Lifetime Sealing and Maintenance-Free Operation
The manufacturing process of vacuum interrupters ensures they are "sealed for lifetime," eliminating the need for ongoing monitoring systems or periodic tightness tests as stipulated in IEEE Standard C37.100.1, paragraph 6.8.3. This hermetic sealing is achieved through advanced brazing techniques and high-vacuum furnaces, ensuring that the vacuum integrity is maintained throughout the operational life of the device. This feature significantly reduces maintenance requirements and enhances the reliability of the vacuum interrupter.
Current Chopping and Overvoltage Concerns
Under certain operating conditions, vacuum circuit breakers can force the current in the circuit to zero before the natural zero crossing and reversal of the alternating current. This phenomenon, known as current chopping, can occur if the interrupter's operation timing is unfavorable relative to the AC voltage waveform. Specifically, if the arc is extinguished but the contacts are still moving and ionization has not yet dissipated, the voltage across the gap may exceed the withstand voltage of the interrupter. This can lead to the re-ignition of the arc, causing abrupt transient currents and introducing oscillations into the system. These oscillations can result in significant overvoltage, posing a risk to the insulation of surrounding equipment.
Mitigation Strategies
Vacuum-interrupter manufacturers address these concerns by carefully selecting contact materials and designing contacts to minimize current chopping. Common materials used include copper-chromium alloys, which offer excellent electrical and thermal properties, as well as resistance to arc erosion. The contacts are often shaped with slots, ridges, or grooves to generate magnetic fields that move the arc spot across the contact surface, reducing localized wear and maintaining a low arc voltage.
To further protect equipment from overvoltage, vacuum switchgear typically includes surge arresters. These devices are designed to absorb and dissipate transient overvoltages, ensuring that the insulation of connected equipment remains intact. Surge arresters are a critical component in the overall protection scheme, providing an additional layer of safety and reliability.
Modern Developments
Advancements in vacuum interrupter technology have led to significant reductions in current chopping. Modern vacuum circuit breakers are designed to operate with very low current chopping levels, minimizing the risk of induced overvoltage. As a result, these breakers do not typically cause overvoltage levels that could compromise the insulation of surrounding equipment. This improvement is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of electrical systems, particularly in applications where high reliability and performance are essential.
The manufacturing process of vacuum interrupters ensures they are "sealed for lifetime," eliminating the need for maintenance and tightness tests. However, under certain conditions, current chopping can occur, leading to overvoltage and potential damage to equipment. To mitigate these risks, manufacturers use advanced contact materials and designs, and vacuum switchgear is equipped with surge arresters to protect against overvoltage. Modern advancements have significantly reduced current chopping, ensuring that vacuum circuit breakers do not induce overvoltage levels that could harm surrounding equipment, thus enhancing the overall reliability and safety of electrical systems.
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Technical Parameters
Data | Unit | Value |
Rated Frequency | Hz | 50 |
Rated Voltage | kV | 12 |
Rated Short-duration Withstand Voltage | kV | 48 |
Rated Lightning Impulse Withstand Voltage | kV | 85 |
Rated Current | A | 1250 |
Circuit Resistance at the Lowest Rated Contact Force | μΩ | ≤25 |
Rated Short-circuit Breaking Current | kA | 25 |
Rated Short-circuit Breaking Current Breaking Times | Times | 30 |
Rated Short-duration Withstand Current | kA | 25 |
Rated Duration of Short-circuit | s | 4 |
Rated Peak Withstand Current | kA | 63 |
Rated Short-circuit Making Current | kA | 63 |
Rated Operaing Sequence | O-0.3(0.5)s-CO-180s-CO | |
Contact Stroke | mm | 11±1 |
Contact Closing Force | N | 80±30 |
Force Required to hold contacts open at full stroke | N | 160±40 |
Average Opening Speed (first 75% stroke) | m/s | 1.0±0.2 |
Average Closing Speed (last 30% stroke) | m/s | 0.65±0.15 |
Rated Contact Force | N | 2000±200 |
Contact Force at the Touch Point | N | 1400±100 |
Contact Closing Bouncing Duration | ms | ≤2 |
Contact Opening and Closing Non-simultaneity | ms | ≤2 |
Contact Opening Rebound Amplitude | mm | ≤2 |
Storage Life | Years | 20 |
Mechanical Endurance | Times | 10000 |
Contact Erosion Limit | mm | 3 |