EP3582348A1

EP3582348A1 - Multi-functional integrated high voltage switchgear with digital control functionalities

Info

Publication number: EP3582348A1
Application number: EP18177493.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ennio Errico; Sebastiano Scarpaci; Lorenzo Scotti; Tomas Roininen
Original assignee: ABB Schweiz AG
Current assignee: Hitachi Energy Ltd
Priority date: 2018-06-13
Filing date: 2018-06-13
Publication date: 2019-12-18
Also published as: JP2021527381A; JP2021527383A; WO2019238597A1; WO2019238598A1

Abstract

A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear comprising a plurality of electrical apparatuses and mechanisms having corresponding operating devices, at least a first of said operating devices being a motor-actuated operating device, characterized in that said motor-actuated operating device is operatively connected to an electrical drive control system which is adapted for controlling said motor-actuated operating device and at least a second of said operating devices.

Description

The present invention relates to a multifunctional high voltage switchgear, in particular to a multifunctional integrated high voltage switchgear having integrated digital control and communication functionalities. For the purposes of the present invention, the term "high voltage" is used to designate operating voltages above 1000 volts AC.
It is known from the state of the art that high voltage apparatuses can be associated in integrated switchgears that combine a number of functionalities, e.g. circuit breaker functionalities, disconnecting functionalities earthing/fast-earthing functionalities and similar functionalities. Examples of multi-functional switchgears are the Gas Insulated Switchgears, the hybrid modules (e.g. the ABB PASS modules), the Air Insulated Switchgears, the Disconnecting Circuit Breakers combined with earthing switches, and similar switchgears.
In the case of the Disconnecting Circuit Breakers, the circuit breaker functionality is combined with the disconnecting functionality within the same set of contacts. The Disconnecting Circuit Breakers is then combined with remotely operated earthing switches that can be positioned on the circuit breaker structure or as a free standing unit.
When during operation the circuit breaker is opened, the open contacts are designed to provide insulation in accordance with the standards for disconnectors. The contacts are then electrically interlocked and mechanically blocked to provide safe closure of the earthing switches. When the earthing switches are closed, electrical interlocking inhibits removal of the mechanical blocking system.
The blocking mechanism is operated with a separate operating mechanism, normally consisting of a motor operated mechanical actuator, which is provided with corresponding position switches, motor protection circuits and interlocking relays for the control of the operation. The mechanical operating mechanism is adapted to block the circuit breaker in the open position according to the desired interlocking criterion. A relatively complex circuitry and related wiring is normally necessary to ensure the proper functionality.
The earthing switches are also operated by an individual operating mechanism. Also in this case, the operating mechanism contains a motor operated mechanical actuator, which is provided with corresponding position switches, motor protection circuits and interlocking relays for the control of the operation. Also in this case, a relatively complex circuitry and related wiring is normally necessary to ensure the proper functionality.
The circuit breaker operating mechanism can be of hydraulic, spring or servo motor type, and controls and delivers the force to operate the circuit breaker contacts. The Disconnecting Circuit Breakers operating device also contains local operating switches for the circuit breaker, blocking mechanism and earthing switches. The operating device is also provided with wiring to provide the desired interlocking functionality.
In particular, the interlocking system is provided with circuitry and wiring in order to block the earthing switches operation when the circuit breaker is closed or when the circuit breaker is open and not blocked, and to interlock the circuit breaker operation when the earthing switches are closed or when the mechanical block is engaged.
In practice, the conventional Disconnecting Circuit Breakers normally need complex circuitry and wiring at the circuit breaker operating device as well as at the blocking mechanism operating device and earthing switches operating device, in order to achieve the desired interlocking functionalities. Moreover, in the conventional Disconnecting Circuit Breakers a number of cubicles (e.g. a central control cubicle and one or more drive cubicles) are normally needed to house the various equipment needed.
More in general, multi-functional High Voltage Switchgears are nowadays starting to adopt electronic Local Control Cubicles based on PLC (Programmable Logic Control), to replace conventional Local Control Cubicles based on analogic components such as relays and contactors. Multi-functional High Voltage Switchgears, such as those previously described, require the Local Control Cubicles to manage in addition to the circuit breaker, also one or more disconnectors and/or earthing switches and/or fast-acting earthing switches.
It is known that circuit breakers, disconnectors, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches can be conveniently operated by dedicated electro-mechanical drives based on the use of a gear-motor with single or multi-stage mechanical reduction, and provided with physical auxiliary contacts, that are used by the Local Control Cubicles, to whom they are linked through analogic connectors and cables.
Auxiliary contacts are linked to the drive shaft by means of different mechanical solutions, generally including gear reductions, endless screws, cam disc actuators and similar equipment, which require a certain space in the drive enclosure, having significant impact on cost.
To be connected to an electronic Local Control Cubicles, each drive needs a dedicated I/O board with A/D converter, which means having a significant variability of cost and space occupancy in the Local Control Cubicles, depending on the number of apparatuses (circuit breakers, disconnectors, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches) to be managed.
