HIGH VOLTAGE PRODUCTS

Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit

breakers

Breaker operating time

Controlled switching can minimize harmful 1. Introduction

electrical signal
transients
analysis upon planned switching Calculated time delay
signal prediction
of loads such as shunt capacitor banks, Controlled switching (also known as point-on-wave switching or
synchronous switching) is the technique of controlling circuit
shunt reactors, no-load power transformers,
breaker (CB) switching operations to occur at an optimum instant
and unloaded power cables. Release instant
in each of circuit
phase: For CB closing, current inception (making) is tar-
breaker
geted at a specific phase angle of the gap voltage across the CB
contacts. For opening, contact separation is targeted at a specific
phase angle of the current through the CB. The optimum target in-
stants depend on load type and configuration, CB characteristics,
and power system properties.

The purpose of controlled switching is minimizing harmful electrical

transients upon planned switching of loads such as shunt capaci-
tor banks, shunt reactors, no-load power transformers, and un-
loaded power cables. The method is also gaining acceptance for
re-energizing of Extra High Voltage (EHV) transmission lines, re-
placing traditional pre-insertion resistors. For each applicable type
of equipment and its design and connection configuration, CIGRE
has recommended suitable controlled switching strategies and
commissioning procedures [1][2][3] which are summarized below.

Controlled switching of a circuit breaker is achieved by a controlled

switching device (CSD, also called point-on-wave controller). The
CSD analyzes the primary voltage and current signals from sub-
station VTs and CTs to identify suitable switching targets. Upon re-
ceiving a CB closing or opening command, it issues a delayed
command to each CB pole according to the intended controlled
switching strategy. Note that, except for reclosing on transmission
 2 / 16 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS
lines, controlled switching is to be employed only for intentional
switching operations; protection trips must be hardwired to the CB
drive directly, bypassing the CSD.
As a prerequisite for successful controlled switching, the CSD
needs to know the mechanical and electrical properties of the con-
trolled CB, which are ideally obtained from type testing according to
[3][4]. The CSD uses the information on these properties to predict
the electrical and mechanical operating times of each CB pole so as
to issue the output command in time for hitting the controlled switch-
ing targets.
The functional principle is demonstrated in Figure 1. The CSD con-
tinuously extracts the zero crossings of the reference voltage. Upon
receipt of a switching command, it calculates the delay time neces-
sary for switching at the configured target angle, given the pre-de-
termined CB operating time. Depending on the mechanical and
electrical properties of the CB, it also adjusts the targets for optimal
reduction of switching transients.
Random instant of Random
switching command switching
instant
Breaker operating time
Signal analysis signal prediction
Calculated time delay
Release instant of
circuit breaker
Fig. 1: Principle of Controlled Switching
In most CB designs, the operating times may vary with external pa-
rameters such as control voltage, temperature, idle time, or stored
energy in the drive [4]. If it is not possible to keep these parameters
2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
constant (e.g. by using a stable power supply or by installing the CB
in a temperature-controlled environment), the CSD can reduce their
impact by applying a compensation curve. Moreover, for the same
CB type, parameters that need to be compensated will vary based
on specific site conditions. Furthermore, the CB’s operating charac-
teristics may change over the years or with the number of opera-
tions due to aging. The CSD can track this effect by a feature called
adaptive correction: After each operation, it compares the actual
switching instant to the target instant and applies a fraction of the
difference as a correction value to the next CB operation. The actual
switching instants are obtained from either CB current, load side
voltage, or a mechanical position sensor; the choice depends upon
the availability and suitability of the measurement devices.
2. Common load types
2.1 Shunt capacitor bank and uncompensated power
cable
optimal
switching
instant Uncontrolled energization of a capacitor bank or uncompensated
power cable often causes high transient inrush currents and result-
ing switching overvoltages of several pu [1]. These may lead to in-
crease in circuit breaker wear and may damage the insulation and
joints of the cable. To minimize inrush currents, energization is ide-
ally performed near gap voltage zero of each CB pole. In a three-
phase system, the connection configuration (YN, Y, or D) of the ca-
pacitor bank determines the optimal energizing targets in each
phase.
Figure 2 demonstrates controlled energization of an ungrounded ca-
pacitor bank to mitigate inrush currents. In this example, the inrush
currents in the second graph are well managed in the range of 2 pu
for all three phases.
 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS 3 / 16

