Products and Devices

4.3 Vacuum Switching Technology and Components for Medium Voltage

4.3.6 Reclosers
Vacuum reclosers offer dependable protection for overhead lines in order to provide improved reliability of the distribution network. At the core of the system, the controller provides a high level of protection, easiest operation, and high operating efciency. Up to 90 % of the faults in overhead line networks are temporary in nature. In case of a fault, a vacuum recloser trips to interrupt the fault current. After a few cycles, it recloses again and will remain closed if a transient fault has disappeared. This cycle is performed up to ve times in order to bring the line back to service before the device nally switches to a lockout state should a permanent network fault be present. Siemens vacuum reclosers can easily be installed anywhere on the overhead line, so network operators can choose an easily accessible location. The reclosers will be parameterized to sequentially protect the feeder in either star, ring or meshed networks. The included trouble-free operating features are: Advanced vacuum switching technology A sophisticated solid epoxy insulation system with integrated sensors A dual-coil low-energy magnetic actuator The advanced Siemens controller A weatherproof control cubicle Reliable operation due to self-monitoring and standby. Controller The controller (g. 4.3-5) the brain of the recloser comprises indicators and control elements, communication interfaces, and a USB port for convenient connection of a laptop. Access to the user level is protected by multi-level password authentication. The controller is mounted in a cubicle which also contains the auxiliary power supply and a battery-backed UPS unit, fuses, and a general purpose outlet to power a laptop. The controller provides comprehensive protection functions as: Earth fault and sensitive earth fault detection along with overcurrent-time protection (denite and inverse) Inrush restraint Load shedding. Further features of the controller are: A multitude of inputs and outputs for customer use Additional communication modules for data transfer Self-monitoring and measuring functions. Switch unit The switch unit (g. 4.3-6) contains integrated current transformers and optionally also voltage sensors. It consists of one or three poles and the actuator housing. The poles are made of weatherproof epoxy resin which holds the vacuum interrupter. A switching rod connects the vacuum interrupter with the magnetic actuator.

Fig. 4.3-5: Argus-M controller

Fig. 4.3-6: Vacuum recloser with cubicle and controller

A mechanical lockout handle, which allows for mechanical tripping and lockout, sticks out of the actuator housing. As long as this handle is extended, the unit can neither be closed electrically nor mechanically. The lockout handle needs to be reset manually to activate the unit. For switchover tasks in open ring networks (so called loop automation), reclosers with voltage sensors on both sides (source and load side) are available. In the open state, they are able to detect voltage on either side of the recloser individually. A position indicator is located underneath the housing. Thanks to its size and the application of reective materials, the indicator is highly visible from the ground and the switching state can be clearly recognized even at night.
Rated operating current Rated voltage acc. to ANSI C37-60 Short-circuit breaking current Lightning impulse withstand voltage Number of operating cycles Number of short circuit operations Number of phases Standards Table 4.3-5: Technical data and ratings 400 A to 800 A 12 kV; 15.5 kV; 27 kV; 38 kV 12.5 kA; 16 kA 95 kV to 190 kV 10,000 up to 200 three-phases; single-phases; single-tipple ANSI C37.60; IEC 62271-111; IEC 60255; IEC 62271-100

Siemens Energy Sector Power Engineering Guide Edition 7.0

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