Moreover, auxiliary contacts have to be manually adjusted during production, in order to compensate tolerances. Having much smaller strokes than the main contacts of the high voltage active parts, this adjustment is usually a relatively long and complex process, requiring skilled operators. This process has be repeated every time the drive is re-mounted on the high voltage apparatus, e.g. for shipping or maintenance purposes.
As a further drawback, the use of the conventional solution is sometimes a limit for the control capability, due to a maximum number of auxiliary contacts that can be fitted in the drive enclosure. The issue is usually overcome by the use of relays in the Local Control Cubicles, but such solution leads to an increase of the cost and space occupation.
On the basis of the above considerations, there is a need to have available technical solutions for multi-functional high voltage switchgears that will enable the limits and the problems set forth above to be overcome.
Hence, the present disclosure is aimed at providing a multi-functional integrated high voltage switchgear with digital control functionalities, which allows overcoming at least some of the above-mentioned shortcomings.
In particular, the present disclosure is aimed at providing a multi-functional integrated high voltage switchgears, in which the circuitry and wiring is reduced and simplified with respect to the conventional high voltage switchgears.
Furthermore, the present disclosure is aimed at providing a multi-functional integrated high voltage switchgear, in which the operating mechanisms to achieve a desired functionality are simplified.
Moreover, the present disclosure is aimed at providing a multi-functional integrated high voltage switchgear, in which the number of analogic components is reduced, and at the same time the functionalities are increased - or at least maintained - with respect to the conventional high voltage switchgears.
In addition, the present disclosure is aimed at providing a multi-functional integrated high voltage switchgear, in which the adjustment operations during manufacturing or maintenance are simplified.
Furthermore, the present disclosure is aimed at providing a multi-functional integrated high voltage switchgear, which have a more simple and compact structure, in terms of both the number of cubicles needed and the volume occupied by the components inside the cubicle(s).
Also, the present disclosure is aimed at providing a multi-functional integrated high voltage switchgear, which has a compact structure with a reduced number of components, is reliable and relatively easy to produce at competitive costs.
Thus, the present disclosure relates to a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear which comprises a plurality of electrical apparatuses and mechanisms having corresponding operating devices, at least a first of said operating devices being a motor-actuated operating device; the multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear of the present invention is characterized in that said motor-actuated operating device is operatively connected to an electrical drive control system which is adapted for controlling said motor-actuated operating device and at least a second of said operating devices.
As better explained in the following description, thanks to the innovative structure of the control system of the multifunctional high voltage switchgear of the present invention - in which a number of functionalities are integrated in the electrical/digital operating mechanism - the above-mentioned problems can be avoided, or at least greatly reduced.
In practice, in the multifunctional integrated high voltage switchgear of the present disclosure, a number of functionalities related to a number of different electrical apparatuses and mechanisms, e.g. the interlocking functionalities in a Disconnecting Circuit Breakers, can be integrated in the same electrical drive control system, thereby making unnecessary the complex wiring and circuitry for functionally connecting the various operating devices to a central control cubicle.
In other words, the functionalities (e.g. the interlocking functionalities in a Disconnecting Circuit Breakers) managed by the conventional central control cubicles based on analogic components of the prior art switchgears, in the presently disclosed multifunctional integrated high voltage switchgear are managed by an electrical drive control system present in the switchgear. In this way, some of the electromechanical components currently used in prior art systems can be replaced by more simple and cheap sensors.
Thus, as better explained in the following description, in a typical embodiment of a multifunctional integrated high voltage switchgear according to the present disclosure, said electrical drive control system is adapted to send control signals to said motor-actuated operating device and to at least said second operating device, and to receive from them signals indicative of an operative condition of said motor-actuated operating device and second operating device, thereby carrying out the position sensing and control functionalities on a number of operating devices.
In particular, in an embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, according to the present disclosure, one or more of said plurality of electrical apparatuses and mechanisms comprises one or more auxiliary equipment adapted to send a signal indicative of an operative condition of said one or more of said plurality of electrical apparatuses and mechanisms to said electrical drive control system. For instance, said signal indicative of an operative condition of said one or more of said plurality of electrical apparatuses can be a signal indicative of an open or closed status of an earthing switch, or a signal indicative of the position of a blocking mechanism in an interlocking system, or similar signals.
In a particular embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, one or more of said operating devices comprises a digital interface adapted to send a digital signal indicative of an operative condition of said one or more of said operating devices to said electrical drive control system.
In practice, according to this embodiment, one or more analogic auxiliary equipment in an operating device, e.g. an electro-mechanical drive of a disconnector, can be replaced by an electronic unit adapted to generate a digital signal. The operating device is then digitally connected to the electrical drive control system (Local Control Cubicle), e.g. by means of a serial port.