System voltage L1

System voltage L2

System voltage L3

Inrush current L1

High Inrush first peaks

Inrush current L2

Inrush current L3

System voltage L1

System voltage L2

System voltage L3

Inrush current L1

Reduced inrush current first peaks

Inrush current L2

Inrush current L3

Fig. 2: Inrush current mitigation by controlled energization of an ungrounded capacitor bank

Controlled de-energization of a capacitor bank or power cable is typ-
ically not needed, as most modern CBs show a very low probability
of re-strikes (C2 class). However, in some cases, an increased
safety margin against re-strikes may be preferred. If controlled
opening is applied, the contact separation targets are set to ensure
sufficiently wide contact gap at the time of arc extinction.
but will have a very short rise time in range of a millisecond. This
can lead to breakdown of the dielectric withstand of the contact gap
and, hence, re-appearance of the current through arcing. This phe-
nomenon is known as re-ignition. Although CBs can withstand re-ig-
nitions, some re-ignitions may be harmful to both shunt reactor and
circuit breaker depending on CB design, reactor specification, and
power system configuration, and should be avoided [2][3][5].

2.2 Shunt reactor
When de-energizing a shunt reactor, interaction between the reac-
tor's inductance and stray capacitances causes oscillating voltage
transients with frequency in the range of kHz. Generally, in modern
alternating current (AC) CBs with SF6 as dielectric medium, the cur-
rent is interrupted in the vicinity of a natural current zero with very
low value of chopping currents. Consequently, the voltage transient
across the breaker (TRV) may not always have too high magnitude
IEC standard [5] defines the type testing procedures for circuit
breakers intended for reactor switching duty. This test is mainly to
obtain the corresponding circuit breaker characteristic parameters
such as chopping current and voltage withstand capability. With the
test circuit used, the results are most relevant for the specific nomi-
nal current magnitude and transient recovery voltage (TRV) shape
applied to the circuit breaker. For every installation, the TRV shape
as well as the chopping current will differ based on the design, con-
nection configuration and specification of the reactor. It will also be

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
 4 / 16 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS
impacted by the stray capacitances at site. Consequently, the
stresses on the circuit breaker and the reactor will be different from
that imposed during the type testing. Therefore, it is challenging to
anticipate the impact of these variations on expected life cycle dura-
tion of the breaker or the reactor. To minimize this impact, IEC,
IEEE and CIGRE study committees recommend application of
point-on-wave (PoW) or controlled switching [3]…[7].
Controlled opening is used to reduce the probability of re-ignitions
by ensuring adequate gap between arcing contacts at the time of
the natural current zero where the arc is expected to be quenched.
Arcing time L1
Output command L1
Output command L3
Output command L2
Fig. 3: Controlled de-energization of a 3-limb reactor using single-phase reference voltage
Other methods such as surge arresters can also be used to sup-
press the TRV peak [8]. Nevertheless, the preferred solution needs
to be evaluated for each installation [9]. Utmost care shall be taken
if the reactor currents are below the range defined in IEC62271-110
[5], as this may result in more severe transient recovery and chop-
ping overvoltages.
For further information, refer to the GTI on shunt reactor switching
[10].
Energization of a shunt reactor at undesirable instant may lead to
dissimilar DC component in current of the three phases and result in
higher level of neutral/zero-sequence current continuing for long
time. This may increase the probability of nuisance tripping during
energization in case of sensitive protection settings. Such tripping
may further lead to unintentional re-ignition in at least one of the CB
2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
The required arcing time* for each CB pole shall be determined con-
sidering the last half-cycle length (which may be extended or short-
ened due to interaction between phases) and probable overvoltage
across the contact gap post interruption.
*Arcing time is defined as the time from contact separation in the CB until current interruption.
During that time, current flow continues through an electrical arc inside the interrupter.
Figure 3 shows controlled de-energization of a YN connected shunt
reactor with 3-limb core. Due to the magnetic coupling between
phases, the last half cycle (current loop) in the second phase to
open (L3) is shortened whereas it is elongated in the last phase to
open (L2).
Reference voltage (L2)
Reactor current L1
(last loop unaltered)
Reactor current L2
(last loop elongated)
Arcing time L2
Arcing time L3
Reactor current L3
(last loop shortened)
poles, as protection trips will be executed without PoW control. Con-
trolled energization is often implemented to minimize the DC com-
ponent in charging currents and, thereby, the probability of said nui-
sance tripping. It is worth noting that reactor cores typically do not
saturate and hence, the charging current will have sinusoidal wave-
shape (power frequency only) with exponentially decaying DC com-
ponent. The ideal energization target is gap voltage peak for each
pole of the CB.
Figure 4 presents energization of a star grounded reactor. In first
graph, due to switching happened at undesirable instance, there ex-
ists large asymmetry in three phase currents and high zero se-
quence current lasting for long time. Whereas, in second graph, with
controlled switching having negligible deviation in pole-wise switch-
ing targets, the asymmetry in phase currents and zero sequence
current are minimized, which reduces probability of protection mal-
operation.
 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS 5 / 16

