Circuit breaker specifications mentioned on

its nameplate
http://www.help2educate.com/circuit-breaker-specifications/

n this article we will try to understand the circuit breaker specifications given on its nameplate.
What information we get from name plate of breaker. How these specifications are important in
operation and maintenance. How to differentiate current related specifications from settings of
the circuit breaker. A brief look at the specifications of SF6 breaker.

Contents [hide]

 1 Circuit Breaker specifiactions of SF6, 132kV Breaker

o 1.1 Rated Voltage:
o 1.2 Rated Frequency.
 2 Circuit breaker specifications related to Current.
o 2.1 Rated Normal Current.
o 2.2 Rated Short circuit breaking current:
o 2.3 Rated short circuit making current:
 3 Circuit breaker specifications related to operating time.
o 3.1 Rated Short Circuit Duration.
o 3.2 Rated Opening closing Sequence = O-0.3sec-CO-3min-CO:
 4 Circuit Breaker specifications related to Arc  Quenching media.
o 4.1 SF6 nominal filling pressure at 20ᵒC (6 Bar).
o 4.2 Signal loss of SF6 at 20ᵒC. (5.2 bar):
o 4.3 Lock out of SF6 at 20ᵒC.(5 bar).

Circuit Breaker specifiactions of SF6, 132kV Breaker

Following figure shows the circuit breaker specifications of SF6 type which we will be
discussing. We will analyze each information individually.
Rated Voltage:

Rated voltage specified on the nameplate of breaker shows the rated voltage of the breaker not
the rated voltage of the system. It is very important to remember that the voltage on the name
plate of breaker should always be greater than rated voltage of the system. Given breaker which
is 145KV is to be installed at 132KV system. There is no specific relation between the rated
voltage of breaker and system however the following table shows the recommended breaker
rated voltage for each standard voltage level.

Rated voltage of the Recommended rated

system IEC voltage of the breaker
11KV 12.5kV
132KV 145kV
220KV 245kV
500KV 525kV
Rated Frequency.

Rated frequency on the name plate of the system should exactly be equal to the frequency of the
system. There are normally two standard of frequencies followed around the world that is 50Hz
and 60Hz.

Circuit breaker specifications related to Current.

It is very important to understand current related data for correct relay settings. Current

specifications are important factor in selecting a circuit breaker.
Rated Normal Current.

Above figure mentions rated maximum current which can flow through the breaker continuously
without any damage. The rated current of the line or system (on which breaker is installed) must
be equal or less than the rated current of the breaker. The value given above is 2000A. It means
that continuous current which flow through the breaker in normal condition must be equal or less
than 2000A.

NOTE: Many people confuse this value of the tripping current. There is a wrong perception that
breaker will trip if current exceeds this current. The tripping current depends upon the relay
settings not this value. Further, current greater than rated current can flow through the breaker
however it will damage the breaker. For example in above case, if 2100A continuous current
flows through the breaker, the breaker will withstand the current however breaker will
deteriorate very quickly.

Rated Short circuit breaking current:

It is the maximum current which the breaker can break without any damage to the breaker or
quenching media. At rated short circuit breaking current, the arc produced by current can safely
be quenched by the breaker. For current higher than this value, the arc may not be completely
quenched and therefore breaker can be damaged. On given name plate, the rated short circuit
breaking current is 40KA. At 40KA or below, the breaker contacts can open without any damage

Rated short circuit making current:

It is the maximum current on which the breaker contacts can close without any damage. This
value is important in reclosing of breaker. At instant if the breaker is closed and the fault is still
in the system, the breaker will be safe if the current is less or equal to the rated short circuit
making current. This value has specific relation with the rated short circuit breaking current.

Rated SC making current=2.5 ×Rated SC breaking current

In the given case

Rated SC making current=2.5 ×40 kA=100 kA.

This value is intentionally kept higher because when fault occurs in healthy system, the current
builds up from zero till breaker is tripped. However if the breaker is reclosed and load is
detached than the fault current after reclosing will be more than initial fault current therefore this
current is kept 2.5 times the rated SC breaking current.
Circuit breaker specifications related to operating time.
Rated Short Circuit Duration.