In this way, the electrical drive control system can manage a certain number of operating device (e.g., electro-mechanical drives) with a single board, without A/D conversion, saving space, costs and strongly reducing the variability.
In typical embodiments of the presently disclosed multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms can be conveniently selected, for example, among one or more of the following: circuit breakers, disconnectors, disconnecting circuit breakers, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches, combined disconnectors and earthing switches, blocking and interlocking mechanisms.
Typical examples of auxiliary equipment that can be used in the presently disclosed multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgears can be one or more of the following: auxiliary contacts, positions switches, position indicators, operating device protection relays, interlocking relays.
In a preferred embodiment of the presently disclosed multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear said electrical drive control system is also adapted to provide power supply to one or more of said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms.
In a greatly preferred embodiment of the multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, the electrical drive control system is also adapted to programming a control logic for one or more of said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms. In practice, according to this embodiment, if modifications of functionalities for one or more operating devices are required, e.g. modification of interlocking functionalities for earthing switches and blocking mechanisms, such modifications can be easily carried out without any physical change by reprogramming of logical functions of the electrical drive control system.
An exemplary embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, according to the present disclosure, is given by disconnecting circuit breaker which comprises: as a first electrical apparatus, a circuit breaker with a corresponding first motor-actuated operating device; as a second electrical apparatus, an earthing switch with a corresponding second operating device; and as a third electrical mechanism a blocking mechanism for said circuit breaker with a corresponding third operating device.
In such embodiment, as better explained hereinafter, said electrical drive control system controls said earthing switch, circuit breaker and blocking mechanism and coordinates the interlocking functionalities between said earthing switch and circuit breaker.
Moreover, in the disconnecting circuit breaker thus conceived, the electrical drive control system is adapted to send/receive position and control signals to/from said earthing switch, circuit breaker and blocking mechanism, thereby carrying out also monitoring functions of the circuit breaker, earthing switches and blocking system and send a corresponding alarm if a problem is detected.
Preferably, the electrical drive control system of such disconnecting circuit breaker can be advantageously adapted to supply power to said earthing switch, circuit breaker and blocking mechanism, as well as to programming a control logic for said earthing switch and/or for said circuit breaker and/or for said blocking mechanism.
In a further exemplary embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, according to the present disclosure, a first of said electrical apparatuses is a circuit breaker having a corresponding first motor-actuated operating device, and one or more further electrical apparatuses are selected among one or more of the following: disconnectors, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches, combined disconnectors and earthing switches. Said one or more further electrical apparatuses are conveniently provided with corresponding motor-actuated operating devices (Drives) which are in digital communication with said electrical drive control system.
To this purpose, one or more of said motor-actuated operating devices conveniently comprises a digital interface which is adapted to send a digital signal indicative of an operative condition of said one or more of said motor-actuated operating devices to said electrical drive control system.
In practice, according to this further exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, the electrical apparatuses (e.g., disconnectors, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches, combined disconnectors and earthing switches) are conveniently provided with a corresponding motor-actuated operating device in which the auxiliary contacts and the related mechanical systems are replaced by an electronic unit including a transducer. Said transducer is adapted to detect an operative condition of a corresponding electrical apparatus and to output a signal indicative of said operative condition.
The digital interface between the motor-actuated operating device and the electrical drive control system can conveniently comprise an electronic board for transducer signal processing and position control. Such electronic board can be fitted either in the motor-actuated operating device or located in the electrical drive control system.
In this way, the electrical drive control system (Local Control Cubicle) can conveniently manage a certain number of motor-actuated operating device with a single board, without A/D conversion, saving space and costs and strongly reducing the variability.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will be more clear from the description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear of the present invention, shown by way of examples in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic block representation of a general embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a schematic block representation of a further general embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, according to the invention;
Figure 3 is a schematic block representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, according to the invention;
Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a first exemplary embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, according to the invention;
Figure 5 is a schematic block representation of a second exemplary embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear, according to the invention.

