US3566055A - Isolating circuit breaker - Google Patents

Isolating circuit breaker Download PDF

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Publication number
US3566055A
US3566055A US775660A US3566055DA US3566055A US 3566055 A US3566055 A US 3566055A US 775660 A US775660 A US 775660A US 3566055D A US3566055D A US 3566055DA US 3566055 A US3566055 A US 3566055A
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Prior art keywords
circuit
switch means
interrupter
housing
contacts
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US775660A
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English (en)
Inventor
Donald E Weston
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HK Porter Co Inc
G&W Electric Co
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HK Porter Co Inc
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Assigned to G & W ELECTRIC COMPANY reassignment G & W ELECTRIC COMPANY ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST. Assignors: H.K. PORTER COMPANY, INC.
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
    • H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
    • H01H33/666—Operating arrangements
    • H01H33/6661—Combination with other type of switch, e.g. for load break switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/22—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
    • H01H3/30—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using spring motor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H3/00—Mechanisms for operating contacts
    • H01H3/32—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts
    • H01H3/46—Driving mechanisms, i.e. for transmitting driving force to the contacts using rod or lever linkage, e.g. toggle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/04—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H33/12—Auxiliary contacts on to which the arc is transferred from the main contacts
    • H01H33/121—Load break switches
    • H01H33/125—Load break switches comprising a separate circuit breaker
    • H01H33/127—Load break switches comprising a separate circuit breaker movable with a sectionalising contact arm and operated by such movement
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/24—Means for preventing discharge to non-current-carrying parts, e.g. using corona ring
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H31/00—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H31/14—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with bridging contact that is not electrically connected to either line contact in open position of switch
    • H01H31/16—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with bridging contact that is not electrically connected to either line contact in open position of switch with angularly-movable bridging contact or contact-carrying member
    • H01H31/18—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with bridging contact that is not electrically connected to either line contact in open position of switch with angularly-movable bridging contact or contact-carrying member actuated through the movement of one or more insulators
    • H01H31/20—Air-break switches for high tension without arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means with bridging contact that is not electrically connected to either line contact in open position of switch with angularly-movable bridging contact or contact-carrying member actuated through the movement of one or more insulators at least one insulator being rotatable about its own geometrical axis

Definitions

  • High tension electric circuit breaker comprising the combination of interrupter switch means and disconnect switch means so combined as to perform the functions of a high capacity circuit breaker, and also to perform the usual functions of a disconnecting switch, whereby to provide a single switch of novel structure attaining all of the functions of prior art circuit breakers, interrupters and disconnect switches.
  • High tension electrical switchgear has conventionally consisted of (a) circuit breakers, (b) disconnect switches and (c) interrupters.
  • Circuit breakers are high capacity load-carrying devices capable of transmitting high load currents at high voltages. Their primary function is to stop the high flow of current when a circuit is to be opened. They are also capable of stopping the flow of current for all load and no-load conditions of the circuit when the circuit is to be opened.
  • Disconnect switches are also high capacity loadcarrying devices, but they have no capability for stopping the flow of current. Their primary function when closed is to connect various circuit components together, and when opened to disconnect said components and insert a sufficiently large gap in the circuit to prevent inadvertent reclosure of the circuit.
  • An interrupter generally is not a load-carrying device, but a specialized instrument inserted momentarily in a circuit for the purpose of stopping flow of relatively nominal currents.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide an improved economical switch structure embodying all of the functions of the prior switches into a single unitary device.
  • the device inherently embodies and performs the ultimate functions of an interrupter, or considered alternatively, does away with the need for an interrupter.
  • Another object is to embody the isolating circuit breaker in such structural form as to facilitate its physical removal from the environment of the circuit in the open position thereby to provide for safe servicing of the operating components thereof.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a'three phase high tension isolating circuit breaker provided in accordance with'the present invention
  • FIG. 2 isa cross-sectional view taken substantially on line 2-2 of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a two module isolating circuit breaker
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of a double-type isolating circuit breaker comprised of two four-module units
  • FIG. 5 is a horizontal longitudinal section of one-half of the movable blade portion of a four-module isolating circuit breaker
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged elevational view of the circuit breaker operating means of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is a detail view taken substantially on line 7-7 of FIG. 6;
  • FIG. 8 is a plan view of the operating mechanism for the iwlating circuit breaker, showing the same in switch closed position;
  • FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but showing the operating mechanism in an intermediate switch opening position in solid lines and in full open position in dotted lines;
  • FIG. 10 is a vertical section taken substantially on line 10-10 ofFIG. 8;
  • FIG. 11 is a plan view similar to FIG. 8 showing a modified form of operating mechanism.