Current L1

Current L2

Current L3

Asymmetric DC component in all three phase currents,

high neutral current
Neutral
current
Reference voltage (L1)

Current L1

Current L2

Current L3

Minimized asymmetry in three phase currents,

Neutral very low neutral current
current
Reference voltage (L1)

Fig. 4: Minimization of asymmetric DC currents on reactor energization

2.3 Power transformer
During no-load energization of a transformer, controlled switching is
used for reducing inrush currents and, consequently, voltage distor-
tion in the power system. In a weak grid, this distortion may other-
wise lead to considerable voltage dip. If the transformer is directly
connected to a long transmission line, it may create temporary over-
voltage due to resonance of the line capacitance with the trans-
former inductance, which can even lead to nuisance tripping of other
equipment connected to the same grid.
may lead to very steep rise in magnetizing inrush current for even
slightly asymmetric operating flux. Therefore, achieving symmetrical
flux on energization requires consideration of residual fluxes in the
core from the previous de-energization and of dynamic fluxes due to
inter-phase coupling effects – either electrical coupling through a
delta connected winding or magnetic coupling through a three-limb
core. To mitigate inrush currents, no-load energization of a trans-

The magnetizing curves of modern power transformers are often de-

signed for high operating flux densities, placing the saturation point
just above the rated voltage of the transformer. This tight design

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
 6 / 16 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS

former is ideally performed at a phase angle where prospective age transformer directly connected to one of the windings of the
source-side flux (integral of source voltage) is equal to transformer- power transformer; its efficiency may be limited in installations
side (residual and dynamic) flux in each phase. where the residual flux may change after de-energization by CB
grading capacitors or other equipment.
The information on residual fluxes can be obtained in two ways:
1. Controlled opening of the CB to set a repeatable pattern of Controlled de-energization of a power transformer is usually not
residual fluxes in the core. The associated controlled closing necessary in itself, only to aid controlled energization as explained
strategy is manually fine-tuned during commissioning. This ap- above, as a modern circuit breaker will immediately chop the small
proach is possible in all installations but is less efficient after magnetizing current with negligible risk of re-ignition [2].
uncontrolled tripping of the CB. Figure 5 shows no-load energization of a power transformer con-
2. Residual flux estimation by integrating the transformer voltage nected to a weak grid. It can be observed that mitigation of inrush
during CB tripping. The CSD automatically adapts the con- current assists in minimizing voltage distortion on the grid and re-
trolled closing strategy to the calculated fluxes, which may vary duces the probability of nuisance tripping of other connected equip-
between operations. This approach requires a three-phase volt- ment.
Distorted grid and transformer winding voltages due to
uncontrolled switching and high inrush currents on weak grid

Inrush current L1

Inrush current L2

Inrush current L3
Grid voltage L1 Voltage dip due to high inrush current

Grid voltage L2

Grid voltage L3

Transformer winding
voltage L1
Transformer winding
voltage L2
Transformer winding
voltage L3

