Electrical Power Apparatus

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1. ELECTRICAL POWER APPARATUS STRUCTURE
1. GENERAL
Electrical apparatus is a general term used for all kinds of electric devices. These devices can
be used in control, protection and regulation of installations or for the control of non-electrical
processes.
Electrical Power Apparatus (EPA) are technical systems having the purpose to connect or/and
disconnect (switch) an electrical circuit. Their structure contains insulators, current ways, switching
elements and mechanisms, and switching circuits.
The construction and the apparition of these devices were a practical necessity to connect and
disconnect receptors (loads) to/from the sources. Their evolution start from the mechanical systems
with contacts, and with the improvement of the technology they have now small dimensions, high
efficiency and great liability.
This course intends to present the principals physical processes having place in the switching
power apparatus, their construction, and also their functionality.
1.1. The classification of EPA
The criteria to classify EPA are:
Voltage
- low voltage (under 1000 V)
- high voltage (over 1000 V)
Current
- Direct current - DC
- Alternative current AC
Function principle:
- Devices with mechanical contacts in
- air
- oil
- vacuum
- SF
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- Devices with static switching
- electronics
- ionic
- semiconductors
- magnetic
- cryogenic
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Function regime
- permanent
- nonpermanent
- short time
Purpose
- Switching
- Protective equipment
- Starting & control
- Current limiting devices
- Supervisory and control equipment
- Regulating equipment
Protection
- Opened
- Shielded
- Metallic case
- Sealed
- Explosion proof
Destination
- Production of electric energy (EE)
- Transport of EE
- Distribution of EE
- Instrument apparatus
- Telecommunications
- Automotive, aso.
The materials used in the manufacture of EPA may be grouped as follows:
1. Conductor materials;
2. Magnetic materials;
3. Insulating materials;
4. Arc resistant insulating materials;
5. Electrical resistance alloy;
6. Contact materials;
7. Bimetals materials;
8. Structural materials.
In fig. 1.1. is presented a principle electrical schema of production, transport and distribution of
electrical energy (EE).
Electrical Power Apparatus
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Fig.1.1 Single wire scheme of an electrical energy transport system
LEGEND:
1. High voltage power breaker is an EPA designed to connect and disconnect an electric
circuit and capably to work at overload and short circuit currents. It is a switching and also a
protection EPA;
2. High voltage power isolating switches or isolator (disconnecting switches or disconnectors
in USA) is an EPA designed to connect and disconnect a circuit, working only without
load, and to show visible the position of their contacts. It is also a protection EPA;
3. I solating switches for the transversal couple;
4. Line isolating switches is a separator used to protect the high voltage line;
5. Earthing switches- is a separator used to put to the ground the high voltage line;
6. Electrical discharger protect the high voltage line putting to the ground the lightning
overvoltages appeared on the line;
7. High voltage fuse;
8. High voltage contactor is an EPA designed to connect and disconnect a circuit, capably
to work only at nominal parameters (nominal currents);
Electrical Power Apparatus
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9. Low voltage isolator;
10. Low voltage fuse;
11. Low voltage contactor.
Fig 1.2. Other general scheme for production, transport and distribution of EE
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There are in the scheme other important machines or devices as:
Generator is an electric synchronous machine
Controller is a device keeping constant the parameters of the generator at the load fluctuation;
Transversal couple high voltage power breaker;
Reactive coil limits the short circuits currents;
Protection relays relay automation system to protect the schema;
Distribution cell modular system containing EPA;
1.2. Characteristic values
On the plate of every EPA are written the main important values of the device. These values can
be:
- Nominal values;
- Admissible values;
- Limited values.
The nominal values are the designed values of EPA. For instance the nominal current is the
value of the current for which an EPA can work unlimited time.
The admissible current is the value of the current for which an EPA can work only for a short
time.
The limited current is the value of the current for which an EPA can work only for one time.
1.3. Working conditions of EPA:
- Liability;
- Thermal and electrodynamic stability;
- Good stability of the insulation;
- Weather stability;
- Robustness;
- Easy maintenance;
- Small price, weight and volume.
1.4. Romanian factories:
- Electroputere Craiova;
- Electroaparataj Bucureti;
- Electroaparataj Botoani;
- Electrotehnica Bucureti;
- Electromagnetica Bucureti;
- IEMI Bucureti;
- Electromure Tg. Mure;
- Conect Bucureti;
- Icemenerg Bucureti;
- Automatica Bucureti;
- Electroprecizia Scele, uso.
2.EPA STRUCTURE
There are two types of EPA:
Classic or mechanic type, with normal contact members; with mechanic driving system;
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Static type where contact members are supplied by a semiconductor device commanded by
P.
In fig. 1.3 are presented the block schemes of two types.
a. b.
Fig.1.3. EPA Structure
a. Classic EPA; b. Static EPA
Legend:
DS Signalization Device
Cv Voltage Converter
Dc Command Device
MA Acting Mechanism
K Circuit Breaker
CS Quenching Chamber or Cooling System
Cc Current Converter
P - Microprocessor