With reference to the attached figures, the multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear of the present disclosure, designated by the reference numerals 1, 10, 100 in its more general definition, comprises a plurality of electrical apparatuses and mechanisms 2, 3, 4; 102, 103, 104; 502, 503, 504 having corresponding operating devices 21, 31, 41; 121, 131, 141; 521, 531, 541.
Said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms 2, 3, 4; 102, 103, 104; 502, 503, 504 can be for example one or more of the following: circuit breakers, disconnectors, disconnecting circuit breakers, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches, combined disconnectors and earthing switches, blocking mechanisms.
The operating devices 21, 31, 41; 121, 131, 141; 521, 531, 541 are operatively connected to an operating member 5, 6, 7, which - depending on the kind of apparatus - can be, for instance, the movable contact assembly of a circuit breaker, the movable contact assembly of a disconnector, the earthing blade of an earthing switch, a block mechanism of a disconnecting circuit breaker, and similar operating members.
One of the distinguishing features of the multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear 1, 10, 100 of the present disclosure is given by the fact that at least a first of said operating devices is a motor-actuated operating device 21; 121; 521 which is operatively connected to an electrical drive control system 20; 120; 520.
A further distinguishing features of the multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear 1, 10, 100 of the present disclosure is given by the fact that the electrical drive control system 20; 120; 520 is adapted for controlling not only said motor-actuated operating device 21; 121; 521, but also and at least a second of said operating devices 31, 41; 131, 141; 531, 541. The electrical drive control system 20; 120; 520 is also conveniently provided with digital communication means 200, and/or analogue communication means 85 for customer interface, as well as with power supply means 8.
In this way, with reference to figure 1, a number of functionalities related to a number of different electrical apparatuses and mechanisms 2, 3, 4, can be integrated in the same electrical drive control system 20, reducing the number of components needed and simplifying circuitry and wiring of the system.
The electrical drive control system 20 is conveniently adapted to send control signals 202, 203, 204 to said motor-actuated operating device 21 of the apparatus 2, as well as to the operating device 31, 41 of the other apparatuses and mechanisms 3 and 4. Moreover, the electrical drive control system 20 is also conveniently adapted to receive from the apparatuses and mechanisms 2, 3, 4 signals 202, 203, 204 which are indicative of an operative condition of the corresponding operating devices 21, 31, 41, thereby carrying out full control and monitoring of the various apparatuses and mechanisms 2, 3, 4.
To this purpose, one or more of said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms 2, 3, 4 conveniently comprise one or more auxiliary equipment which are adapted to send to the electrical drive control system 20 a signal 202, 203, 204 which is indicative of an operative condition of said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms 2, 3, 4.
For example, said auxiliary equipment can be one or more of the following: auxiliary contacts, positions switches, position indicators, contactors, operating device protection relays, interlocking relays.
With reference to figure 5, in an embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear 100, according to the present disclosure, one or more of the operating devices 521, 531, 541 can conveniently comprise a digital interface 51, 54, 57 which is adapted to send a digital signal 53, 56, 59 indicative of an operative condition of the corresponding operating devices 521, 531, 541 to the electrical drive control system 520.
Preferably, as shown in figures 2-5, the electrical drive control system 20 is also adapted to provide power supply 82, 83, 84 to one or more of said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms 2, 3, 4.
With reference to figures 3 and 4, a first exemplary embodiment of the presently disclosed multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear is a disconnecting circuit breaker 10.
The disconnecting circuit breaker 10 comprises a circuit breaker 102 with a contact system 105 that in the open position provide insulation in accordance with the standards for disconnectors. The circuit breaker 102 operations are actuated by a first motor-actuated operating device 121. The disconnecting circuit breaker 10 then comprises an earthing switch 103 with contact blades 107 that can be positioned on the circuit breaker structure or as a free standing unit. The operations of the earthing switch 103 are actuated by a second motor-actuated operating device 131. Finally, the disconnecting circuit breaker 10 also comprises a blocking mechanism 104 for said circuit breaker 102, which is provided with a mechanical block 106 actuated by a third motor-actuated operating device 141.
As shown in figures 3 and 4, the electrical drive control system 120 is operatively connected to the earthing switch 103, circuit breaker 102 and blocking mechanism 104, and is adapted to send and receive position and control signals 202, 203, 204 to/from said earthing switch 103, circuit breaker 102 and blocking mechanism 104, thereby realizing full control of said earthing switch 103, circuit breaker 102 and blocking mechanism 104, as well as coordination of the interlocking functionalities between said earthing switch 103 and said circuit breaker 102.
The electrical drive control system 120 controls and monitors the operations of the whole disconnecting circuit breaker, so as to ensure that the functionalities of the various apparatuses and mechanisms are properly carried out.
Under normal operation, the circuit breaker 102 is closed, the earthing switch 103 is open and the blocking mechanism 104 is unblocked. In case of fault switching of the circuit breaker 102, said circuit breaker 102 opens to clear the fault currents, the earthing switch 103 is open and the blocking mechanism 104 is unblocked.
In case of maintenance of the line, opening of the disconnecting circuit breaker 10 and earthing of the line is necessary.
The following sequence of operation is therefore carried out under the control of the electrical drive control system 120:

