability confirmed calculations of predicted performance near current zero; however, the dielectric strength after interrupting these high-current arcs was not adequate for the 145-kV or the 242-kV ratings. The dielectric strength was reduced by hot gases flowing out of the interrupter. Valuable data have been obtained for modeling the SF/sub 6/ puffer interrupter for high currents.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse Electric Corp., Trafford, PA (USA). Power Circuit Breaker Div.
• OSTI ID: 5979155
• Report Number(s): EPRI-EL-3100; ON: DE83902190
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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