  • FIG. 12 is a graphic illustration of the mode in which interrupters" are adapted to performance of circuit breaking" functions pursuant to this invention.
  • the complete switch structure comprises a stationary frame 20 including spaced parallel frame parts 200 and 20b, and a movable frame 21 mounted on and guided by the stationary frame.
  • the stationary frame parts 20a and 20b mount respective ones of one or more pairs of stationary disconnect contacts 22, each of which is mounted on an insulator stack 23 and adapted to be connected with the respective part of a transmission line 24.
  • I have shown a switch structure for a three phase high voltage- -high current power transmission system comprising three lines 24a, 24b, 24c, and have thus provided and shown three pairs of said stationary contacts 22 and their supporting insulators 23; adjacent contacts being spaced transversely from one another and vertically above the frame at the phase spacings required for the system.
  • the movable frame 21 is in the form essentially of an H and has the opposite ends of its two end legs slidably guided in vertical channels 25 secured to the stationary frame, whereby the H frame 21 may be raised and lowered relative to the stationary frame.
  • the means for raising and lowering the frame 21 may take any of a variety of forms, for example, a pair of hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders 26 secured respectively to the frame parts 200 and 20b and each equipped with a movagravity lowering of the frame as the pistons are moved in op-' posite directions in the cylinders.
  • the pistons are synchronized for conjoint operation to maintain the frame 21 level.
  • T-shaped movable switch components 30 mounted on the cross beam of the H frame 21 are one or more T-shaped movable switch components 30, each of which is mated to a respective pair of the stationary contacts 22.
  • the vertical leg of the T of each component comprises essentially a mounting insulator, somewhat comparable to the insu lators 23, and the horizontal leg thereof comprises a combination circuit breaker and double break disconnect switch as will presently be described.
  • each of the components 30 is mounted on the frame 21 for rotary movement through an arc, preferably not less than 60 and not more than so that the horizontal leg thereof can be rotated counterclockwise to a switch open position as shown in FIG. 1, wherein the leg is disposed transversely of the respective transmission line 24 and in spaced relation to both of the respective stationary contacts 22, and can be rotated clockwise to a switch closed position wherein the horizontal leg of the T extends between the respective pair of stationary contacts and makes electrical contact therewith.
  • each end of the horizontal leg is equipped with 'a flat blade contact 32 and each of the stationary contacts 22 is generally C-shaped to receive the blade as it is rotated theretoward.
  • the C-shape of the stationary contacts affords the advantages of shielding the blade contacts and mitigating such formation of ice on the contacts as would impair switch operation in outdoor installations in cold climates.
  • each switch component 30 comprises a central section 33 coupled to the vertical leg 31 of the T and containing circuit breaker operating means, a pair of insulated housings 34 extending to opposite sides of said central section, circuit breaking means 35 in each of said housings, means 36 electrically connecting the adjacent ends of the circuit breaking means together, and means 37 connecting the remote ends of the circuit breaking means to the respective ones of said bladelike contacts 32.
  • switch closed position as shown in FIG. 3 the circuit is made through two pairs of disconnect contacts 22-32 and two of the circuit breaking means 35, all connected in series.
  • each half of the horizontal leg of the T component 30 is comprised of two of the insulated housings 34, each containing a circuit breaking means (see FIG. 4 as exemplary) whereby the circuit is made through four circuits breaking means and the two pairs of disconnect contacts, all in series circuit.
  • T components 30 may be compounded in each phase, as illustrated in FIG. 4, to
  • the switch structure comprises a single T component 30 provided with a horizontal leg housing four circuit breaking means, as will now be described in conjunction with FIGS. 5 to 11.
  • the horizontal leg of the T component comprises a central section 33 connected rigidly to the upright insulator 31, and a pair of leg portions each of which comprises a pair of hollow insulators 34, an intermediate housing segment 38 and an end cap 39 mounting the respective disconnect contact 32.
  • Each hollow insulator 34 houses therein an interrupting device 40 and a bypass or shunt switch device 44, which together comprise the circuit breaking means 35 above referred to.
