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DEFINITION
Switchgear is a general term covering switching, interrupting, control, metering, protective and regulating device with associated interconnections, accessories and supporting structures for use in connection with the generation, transmission, distribution and conversion of electric power
FUNCTION
It must safely interrupt the normal working current as well as the short circuit current After occurrence of fault the switchgear must isolate the faulty circuit as quickly as possible i.e keeping the delay to minimum It should not operate when an over current flows under healthy conditions To facilitate redistribution of loads, inspection and maintenance on the system
Tank construction
Mounting
Separate tank for each pole, one tank for all poles
Panel mounted, rear of panel and remote from panel
SWITCHGEAR CONSTRUCTION
The control of a power system involves the use of switch gears for making and breaking circuit It is of metal clad type where all live parts are completely enclosed in a metal casing filled with insulating medium Rigorously interlock to prevent access to live parts
TYPES OF SWITCHGEAR
Indoor draw-out gear (vertical or horizontal) Indoor fixed circuit breaker Out door draw-out gear
SWITCHGEAR RATINGS
Rated voltage - kV Rated current - A Rated breaking capacities (symmetrical and asymmetrical) - kA Rated making capacities - kA Rated short time current and duration kA, second Rated frequency 50Hz, 60Hz
RATED VOLTAGE
The rated maximum voltage of a circuit breaker is the highest rms voltage, above nominal system voltage for which the circuit breaker is designed and is the upper limit for operation
RATED CURRENT
Is the designated limit of current in rms amperes which it shall be capable of carrying continuously without exceeding the limit of observable temperature rise (which should not exceed 40 degrees C)
RATED FREQUENCY
50Hz
ADVANTAGE OF OIL
The absorption of arc energy in decomposing the oil The good cooling properties of the gas formed Cooling by oil around the gaseous arc path The ability of cold oil of high electric strength to flow into the arc space after a current zero The natural insulation value of the oil, enabling clearances to be minimised
DISADVANTAGE OF OIL
It is easily inflammable It may form an explosive mixture with air It requires maintenance Troublesome to handle oil
CLASSIFICATION
Plain break oil circuit breakers Self blast or self generated or arc control circuit breakers Externally generated pressure oil circuit breakers or forced blast oil circuit breakers or impulse oil circuit breakers
BREAK TYPE
Single break Double break better choice because spark is divided into two contacts, last longer
VACUUM CHAMBER/BOTTLE
Made of synthetic material such as urathane foam which is enclosed in an outer glass fibre reinforced plastic tube or of simple glass or porcelain, two contacts, a metal shield and a metal bellows are sealed inside the chamber. The contacts must be pure and thoroughly degassed
OPERATING MECHANISM
The lower end is fixed to a spring operated or solenoid operated mechanism, so that the metallic bellows inside the chamber are moved upward and downward during closing and opening operations respectively. However there should be sufficient pressure to allow a reasonable wipe for a good connection between the two contacts
HORIZONTAL MOVEMENT
While the OCB moves vertically, the VCB normally moves horizontally so that the busbar spouts are at the back of the circuit breaker panel instead of at the top
C.B MAINTENANCE
OCB Maintenance VCB Maintenance SF6 C.B Maintenance Battery Maintenance Protection circuit testing
OCB MAINTENANCE
Check contacts for pitting or burn Pitted copper contact should be smooth by fine file Pitted silver contacts should not be filed out Contacts shall be flushed with oil and wiped clean using recommended solvent of nonmercurial property Burnt silver contacts should be changed
CHECK STROKE
Checking the stroke is to ensure that the tension rod carries the moving contact the required distance to enable the moving and the fixed contact to make properly and also adequate clearance is maintained between line and isolated section when the OCB is tripped. Check tension rod for any sign of cracks or faulting against the guide rail
CHECK WIPE
Check on contact wipe is to ensure that there is existing sufficient pressure between the moving and the fixed contact when the OCB is at its ON position Stroke and wipe are always adjusted to the manufacturers recommendations Tighten bolts and nuts, especially on the tension of the cross-arm
TURBULATOR
Check buffer stacks of the turbulator for sign of burn and the clearance is maintained for the moving contacts to come through Carbon deposits on the stacks should be washed away with oil Burned buffer stack should be replaced immediately Ensure buffer stacks are rearranged to its original position after cleaning work
BUSHINGS
Inspect internal OCB bushings for cracks Clean bushing from carbon deposits Slightly chipped and scratched bushing may be repaired by good quality varnish as recommended by the manufacturer External bushings are to be wiped clean using cotton waste rayon or Tetrachloride Bushing terminals should be cleaned and a thin layer of vaseline applied on them
OIL
New or recycle oil should pass the dielectric strength test of 30kV for 1 minute Existing oil in the OCB should pass the dielectric strength test of 14kV The oil should be changer to new one after opening under heavy fault condition Ensure new and existing oil is not contaminated
MECHANISM
Check for free movement Inspect for sign of wear Tighten bolts and nuts especially on the moving mechanisms
PHASE BARRIER
Inspect lining and phase barriers for burns Change burnt phase barrier Check that phase barriers are securely held in place and that they do not hinder any movement of the tension rods or arms when the tank is replaced
OVERSHOOT STOP
Check overshoot stop and adjust in accordance with the manufacturers instruction
OTHERS
Check protection fuse for continuity and terminal contacts effectiveness Clean and lubricated auxiliary switch contacts Check termination of pilot cable for tightness and cleanliness Replaced faded labels
INSULATION RESISTANCE
With OCB at ON position, insulation resistance of each phase to earth and between phases are to be tested With OCB at OFF position, the insulation resistance between bushings of the same phases is to be tested Test trip the OCB three or four times manually or under remote control to see that the tripping circuit and the OCB are in good working order