Minimized distortion in grid and transformer winding voltages due to

controlled switching with reduced inrush currents on weak grid

Inrush current L1

Inrush current L2

Inrush current L3
Grid voltage L1

Grid voltage L2

Grid voltage L3

Transformer winding
voltage L1
Transformer winding
voltage L2
Transformer winding
voltage L3
Fig. 5: Minimizing inrush currents and voltage distortion during transformer energization on a weak grid

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS
2.4 Unloaded transmission line
For unloaded transmission lines, controlled energization is used to
minimize the switching overvoltage on the line during dead-line
charging as well as during re-energization as part of auto-reclosure
sequence. To achieve this, each phase is ideally energized at gap
voltage zero of the corresponding CB pole. For controlled auto-re-
closing, the CSD needs to consider any trapped charge remaining
on the line from the preceding trip.
The trapped charge voltage may be a decaying DC for an uncom-
pensated line. The CSD must be able to detect these conditions and
accurately predict the CB gap voltage, which also depends on the
L1-g
fault
Asymmetry in healthy phase
currents till isolation of fault
Secondary arc quenched
from remote end
Fault persisting due
to secondary arc line voltage post quenching of secondary arc
Fault isolated at opposite end of the line
Fault isolated at local end of the line
Fig. 6: Successful controlled auto-reclosing on uncompensated transmission line
For a shunt compensated line, an oscillating AC voltage with typi-
cally more than one frequency component is observed post de-ener-
gization of the line. The resulting waveform of the gap voltage
across the CB is a beat signal, the properties of which depend upon
the electrical parameters of the transmission line, on the instant at
which the temporary fault is cleared, and on the level of shunt com-
pensation. Thus, the CSD shall be able to detect the instants of line
de-energization and of fault isolation in addition to accurate predic-
tion of the zero crossings on the beat pattern of the gap voltage
2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
7 / 16
properties of the line VT. Figure 6 shows successful controlled re-
energization of an uncompensated transmission line. The scenario
is single-phase auto-reclosure following a temporary phase-to
ground fault in L1. Upon isolation of the line from both ends, the fault
arc may still persist by energy being fed from the healthy phases
due to inter-phase coupling. This phenomenon, which is also shown
in the figure, is known as “secondary arc”. Successful auto-reclosure
is only possible when the secondary arc has been quenched. In the
example shown in Figure 6, the secondary arc gets quenched and
hence, the auto-reclosure is successful. It can also be observed that
the switching overvoltage post re-energization is effectively miti-
gated using controlled switching.
Current in the faulted phase L1
Current in the healthy phase L2
Current in the healthy phase L3
Mitigated overvoltage post
successful auto-reclosure
Line side voltage in the faulty phase L1
Line side voltage in the healthy phase L2
Line side voltage in the healthy phase L3
waveform. Here also, successful auto-reclosure is only possible
when the secondary arc has been quenched. Often this is facilitated
by an impedance in the neutral current path, such as a neutral
grounding reactor (NGR). Figure 7 shows successful re-energization
of a shunt reactor compensated line with compensation level less
than 50%. It can also be observed that the switching overvoltage
post re-energization is effectively mitigated using controlled switch-
ing.
 8 / 16 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Asymmetry in healthy phase currents
L1-g
till isolation of fault from remote end
fault
Voltage pattern during secondary arc
Fault isolated at opposite end of the line
Fault isolated at local end of the line
Secondary arc quenched
Fig. 7: Successful controlled auto-reclosing on shunt compensated transmission line
Like for capacitor banks, controlled de-energization is typically not
needed for transmission lines. Nevertheless, it can be optionally
employed for ensuring re-strike free operation of the circuit breaker.
3. Special applications
3.1 Generator circuit breaker in pump storage power plant
Generator circuit breakers (GCBs) in pump storage power plants
are operated frequently, often several times per day. Whereas in
generation mode, the plant operator can reduce the generated
power to near-zero prior to de-energization, in pump mode the GCB
will interrupt the full motor current of several kA. The arc drawn by
2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
Current in the faulty phase L1
Current in the healthy phase L2
Current in the healthy phase L3
Mitigated overvoltage post successful auto-reclosure
Beat pattern post quenching of secondary arc
Line side voltage in the faulty phase L1
Line side voltage in the healthy phase L2
Line side voltage in the healthy phase L3
this high load current will rapidly erode the arcing contacts within the
interrupter, which necessitates rather short overhaul intervals of just
a few years.
Controlled opening can be applied for separating the contacts
shortly before natural current zero. As the arc energy is proportional
the arcing time, keeping this time short will minimize contact erosion
and thereby extend the electrical life of the GCB.
Ideally, each GCB pole can be opened individually for optimized
arcing time. For GCBs that allow only simultaneous operation of the
three poles by design, the arcing time can be minimized in one
phase, and this optimized phase is rotated randomly or systemati-
cally. This balanced approach will statistically reduce interrupter
wear over uncontrolled switching. Figure 8 shows controlled de-en-
ergization of a GCB to reduce the electrical wear of the interrupter.
Being SPO GCB, arcing time is equally optimized for all three poles
of the CB.
 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS 9 / 16