  • the interrupting devices 40 are preferably vacuum tube interrupters conventionally available on the market and well known to those skilled in the'art. Consequently, they will not be described in detail herein except to note that each comprises a tube of insulating material evacuated to a finite degree and containing a pair of separable contacts, one of which is movable and adapted to be actuated by means of a the interrupters 40 are mounted with their actuator rods 41 juxtaposed and conductive means is provided between the rods to electrically connect the movable contacts.
  • the other contact of the outboard one of the interrupters is connected by means 37, such as a braid conductor or the like, to the adjacent disconnect contact 32; and the other contact of the inboard interrupter is similarly connected by a braid or like means 36 to its counterpart in the other half of the horizontal leg of the T.
  • the interrupters are thus mounted back-to-back to minimize problems consequent upon polarity sensitivity and/or electrical nonsymrnetry of the vacuum tube devices.
  • the bypass or shunt switches 44 each comprise a load-carrying conductive rod or bar 45 and a plural finger movable contact 46 engageable with and disengageable from the bar. As with the interrupters, the movable contacts of adjacent shunt switches are disposed adjacent'one another and electrically connected.
  • the outboard shunt bar 45 is connected by braid or like means 370 to the disconnect contact 32, and the inboard bar 45 is connected by a braid or like means 360 to its counterpart on the other side of the center section 33.
  • the intermediate housing segment 38 mounts an pperating mechanism 50, such as a cam, toggle link or like mechanism, adapted to be driven from an insulated rotary shaft 51 that extends upwardly through the upright insulator 31 into the center section 33.
  • an pperating mechanism 50 such as a cam, toggle link or like mechanism
  • the shaft 51 carries a pair of crankarms 52 which are connected respectively to a pair of operating links 53 that extend in opposite directions from the center section to the respective mechanism 50.
  • each mechanism 50 of the illustrated embodiment of the switch comprises a toggle-link apparatus including a bellcrank lever 54 pivotally mounted on a pin 55 secured to the housing segment 38 and'pivotally connected at its opposite ends to the link 53 and a vertically reciprocable operator 56 to drive the latter upon movement of the link 53.
  • the operator is guided for vertical movement by three pins or studs 57 which are secured to the housing segment 38 and extend through vertical slots 58in said operator plate.
  • Pivotally connected to the operator are the inner ends of a pair of bellcrank levers 59 which extend downwardly from the operator to respective ones of the movable shunt contacts 46, the levers each being pivotally mounted on a pin 60 secured to the housing segment 38.
  • each contact 46 comprises two sets of spaced parallel contact fingers 61 disposed to opposite sides of the respective load-carrying bar 45, each finger being in the form of a bellcrank and the fingers of each set being pivotally mounted on a common pivot bolt 62 which is mounted on the segment 38.
  • the fingers of each set receive a pin 63 to which a respective one of a pair of toggle links 64 is pivotally connected.
  • the two toggle links in turn are pivotally connected to one another and an operating stud 65 positioned on the centerline of the shunt switch, each such stud 65 being pivotally connected to the lower end of the respective one of the cranks 59.
  • the sets of contact fingers are, of course, closed upon the bar 45 in obvious manner.
  • each link 64 has a slight lost motion connection with its respective pin 63.
  • the contact fingers 61 are assembled on the pivot bolts 62 with interposed silver washers and Bellville spring washers, as illustrated in FIG. 6, whereby to constitute the bolts 62'and the housing segment 38 a conductive link between the shunt switch contacts.
  • a pair of toggle links 67 Adjacent the upper end of the operator plate 56, a pair of toggle links 67, in the form suitably of bellcranks, are pivotally mounted on the plate guiding studs or pins 57. At their upper ends, these links are pivotally connected to operating studs 68 for the interrupters 40 and constitute a conductive link between the interrupter contacts. At their lower ends, they carry pins 69 which are received in vertical slots 70 in the operator 56, the two pins being interconnected by a tension spring 71.
  • the slots 70 which are shorter than the operator guide slots 58, are so proportioned that the pins 69 are not engaged by the operator in the switch opening direction until after sufficient movement has occurred to result in substantially complete opening of the shunt switch contacts 46 in the manner above-described.
  • the vacuum tube interrupters 40 have an extremely short stroke of contact movement, whereby the toggle links 67 require only a slight movement.
  • each stud 68 has a lost motion connection with the operating rod 41 of the respective interrupter.
  • each stud 68 comprises a tube slidably mounted on the respective rod and having an inwardly directed flange 72 at its end that is opposed to and has lost motion relative to an outwardly directed flange 73 on the rod 41, whereby the initial movement of the links 67 results solely in bringing the flange 72 adjacent or into bare engagement with the flange 73 without moving the rod 41.