This is the maximum time for which the short circuit current is allowed to flow through the
circuit breaker. Circuit breaker can with stand SC current for this duration safely. If SC current
flows for more than rated short circuit duration, the breaker may be damaged. In case of modern
breakers, self-protection mechanism can activate thus tripping the breaker. The relay time
settings must be kept in such a way that the breaker is tripped before rated short circuit duration.

Rated Opening closing Sequence = O-0.3sec-CO-3min-CO:

O-0.3s-CO-3min-CO (mentioned on exemplary nameplate) means opening operation followed,

after 0.3 sec delay, by a close-open operation and finally after 3 min delay another close-open
operation

This is an IEC standard for every circuit breaker. It means beaker is tested for an open operation.
Than after a delay of 0.3 sec it is tested for close open operation. Than after 3 min delay, another
close open operation is performed. Every breaker must pass this test.

Circuit Breaker specifications related to Arc Quenching media.

Every circuit breaker has some insulating and arc quenching media. Small breakers use air for
this purpose. However large breakers use, oil, vacuum and SF6 gas for purpose of insulating as
well as arc quenching. Specifications related to quenching media are very important to
consider for correct operation and maintenance. Since the given name plate is of SF6 breaker
therefore properties of SF6 breaker are mentioned.

SF6 nominal filling pressure at 20oC (6 Bar).

This value shows the normal pressure of SF6 gas which must be achieved while filling the gas.
The standard temperature for this pressure is 20ᵒC. Although the tank can withstand high
pressure however that tolerance is left for the increase in pressure due to rise in external
temperature.

Signal loss of SF6 at 20C. (5.2 bar):

If the gas pressure inside breaker is reduced to 5.2 bars, alarm signal will be given to the operator
about the decrease in gas pressure.

Lock out of SF6 at 20oC.(5 bar).

If the gas pressure is further reduced to 5 bars or below, the breaker will be tripped and cannot be
re closed. Re closing will be locked until the gas pressure is increased. The circuit breaker cannot
quench the arcs during breaking of current if the SF6 gas pressure is reduced therefore
monitoring the gas pressure inside SF6 breaker is very important.
Theory, working and operation of
Transformer Tap Changer
Syed Noman ud din February 4, 2016 Electrical Machines Leave a comment 22,734 Views

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In this article we will discuss transformer tap changer from all aspects. Components as well as
different types of tap changer are also discussed. What is on load tap changer and how it works.
Different steps of operation of OLTC along with labelled diagrams.

Contents [hide]

 1 Types, components, constuction and operation of on load tap changer

o
 1.0.1 Basic principle of tap changer is (Step down transformer)
o 1.1 Purpose of Tap changer
o 1.2 Types of Tap Changer
 1.2.1 OFF LOAD TAP CHANGER
 1.2.2 ON LOAD TAP CHANGER
 1.2.3 3- Drive unit
o 1.3 Working of On load tap changer
 1.3.1 Operational sequence of on load taps changer

Types, components, construction and

operation of on load tap changer
Tap changer is a device which can increase or decrease the output secondary voltage by
changing the turn ratio or Primary or secondary winding. Tap changer is generally installed on
high voltage side of a two winding transformer due to low current in this side.

Basic principle of tap changer is (Step down transformer)

As a transformer ratio

We want to regulate the secondary voltage (V2)

Since V1 is the system voltage so we cannot change it. As tap changer is installed on the primary
side of step down transformer hence N2 cannot be changed. So

N2 and V1 = constant (k)

$latex V2=\ \frac{K}{N1}\$

It means that
  By increasing primary turn ratio, the voltage on secondary side can be decreased.
 If the primary turns of transformers are decreased, the voltage on secondary side is increased.

Purpose of Tap changer

Frequent changes occur in the load of the power system, due to which the voltage of the system
increases or decreases. So the Tap changer is used to keep the output voltage of a Transformer
within prescribed limit.