Reference voltage
(L1)

Current L1
Current interruption L1

Arcing time
L1
Current L2
Arcing time
L2

Output Arcing time Current interruption L2

Current L3
command L3
L1
Output
command Output
L2 command Current interruption L3
L3

Fig. 8: Controlled opening of a GCB connected to a pump motor of approximately 4.2 kA

3.2 Shunt compensated cable
Renewable plants and oil platforms are often fed by long undersea
HV cables, which may pull high capacitive inrush currents during
their no-load energization. The capacitance of a long power cable is
often compensated by shunt reactors at one or both ends, to mini-
mize this reactive power pull. Many times, controlled energization is
recommended to minimize these capacitive charging inrush currents
and thereby the overvoltages on the cable, which otherwise may in-
crease the risk of failure of the cable insulation. In such cases, ener-
gization at voltage zero may cause missing current zeros, which
poses a risk of circuit breaker failure in case of protection trip shortly
after energization. This can be prevented by applying a non-zero en-
ergization target in each phase [3]. Figure 9 demonstrates controlled
energization of a 100% shunt reactor compensated cable for both
zero and non-zero energization targets

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
 10 / 16 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Initial peak close to 1 pu

Cable voltage
L1
Initial peak close to 1 pu
Cable voltage
L2
Initial peak close to 1 pu
Cable voltage
L3

Cable current
L1 Cable current with missing zeroes for more than 350 ms
Energization at voltage zero target
leading to missing zeroes phenomenon
Cable current
L2 Cable current with missing zeroes for more than 350 ms

Cable current
L3 Cable current with missing zeroes for more than 350 ms

Initial peak1.65 pu
Cable voltage
L1

Initial peak1.70 pu
Cable voltage
L2
Initial peak1.65 pu
Cable voltage
L3

Cable current
L1
1240 A peak (Steady state 50 A peak)
Energization away from voltage zero target
eliminating missing zeroes phenomenon
Cable current
L2 1638 A peak (Steady state 60 A peak)

Cable current
L3
1634 A peak (Steady state 46 A peak)

Fig. 9: Minimizing switching overvoltages and avoiding missing zeroes during cable energization

It can be observed that applying switching targets after gap voltage

zero effectively mitigates the missing current zero phenomenon is.
However, this targeting strategy may lead to somewhat higher
switching overvoltages. Accordingly, the capability of the cable insu-
lation to withstand this overvoltage and consequences on grid sta-
bility need to be verified prior to implementing this solution.

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS 11 / 16

3.3 Reactor with very low current rating or non-solidly
grounded neutral
For reactors having low current ratings or non-solidly grounded neu-
tral, the peak of the transient recovery voltage and its rate of rise
post current interruption may be more severe due to the possibility
of higher chopping currents. For reactors having effectively or non-
effectively grounded neutral, the first pole to de-energize will experi-
ence higher overvoltages. In such cases, to achieve successful in-
terruption using controlled de-energization, larger gap between arc-
ing contacts may be required. Consequently, the required arcing
times may exceed the nominal half cycle length, leading to inten-
tional re-ignition. The needed arcing times* shall need to be evalu-
ated considering the reactor design and circuit breaker electrical
characteristics [5].
*Consult the CB manufacturer to get the arcing time settings of the CSD.
Figure 10 shows one such case where arcing time larger than half-
cycle length is used to achieve successful current interruption for re-
actor with low current rating and grounded through neutral ground-
ing reactor (NGR).