  • a compression spring 74 is preferably disposed between the stud 68 and the rod flange 73.
  • the mechanism shown in either FIGS. 8 to 10 or FIG. 11 is provided for rotating both the shaft 51 and the insulator 31 in timed relationship.
  • operating mechanisms may be provided for all three switches, all driven off a common prime mover shaft. Alternatively, only one operating mechanism need be provided, the same being connected for example to the central one of the three switches and the other two or outboard switches being operated by slave connections to the center switch.
  • Operation may be effected manually from the ground, or by means of a power operator such as an electric or hydraulic motor which may be mounted either on the ground or on the movable frame 21 of the three phase switch assembly.
  • a power operator mounted at substantially ground level and connected to the center one of the switches 30 by a telescopic rotary drive shaft 81 operating through a gearbox 82.
  • the gearbox includes a horizontally disposed rotary drive shaft 83 which extends adjacent the insulator 31 of the center switch and is there provided with an input bevel gear 84.
  • the insulator 31 is tubular and the insulated shaft 51 extends axially therethrough, whereby to provide a pair of coaxial control devices while maintaining an insulating gap between the live switch components and the grounded supporting steel.
  • the insulator 31 is mounted on a boxlike support 85 and this support is journaled by bearing 86 on the main or cross beam of the movable H frame 21.
  • the shaft 51 extends downwardly through the box support 85 and the frame 21 and is rotatably supported adjacent its lower end by bearings 87 on the frame 21.
  • the box 85 provides a housing for switch operating mechanism, and the downward extension of the shaft 51 facilitates provision of slave connections to the other two switches, as will presently appear.
  • the input bevel gear 84 is meshed with a complementary gear 88 for rotating a vertically disposed shaft 89 which is journaled in the frame 21 and extends upwardly through an arcuate slot 90 in the base wall of the box 85, the slot being of sufficient arcuate extent to accommodate predetermined rotation of the insulator 31, for example, 90 rotation.
  • the shaft 89 carries an interrupted spur gear 91 having an eccentric pin 92 projecting from its upper surface.
  • the gear teeth on the member 91 are intended to mesh with a ring gear segment 93 on the inner surface of the box 85, but at the beginning of the cycle said gear teeth are interrupted so that initially only the member 91 will rotate.
  • the pin 92 will first engage the midportion of the right leg of a Y-shaped lever 94 pivoted at 95 in the box 85 and move the same toward the center of the box.
  • a link 92 interconnects the free end of the lever 94 and a crank 97 affixed to the shaft 51, whereby the shaft 51 is rotated in a clockwise direction to operate the shunt contacts 46 and the vacuum tube contact rods 41 in the manner abovedescribed.
  • This function occurs in an extremely short period of time inasmuch as the gear 91 is required to rotate only about 30 total and it movement is amplified by the link 94 to drive the shaft 51 to the extent required to operate the shunt and vacuum switches.
  • a second link 98 coupled to the crank 97 consumes a predetermined lost motion relative to a lever 99 so that as the shaft 51 approaches the limit of its clockwise movement said lever is actuated quite rapidly to drive a lock bolt 100 out of locking engagement with a stop 101 on the frame 21 and into locking engagement with a keeper 102 mounted on the shaft 51 (which at this time has rotated into alignment with the bolt).
  • the bolt 100 when engaged with the stop 101 serves to lock the disconnect switch in closed circuit position as protection against surge currents and the like. It also insures that only the shaft 51 rotates during initial opening operation of the gear 91, i.e., during the heavv load nart of the rvrlo r Mann--- the toggle mechanisms 50.
  • the lock bolt is freed from the frame to accommodate the next sequence in the operation-opening of the disconnects-and substantially simultaneously locks the shaft 51 to the insulator 31 for conjoint rotation with thelatter so as to maintain the status quo (open circuit condition) of the circuit breakingmeansi
  • the teeth on the interrupted gear 91 engage with the teeth on the gear segment 93 and initiate rotation of the stack 31 (together. with the shaft 51) in the counterclockwise direction, thereby to swing the movable disconnect contacts 32 out of engagement andaway from the stationary disconnect-contacts 22, whereupon the operating mechanism assumes the position shown in dotted lines in FIG. 9.
  • the T component 30 is rotated 90' as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so as to dispose the horizontal leg thereof perpendicular to the plane of the respective transmission line 24 and open up a pair of large air gaps in the line. Due to the double break thereby achieved, the vacuum tube interrupters 40 are totally isolated from the circuit.