1. Opening of the circuit breaker 102 (opening signal sent to the first motor-actuated operating device 121).
2. Remotely blocking of circuit breaker 102 in the open position.

At fully opened position, the circuit breaker 102 indicates the open position; a remote command engages the mechanical blocking of the circuit breaker 102 in open position by the mechanical block 106 of the blocking mechanism 104 actuated by the motor-actuated operating device 141; logical interlocking then notifies the engaged blocking and inhibits a closing operation of the circuit breaker 102 from local or remote commands.

3. Closing of earthing switch.

The blocking mechanism 104 signals the blocking state and this will allow remote command to close the earthing switch 103. The motor-actuated operating device 131 of the earthing switch 103 then signals the closed position of the earthing blades 107. Operation of the circuit breaker 102 and blocking mechanism 104 are now interlocked from operation by the earthing switch 103 closed state signal.

The following table describes the different operation modes of the disconnecting circuit breaker, with blocking and earthing switch, and shows the required signal and states for operation.

Action	Circuit breaker position state and signal	Blocking mechanism position state and signal	Earthing switch position state and signal
open CB	closed	unblocked	open
close CB	open	unblocked	open
block CB	open	unblocked	open
unblock CB	open	blocked	open
close ES	open	blocked	open
open ES	open	blocked	closed

