Development of distribution and subtransmission SF/sub 6/ circuit breaker and hybrid transmission interrupter. Final report

Technical Report · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/6670204· OSTI ID:6670204

Votta, G. A.

This project covered the development of a new generation of SF/sub 6/ arc spinner interrupters, a 15-kV circuit breaker (distribution) using this interrupter, and investigated the feasibility of a high voltage (transmission) hybrid interrupter using the arc-spinner and a vacuum interrupter in series. The arc spinner interrupter concept uses a self-generated magnetic field to drive an arc, on a circular path in an atmosphere of SF/sub 6/ gas, to achieve interruption. Test models of the arc spinner interrupter were built and tested to determine the component requirements and arrangements necessary for the desired performance. A single-phase laboratory model of this interrupter was successfully tested up through 25 kA at 13.5 kV. Interruption of 40 kA at 13.5 kV was demonstrated; however, satisfactory performance was not obtained at significant current levels during this program when tested at higher voltages. A full-scale model of a three-phase outdoor distribution power circuit breaker rated 18 kA at 15.5 kV was built and successfully tested to standards. The hybrid interrupter concept (transmission) uses an arc spinner and a vacuum interrupter in series. The vacuum interrupter handles the high initial rate of rise of recovery voltage associated with short line faults, and the arc spinner interrupter handles the high peak transient recovery voltage. The hybrid interrupter demonstrated an ability to handle the initial high rate of rise recovery voltage but encountered dielectric failures at relatively low current levels. This feasibility investigation was limited by the unavailability of a suitable rating of vacuum interrupters and by limitations inherent to an early model arc spinner interrupter for the tests. The investigation of the hybrid was discontinued until further development of a higher voltage arc spinner interrupter could be accomplished.

• Research Organization: I-T-E Imperial Corp., Colmar, PA (USA). Research and Development Div.
• OSTI ID: 6670204
• Report Number(s): EPRI-EL-810
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

200301* -- Power Transmission & Distribution-- AC Systems
EHV & UHV-- (-1989)
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
AC SYSTEMS
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
DESIGN
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT PROTECTION DEVICES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
FLUORIDES
FLUORINE COMPOUNDS
HALIDES
HALOGEN COMPOUNDS
HVAC SYSTEMS
PERFORMANCE
POWER DISTRIBUTION
POWER SYSTEMS
SULFUR COMPOUNDS
SULFUR FLUORIDES