  • each of the three switehes may embody the operating mechanism of FIGS.
  • slave drives can be utilized, the same extending from the center switch to the outboard switches and comprising crank arms and links 103 connected to the extended lower ends of the shafts 51.
  • the slave units would not require all of the mechanism of FIGS. -8 to 10, but each would require only the link 98, lever 99, lock bolt 100 and keepers 101 and 102.
  • the ultimate open position of the switch, may be determined by predetermined operation of the drive mechanism, disengagement of the teeth on member 91 from the teeth on gear segment 93, engagement of the margin of the slot 90 with the shaft 89, or a position stop on the frame 21 associated with a suitable part of the stack 31, box 85 or shaft 51.
  • the shaft keeper 102 the shaft 51 is rotated counterclockwise to operate the toggle link mechanisms 50 in the closing direction, whereby to close the shunt contacts to remake the electrical circuit, and thereafter to close the vacuum tube contacts to return the switch to its original closed circuitcondition.
  • FIG. 11 An alternate form of switch operating mechanism affording the advantage of very high speed opening operation of the circuit breaking means of the switch isshown in FIG. 11.
  • a gear 91a similar to the gear 91 is mounted and driven in the same manner as the latter, the gear having interrupted peripheral teeth adapted to engage with the teeth on a gear segment 93a secured to the interior of the box 85.
  • the gear 91a On its lower surface, the gear 91a is provided with a pair of cam tracks 104 and 105 adapted to receive follower pins mounted on respective ones of a pair of levers 106 and 107 which are connected to and operate a pair of lock bolts 108 and 109 associated respectively with a frame rnounted keeper 101a and a keeper 102a associated with the shaft 51, the. two bolts performing the same functions as the bolt 100 of FIGS. 8 to 10.
  • the peripheral teeth of the gear 91a mesh with interrupted peripheral teeth on an intermediary gear 110 which is adapted to be rotated during the initial arc of rotation of the gear 91a, i.e., before but not during rotation of the box 85 and stack 31 is provided with a crank arm 111 connected to a quick trip toggle linkage 112, which in turn is connected to a crank arm 113 on the shaft 51.
  • the linkage 112 is comprised of a pair of toggle links 114 and 115 pivotally connected respectively to the cranks 111 and.113, a trip link 116 connected to the common pivot 117 of the links 114'and 115, and a trip pin 118 fixed to the base of box and projecting upwardly to the level of the trip link 116, which is the bottommost of the three links.
  • circuit breaker operating spring 119 which is preferably a heavy duty compression spring housed in a casing 120 mounted on the box 85 and connected to the crank 113 by a piston and rod assembly 121.
  • the gear 91a In use, as the gear 91a is rotated in switch opening direction, the gear is initially rotated to swing the crank arm 111 in a clockwise direction. As suchmovement occurs, the trip link 116 is engaged with the trip pin 118-and thereby requires the toggle links 114 and to buckle overcenter under the pull imparted thereto by crank 111. As soon as the toggle buckles, the previously stored energy in spring 119 immediately takes over and drives the piston and rod 121 outwardly thereby collapsing the linkage 112 and rapidly driving the crank 113 and shaft 51 in the clockwise direction necessary to operation of the vacuum and shunt contacts, whereby these contacts are driven open at high speed to assure performance of the circuit breaking function.
  • the mechanism of FIG. 11 provides for fail-safe" operation of the circuit breaking contacts by the mechanical linkage between the cranks 111 and 113; i.e., if the spring 119 did not drive the crank 113 or did not drive it far enough, the crank 111 and linkage 112 will positively pull the crank 113 and shaft 51 into full switch open position.
  • the power or other drive means may be programmed for operation of the gear 91 or 91a through only the initial part of its movement, whereby to provide for operation of only the shunt and vacuum tube contacts for circuit breaker reclosure service. Should the quick break and reclosure'fail to clear the fault, the switch could then be fully opened for detailed inspection of the system.
  • the entire switch structure i.e., the T component 30, can be lowered away from the transmission lines to facilitate inspection and maintenance services.
  • interlock means (not shown) between the switch opening meansand the lowering means to accommodate operation of the latter only following complete switch opening operation of the former.
  • one purpose of the double break disconnection or total isolation of the interrupters in the open circuit position is to relieve the interrupters, and especially the vacuum gap between their contacts, of all electrical stresses when the switch is open.