Current Reference voltage L1

Contact separation L1
L1 Current interruption L1

Arcing time L1 *

Contact separation L2
Current interruption L2

Arcing time L2 **
Current Contact separation L3
L2 Current interruption L3
Arcing time L3 ***

Output command L1 * Greater than ½ cycle – intentional re-ignition

Current L3 ** Greater than ½ cycle – intentional re-ignition
Output command L2
Output command L3 *** Less than ½ cycle – no re-ignition

Fig. 10: : Controlled de-energization of shunt reactor with low current rating and grounded through NGR, showing arcing times exceeding the nominal half cycle length

3.4 Transformer with large capacitive load –
Ferroresonance
In case of no-load energization of a power transformer together with
a large capacitive element like a transmission line, ferro-resonance
will occur. If controlled switching is targeted to minimize inrush cur-
rents, voltage sag may be observed due to the high inductance of
the transformer. Here, the effect of the capacitance element will be
negligible. On the other hand, energization with high inrush currents
may lead to overvoltage. In this case, the capacitance will dominate
over the low inductance of the transformer. The same can be ob-
served in Figure 10. The amount of overvoltage or voltage sag de-
pends on the configuration and design parameters of the trans-
former and the capacitance. The switching angles and surrounding
system parameters will also impact. In such cases, the controlled
switching strategy shall be chosen for the desired transient mitiga-
tion (voltage distortion, inrush currents):
● High inrush currents resulting in overvoltage due to ferroreso-
nance dominated by the line capacitance
● Low inrush currents resulting in undervoltage due to ferroreso-
nance dominated by the transformer inductance

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
 12 / 16 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Grid voltage L1 after switching showing ferro-

Grid voltage L1 before switching resonance overvoltage

Magnetizing inrush current L1

High inrush currents, Lower inductance Magnetizing inrush current L2
offered by transformer Magnetizing inrush current L3

Grid voltage L1 after switching

Grid voltage L1 before switching showing voltage dip

Low inrush currents, Magnetizing inrush current L1

Higher inductance Magnetizing inrush current L2
offered by transformer Magnetizing inrush current L3

Fig. 11: Controlled energization of a power transformer connected to transmission line: (a) high inrush currents resulting in overvoltage due to ferroresonance dominated
by the line capacitance (b) low inrush currents resulting in undervoltage due to ferroresonance dominated by the transformer inductance