The interlocking criterions is controlled by the electrical drive control system 120, which is adapted to programming a control logic for said earthing switch 103, circuit breaker 102 and blocking mechanism 104. Configuration of interlocking is therefore made with logical blocks and is easily reconfigurable if any specific application requires a modified functionality, thereby providing more simple operating mechanisms with less electrical components and wiring to replace the complex wiring for interlocking of the conventional disconnecting circuit breaker.
With reference to figure 5, in a second exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear 100 comprises a circuit breaker 502 having a corresponding first motor-actuated operating device 521 operatively connected to the contact assembly 505 of the circuit breaker 502,
Furthermore, the multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear 100 comprises one or more further electrical apparatuses 503, 504 which are selected among one or more of the following: disconnectors, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches, combined disconnectors and earthing switches. The electrical apparatuses 503, 504 are provided with corresponding motor-actuated operating devices 531, 541 (Drives), which are operatively to the contact assemblies 506, 507 of the corresponding apparatuses 503, 504.
The motor-actuated operating devices 531, 541 are in digital communication 53, 56, 59 with an electrical drive control system 520 (Local Control Cubicle). To this purpose, the motor-actuated operating devices 521, 531, 541 are conveniently provided with a digital interface 51, 54, 57 which is adapted to send a digital signal 53, 56, 59 indicative of an operative condition of said one or more of a corresponding motor-actuated operating devices 521, 531, 541 to said electrical drive control system 520.
One of the distinguishing features of this embodiment of a multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear 100 is given by the fact that the auxiliary contacts and the related mechanical systems normally present the motor-actuated operating devices 521, 531, 541 are replaced by an electronic unit including a transducer which is adapted to detect an operative condition of a corresponding electrical apparatus 502, 503, 504 and to output a signal 52, 55, 58 which is indicative of said operative condition.
The above-mentioned digital interface 51, 54, 57 then advantageously comprises an electronic board for transducer signal processing and position control 52, 55, 58, that can be located in the motor-actuated operating devices 521, 531, 541 or in the electrical drive control system 520 (Local Control Cubicle).
The electrical drive control system 520 can manage a certain number of motor-actuated operating devices 521, 531, 541 with a single board, without A/D conversion, thereby saving space, cost and strongly reducing the variability.
Moreover, no complex mechanical adjustments are required, since the programmable electronics of the electrical drive control system 520 allow automatic offset of the transducer, to compensate tolerances in a fail-proof manner.
Moreover, the electronic unit with a transducer is generally more compact and has a lower cost with respect to the mechanical auxiliary contacts system, thereby leading to smaller and more economical motor-actuated operating devices 521, 531, 541 (Drives) for the various apparatuses (disconnectors, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches, combined disconnectors and earthing switches).
Finally, as previously said, the use of the conventional solution is sometimes a limit for the control capability, due to a maximum N° of auxiliary contacts that can be fitted in the drive enclosure. The issue is usually overcome by the use of relays in the LCC, which increases the cost and space occupation. The use of an electrical drive control system 520 and related features as disclosed herein, intrinsically solves this problem, as the inputs for the control are virtually infinite.
Several variations can be made to the multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear thus conceived, all falling within the scope of the attached claims. In practice, the materials used and the contingent dimensions and shapes can be any, according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Claims

