Radiometric measurement of circuit breaker interpole

switching times
Philip Moore1
1
University of Bath
Monitoring the switching times of circuit breakers is important in the condition
assessment of the operating mechanism. Although methods exist for this, they
are not applicable to existing plant without retrofitting. Recent research shows
that arcing produces impulsive radio frequency radiation. Using direct digital
sampling of the antenna signals, impulses from operating circuit breakers may be
recorded. From timing analysis of the received impulses, the interpole switching
time of the circuit breaker can be measured. Results of this method are shown
for a field trial on a 132 kV SF6 circuit breaker attached to a capacitor bank. The
relationship between the opening and closing impulses is discussed. This
method of timing measurement can be applied to energised plant. Measurement
of the interpole switching times is completely non-invasive, whereas the overall
switching time requires a clamp CT fitted on the CB wiring.