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS
3.5 Variable loads
In some controlled switching applications, the CB may not always
switch the same load, or the relevant properties of the load may
change in service. Some examples include,
● The middle CB in a 1½-breakers or similar arrangement
● Transmission line or power cable having shunt reactors that can
be connected or disconnected
● Switchable grounding of the neutral point of a power transformer
Each of these cases requires the CSD to detect the currently active
system condition and dynamically adjust its operation accordingly.
For example, consider CB2 in the 1½-CB arrangement shown in
Figure 11. On the upper end, it is connected to a capacitor bank,
which requires energization near voltage zero; the reference signal
for energizing the capacitor would be taken from VTr or V2. On the
lower end, it is connected to a power transformer, which should be
energized near voltage peak; the reference signal would be taken
from VC or V1. Through suitable internal and external logic, the
CSD will receive and consider the appropriate reference signal, con-
trolled switching strategy, and feedback signal in each of these sce-
narios.
V1
CB1
VC
CB2
VTr
CB3
V2
Fig. 12: Variable controlled switching duty on the middle breaker in a 1½-CB diameter
4. Equipment properties
4.1 Circuit breaker characteristics
Controlled switching can be effectively used for different types of CB
technologies viz. live tank, dead tank, gas insulated, and mixed
technology. Moreover, the repeatability in mitigation performance
2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
13 / 16
needs stable CB characteristics. Mechanical parameters include op-
erating time variation at rated operating conditions, mechanical ag-
ing, and the impact of external parameters like temperature, DC
voltage, idle time etc., on the operating times. The same is governed
by type of operating mechanism used, e.g. spring drive, hydraulic
drive, hydraulic-spring (hybrid) drive, or motor drive. The electrical
parameters include rate of decrease of dielectric strength (RDDS),
electrical aging etc. These parameters are governed by the type of
interrupter design – puffer type, self-blast type etc., whether single
unit or multi-unit per phase, with or without grading capacitors for
multi-unit designs etc. To achieve long term reliability in mitigation
performance, the CSD needs to accurately monitor the variation in
the mechanical and electrical characteristics due to aging effect, and
it needs to adapt for the same over its entire service period. This is
done by adaptivity function of the CSD.
4.2 CB suitability for controlled switching
The assessment of CB suitability shall be performed for both con-
trolled closing and controlled opening operations. The opening oper-
ations shall be assessed based on successful reactor switching type
test duty performed for the individual CB type. For closing opera-
tions, the suitability shall be assessed based on the gap voltage tar-
geting requirement for individual poles of the CB, which depends on
the type, design and connection configuration of the power equip-
ment to be switched. The assessment should be performed specifi-
cally for the intended system frequency, as the time period of the
gap voltage wave significantly affects the performance of controlled
closing operation. Two extremes of targets, viz. gap voltage zero
and gap voltage peak energization, need to be assessed, as the
same will cover most of the power system equipment with diverse
design and connection configurations.
The assessment of a circuit breaker’s suitability for targeting ener-
gization at gap voltage zero and peak at 50 Hz is shown in Figure
12. As explained in CIGRE TB-757 [3], the worst-case pre-strike
voltage for optimal energization is determined and categorized. Sim-
ilar assessment shall be done for different gap voltages based on
equipment design and connection configurations.
 14 / 16 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Optimized peak target for inductive loads Optimized zero target for capacitive loads
(transformers, reactors) (capacitor banks, cables)

Fig. 13: CB suitability assessment for gap voltage zero and peak targets at 1 p.u. gap voltage, 50Hz

Consequently, the suitability for gap voltage zero and gap voltage
peak targets for various load configurations can be determined
based on the maximum deviation in making targets. The suitability
can be categorized in four levels 1…4, with 1 being not suitable and
4 being well suitable [3]. An example of the deviation limits for gap
voltage peak and gap voltage zero targets for levels 1 to 4 are given
in Table 1

Table 1 Categories of worst-case pre-strike voltage for assessment

of CB suitability, based on [3]

*Values are indicative and are used to demonstrate the proposed assessment procedure. The
mitigation performance also depends upon equipment design, CB characteristics and system
topology.

Maximum pre-strike voltage when

Minimum pre-strike voltage
Target Criteria energizing near gap voltage zero
when energizing near gap Rank
(%)*
voltage peak (%)*

Nicely suitable 100 to 80 0 to 30 4

Moderately
Capacitive VT measurement (higher harmonic noise)
80 to 70 30 to 40 3
suitable

Suitable at risk 70 to 60 40 to 50 2

Not suitable < 60 > 50 1

Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ high-voltage circuit breakers fulfill the requirements listed above and
are thus well suitable for controlled switching application.

4.3 Voltage transformers

Every CSD requires a targeting reference signal, which is usually

the voltage on the source side of the CB e.g. from a busbar VT. For
optimal accuracy of controlled switching operations, the phase dis-
placement of the VT signal should not exceed ±1 electrical degree
at steady-state nominal voltage.

