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Study and field verification of the effects of removing closing resistors from 500 kV circuit breakers

Conference · · Proceedings of the American Power Conference; (United States)
OSTI ID:7308381
; ; ;  [1]
  1. Arizona Public Service Co., Phoenix, AZ (United States)

Closing resistors in EHV circuit breakers are frequently used to reduce switching transients on lines thus preventing flashovers during line energization. Maintenance and failures of such closing resistors can be costly and reduce transmission system reliability. For these reasons, APS conducted an investigation into the technical feasibility of operating its 500 kV without closing resistors. This paper describes study results of removing closing resistors from 500 kV breakers in a system which employs older technology silicon carbide type surge arresters. The paper also describes results of field tests of the expected flashover rates calculated in the study. These field tests involve repeatedly energizing a 258 mile 500 kV line using a breaker in which the closing resistors are disabled. Transient overvoltages captured during the tests are compared with predicted overvoltages. The study concludes that closing resistors may be removed from the subject system without unacceptable consequences.

OSTI ID:
7308381
Report Number(s):
CONF-920432--
Journal Information:
Proceedings of the American Power Conference; (United States), Journal Name: Proceedings of the American Power Conference; (United States) Vol. 54:2; ISSN PAPWA; ISSN 0097-2126
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English