Types of Tap Changer

(i) OFF LOAD TAP CHANGER

(ii) ON LOAD TAP CHANGER

OFF LOAD TAP CHANGER

If the required change in voltage is infrequent, then an offload tap changer is installed on a
transformer and taps can be changed after completely isolating a transformer from the circuit.
Such kind of a tap changer is usually installed on distribution transformer (with 5 steps).

ON LOAD TAP CHANGER

With the expansion and inter-connection of power system it often becomes necessary to change
the transformer taps several times daily to obtain the required voltage on system as per load
demand. The demand of continuity of supply does not permit to disconnect the transformer from
system for offload tap changing. To meet this requirement, on load tap changers are installed on
the majority of power transformers.

TAPPING RANGE

Range tapping ranges between +/- 10 % to +/-16 % is used in normal conditions and +/-22% is in
special cases. The number of steps in the range is chosen so that the change in voltage between
adjacent positions approximately 1 % to 1.5 % of rated voltage.

Parts of On load tap changes

1- Selector switch

 Fixed contacts
 Odd moveable selector
 Even moveable selector
 Slip rings
 Gearing mechanism
 Reversing switch
2- Diverter switch

 Main contacts – X
 Switching contacts Y
 Transition resistor contacts z
 Resistors
 Tension springs

3- Drive unit

 3 (Φ) induction motor

 Controlling switch
 Limit switches
 Tap position indicator

A physical, arrangement of on load tap changer in power transformer is shown below.

A typical on load tap changer is sketched in the attached diagram

Working of On load tap changer

Let suppose a current inter from point ‘A’ to main winding than enter in tap winding through
reversing switch contact N—>L , Taps l & 2 both are connected with move able selectors but the
current flows only in tap no. I (Because the diverter side-1 is closed) so the current finally end on
point B as shown in above fig.

Now if we want to change the tap position from tap-1 to tap-2, operates the drive unit motor
through raise control switch .The motor starts operation (at this time only an action starts in
diverter switch because tap -2 is already selected ).

Following operations take place for changing tap during on load

Operational sequence of on load taps changer

Diverter Switch                                                                         Operation Description

The load current flows via

Operation position
side 1 through the X-
side 1
Contact

Contact X. Break of Load current flows via side

side 1 1 through the Y contact.

The load current flows via

side 1 through the Z-
Contact Y. Breaks of Contact
side 1
(Arching at Y contact
due to break the easy
path of current)
 The load current is divided
equally between side 1 tap
and side 2 tap flowing via
Contact Z of side 2
two equal transition
makes
resistors R and contact Z.
  In addition a circulating
current flows via contacts
Z of both sides

The circulating current no

longer flowing (circulating
current flows 20ms to
40ms )
Contact Z of side 1
breaks
The load current flows
via side 2 tap through
contact Z and transition
resistance R (Arching at
contact Z of side 1)

Contact Y of side 2 Load current flows via side

makes 2 tap and through the Y
contact.
 
 The load current flows via
side 2 through the X-
Contact
Operation position
side 2
 

Operation of tap
changing is completed

To see it live click here 

For changing the tap-1 to tap-2 the voltage will be increased on secondary side of transformer
because the numbers of primary turns have now reduced.

Similarly, if we want to go on tap no.3, the operational sequence will be same as above but in
reverse (side -2 to side-1) and now the operation will become at first in selector switch, as the
odd moveable selector selects the tap no.3. For doing continuous changing the taps in step by
step, we select the tap-10. At this time only a main winding will be in circuited and current will
flows from ‘A’ to ‘B’ via the main winding to diverter switch. The tap-10 of this arrangement is
called ‘principal’ tap. At this tap the voltage on both sides will be rated. Now if we want further
changing in taps, operates the motor through the raise switch placed in drive unit.

Now the following operations will take place

 Reversing switch position will be automatically changed (N to M)

 Odd moveable selector (present position on tap-9), returns on tap -1
 Load shifts from side -2 to side -1 of diverter switch.

The polarity of tap winding will he reversed which means the primary turns decreased , hence
the secondary voltage would increased

The voltages increase, so tap-1 is now called step no 11 and the reversing switch will convert the
tapping range (2n-1).

Where n = number of taps

If n=14
The number of steps becomes = 27

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