In some applications, most notably with power transformers, the ac-

tual switching instants can be determined from the three-phase volt-
age signal on the load side of the CB. Here, inductive VTs are rec-
ommended as they usually have better accuracy than capacitive Inductive VT measurement (minimum noise)
VTs in rendering the switching transients. See Figure 14
Fig. 14: CVT response vs. inductive VT response

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
 HITACHI ENERGY | GENERAL TECHNICAL INFORMATION | CONTROLLED SWITCHING OF HIGH-VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BREAKERS
4.4 Current transformers
The current through the CB is most often used as feedback signal to
the CSD for determining CB status and actual switching instants.
For controlled switching, protection cores should be used to prevent
saturation. CTs of accuracy class 5P (IEC) / C (ANSI) or better are
recommended.
Protection CT core (minimum distortion)
Metering CT core (large distortion in waveform due to saturation)
Fig. 15: Transient current rendering by metering core vs. protection core
4.5 Controlled switching devices
Smooth implementation of controlled switching is best assured by
installing CB and CSD from the same manufacturer. Power Grids of-
fers CSDs for all applications described in this document and for
many more, to go with its circuit breakers of all technologies.
In addition to the basic controlled switching and optimization func-
tionality, state-of-the-art CSDs feature additional functions to add
value for the user. This may include,
● Monitoring of CB switching operations, utilizing the signals al-
ready used for controlled switching (i.e. not requiring additional
sensors on the CB)
● Guided entry of application parameters for easy setup in the in-
stallation
● Embedded web server for graphical access to recorded data
2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers
15 / 16
● Communication interfaces according to IEC 61850 for seamless
integration into a digital substation
5. Conclusion
For every circuit breaker that will switch one or more of the load
types listed above, controlled switching is beneficial to the CB itself,
to the switched load, to equipment insulation, and/or to the power
system. The reduction of switching transients will result in extended
equipment lifetime, improved power quality, and, ultimately, cost
savings. To get best mitigation performance, controlled switching
should be applied as an overall solution considering CSD, CB and
power system aspects
6. References
[1] CIGRE WG 13.07: “Controlled Switching of HVAC Circuit Break-
ers: Guide for Application – Lines, Reactors, Capacitors, Transform-
ers, 1st part.” ÉLECTRA, No. 183, April 1999, pp. 43-73.
[2] CIGRE WG 13.07: “Controlled Switching of HVAC Circuit Break-
ers: Guide for Application – Lines, Reactors, Capacitors, Transform-
ers, 2nd part.” ÉLECTRA, No. 185, August 1999, pp. 37-57.
[3] CIGRE WG A3.35: Guidelines and best practices for the commis-
sioning and operation of controlled switching projects. CIGRE Tech-
nical Brochure No. 757, 2019.
[4] IEC/TR 62271-302: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 302: Alternating current circuit-breakers with intentionally non-
simultaneous pole operation. Edition 1.0, 2010.
[5] IEC 62271-110: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear – Part
110: Inductive load switching. Edition 4.0, 2017.
[6] IEC/TR 62271-306: High-voltage switchgear and controlgear –
Part 306: Guide to IEC 62271-100, IEC 62271-1 and other IEC stan-
dards related to alternating current circuit-breakers. Edition 1.1,
2018.
[7] IEEE Std C37.015-2017: IEEE Guide for the Application of Shunt
Reactor Switching.
[8] CIGRE WG B5.37: Protection, Monitoring and Control of Shunt
Reactors. CIGRE Technical Brochure No. 546, 2013.
[9] CIGRE Green Book: Switching Equipment. Springer, 2019.
[10] General Technical Information: Shunt reactor switching – High
voltage circuit-breakers.High Voltage Products, 2020.
 FACEBOOK.COM/HASHTAG/HITACHIENERGY

INSTAGRAM.COM/HITACHIENERGY

TWITTER.COM/HITACHIENERGY

YOUTUBE.COM/C/HITACHIENERGY

LINKEDIN.COM/COMPANY/HITACHIENERGY

2GHV092716 en B Released Public (Original document) | Controlled switching of high-voltage circuit breakers

Hitachi Energy Switzerland AG

High Voltage Products
Brown Boveri Strasse 5
8050 Zurich / Switzerland
Hotline 24 hours service: hitachienergy.com/contact-us
e-mail: contact-us@hitachienergy.com

hitachienergy.com

ABB is a registered trademark of ABB Asea Brown Boveri Ltd.

Manufactured by/for a Hitachi Energy company.
© Hitachi Energy 2021 . All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.