A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10, 100) comprising a plurality of electrical apparatuses and mechanisms (2, 3, 4; 102, 103, 104; 502, 503, 504) having corresponding operating devices (21, 31, 41; 121, 131, 141; 521, 531, 541), at least a first of said operating devices being a motor-actuated operating device (21; 121; 521), characterized in that said motor-actuated operating device (21; 121; 521) is operatively connected to an electrical drive control system (20; 120; 520) which is adapted for controlling said motor-actuated operating device (21; 121; 521) and at least a second of said operating devices (31, 41; 131, 141; 531, 541).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10, 100), according to claim 1, characterized in that said electrical drive control system (20; 120; 520) is adapted to send control signals (202, 203, 204; 53, 56, 59) to said motor-actuated operating device (21; 121; 521) and to at least said second operating device (31, 41; 131, 141; 531, 541), and to receive from them signals (202, 203, 204; 53, 56, 59) indicative of an operative condition of said motor-actuated operating device (21; 121; 521) and second operating device (31, 41; 131, 141; 531, 541).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10, 100), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that one or more of said plurality of electrical apparatuses and mechanisms (2, 3, 4; 102, 103, 104; 502, 503, 504) comprises one or more auxiliary equipment adapted to send a signal (202, 203, 204; 53, 56, 59) indicative of an operative condition of said one or more of said plurality of electrical apparatuses and mechanisms (2, 3, 4; 102, 103, 104; 502, 503, 504) to said electrical drive control system (20; 120; 520).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10, 100), according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that one or more of said operating devices (21, 31, 41; 121, 131, 141; 521, 531, 541) comprises a digital interface (51, 54, 57) adapted to send a digital signal (53, 56, 59) indicative of an operative condition of said one or more of said operating devices (21, 31, 41; 121, 131, 141; 521, 531, 541) to said electrical drive control system (20; 120; 520).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10, 100), according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms (2, 3, 4; 102, 103, 104; 502, 503, 504) are selected among one or more of the following: circuit breakers, disconnectors, disconnecting circuit breakers, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches, combined disconnectors and earthing switches, blocking mechanisms.
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10, 100), according to one or more of claims 3-5, characterized in that said auxiliary equipment is selected among one or more of the following: auxiliary contacts, positions switches, operating device protection relays, interlocking relays.
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10, 100), according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that said electrical drive control system (20; 120; 520) is adapted to provide power supply (82, 83, 84) o one or more of said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms (2, 3, 4; 102, 103, 104; 502, 503, 504) and/or to programming a control logic for one or more of said electrical apparatuses and mechanisms (2, 3, 4; 102, 103, 104; 502, 503, 504).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10), according to one or more of the previous claims, characterized in that it is a disconnecting circuit breaker (10) comprising: as a first electrical apparatus, a circuit breaker (2, 102) with a corresponding first motor-actuated operating device (21; 121); as a second electrical apparatus, an earthing switch (3, 103) with a corresponding second operating device (31, 131); and as a third electrical mechanism a blocking mechanism (4, 104) for said circuit breaker (2, 102) with a corresponding third operating device (41, 141); said electrical drive control system (20; 120) controlling said earthing switch (3, 103), circuit breaker (2, 102) and blocking mechanism (4, 104) and coordinating the interlocking functionalities between said earthing switch (3, 103) and circuit breaker (2, 102).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10), according to claim 8, characterized in that said electrical drive control system (20; 120) is adapted to send/receive position and control signals (202, 203, 204) to/from said earthing switch (3, 103), circuit breaker (2, 102) and blocking mechanism (4, 104).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10), according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said electrical drive control system (20; 120) is adapted to supply power (82, 83, 84) to said earthing switch (3, 103), circuit breaker (2, 102) and blocking mechanism (4, 104).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 10), according to one or more of claims 8-10, characterized in that said electrical drive control system (20; 120) is adapted to programming a control logic for one or more of said earthing switch (3, 103), circuit breaker (2, 102) and blocking mechanism (4, 104).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 100), according to one or more of claims 1-7, characterized in that a first of said electrical apparatuses is a circuit breaker (2, 502) having a corresponding first motor-actuated operating device (21; 521), and in that one or more further electrical apparatuses (3, 4; 503, 504) are selected among one or more of the following: disconnectors, earthing switches, fast-acting earthing switches, combined disconnectors and earthing switches, having corresponding motor-actuated operating devices (31, 41; 531, 541) in digital communication (53, 56, 59) with said electrical drive control system (20; 520).
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 100), according to claim 12, characterized in that one or more of said motor-actuated operating devices (21, 31, 41; 521, 531, 541) comprises a digital interface (51, 54, 57) adapted to send a digital signal (53, 56, 59) indicative of an operative condition of said one or more of said motor-actuated operating devices (21, 31, 41; 521, 531, 541) to said electrical drive control system (20; 520) .
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 100), according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that one or more of said motor-actuated operating devices (21, 31, 41; 521, 531, 541) comprises an electronic unit including a transducer adapted to detect an operative condition of a corresponding electrical apparatus (2, 3, 4; 502, 503, 504) and to output a signal (52, 55, 58) indicative of said operative condition.
A multi-functional integrated High Voltage switchgear (1, 100), according to claim 14, characterized in that said digital interface (51, 54, 57) comprises an electronic board for transducer signal processing and position control (52, 55, 58).