  • the purpose of the shunt switches 44 is to relieve the interrupters of electrical stress, or at least undue electrical stress, when the switch is closed.
  • the shunt assembly 45, 46, 47 is selected to carry, either alone or in combination with the interrupters, all-of the load current and short time current surges'of the circuit without imposing electrical stress on the interrupters.
  • the interrupters are electrically unstressed and their total interrupting capacity is available for performance of the circuit breaking function.
  • the operating mechanism is-so devised and constituted that the total circuit breaking function (both opening of the shunt switches and opening of the interrupter switches) is accomplished very rapidly, e.g., in five or less cycles in the case of a 50 cycle electrical circuit, whereby further to avoid electrical stress on the interrupters except at the moment of circuit breaking.
  • the operating mechanism quickly isolates the interrupters by opening'the two disconnect contact pairs in approximately 1 second following the break, whereby the interrupters are promptly unstressed and isolated from any return surges or the like that might tend to restrike an are between the now open interrupter contacts. Such isolation also preserves the integrity of the vacuum gaps and the interrupter contacts, prevents contact deterioration due to current induced migration, etc.
  • the interrupters are assembled in multiplesin' series circuit and are all operated simultaneously thereby (a) to adapt low rated interrupters to attainment of the function of carrying the current of the high voltage system during the time they alone are in series in the circuit and (b) simultaneously to imposeon the current flow of'the system a'plurality of small buthighly effective circuit breaking gaps whereby the voltage is-divided over the several gaps to facilitate ease of circuit breaking, or in thealtem'ative is-concentrated at one or more gaps while the circuit is broken at one orfrnore of the remainder of the gaps.
  • a voltage dividingfnetwork is associated with the'interruptersto divide the voltage equally in anyconventionalmanner known in the art.
  • the interrupters assume only a circuit breaking function, no other. in circuit closed position, they are bypassed or shunted and relieved of electrical stress-by the shunt switches; during opening, they arein the circuit-only momentarily to make thebreak; in switch open position, they are totally isolated from and relieved of the electrical stress of the circuit; and during closing, the circuit isremade by the shunt contacts to relieve the interrupters of circuit closing stresses.
  • the interrupter contacts like. the football placekicker, are kept on the sidelines except for the moment of their sole specialty.
  • vacuum interrupters thus far, employ butt-type-contactsand cannot be built bounce-free.
  • both the interrupters and the shunt switches will usually be supplemented by and their load breaking capabilities enhanced by supplemental insulation.
  • the T component 30 of each switch is so constructed that at least the horizontal leg thereof constitutes a sealed housing which can be filled with insulating material.
  • high dielectric liquid and gaseous mediums such as sulfur hexafloride at 2 to 3 atmospheres pressure, freon and other like material.
  • the shunt contacts can have a short stroke of movement at high speed. They can therefore do a better job of making the circuit than can the interrupter contacts, as above described, with minimum disturbance to the system and minimum contact erosion.
  • the immersion of the vacuum interrupters in the high dielectric medium substantially increases the external resistance and flashover level of the interrupters, whereby the same may be utilized to the full level of their internal capabilities which traditionally and inherently exceed their external capabilities.
  • the interrupters are mounted in back-to-back relation as shown in FIG. 5 to obviate problems consequent upon polarity sensitivity. Also, to insure equal voltage division over the several interrupters, a voltage dividing network is provided.
  • I utilize the interrupters at levels far exceeding their purported capabilities, and I am able to do so with complete safety and reliability because of the foregoing factors; i.e., maintaining the interrupters in electrically unstressed condition to maintain their peak internal capabilities, supplementing their external capabilities to bring them to an increased level approaching their peak internal capabilities, exposing them to the electrical stress of a circuit break in the short duration of a few cycles, and dividing or spreading the circuit breaking stress over a plurality of vacuum gaps.
  • the present invention provides for development, interpretation and gainful employment of the curve A, which is a composite of the withstand values inherent in the tube. Specifically, it is a composite of (l) the dielectric recovery of the vacuum gap following an interruption the slope of the curve, which must fundamentally exceed the-system transient recovery characteristic plotted at B, and (2) the maximum voltage 1 minute 60 cycle withstand capability of the switch-the peak value'of the curve.
  • the dielectric strength of the vacuum gap starts at a value of the arc voltage atthe instant of current zero and grows to a peak value.
  • the rate at which the dielectric strength grows depends on the magnitude, the character and the distribution of the energy at the instant of current zero and itsrate of decay from the vacuum gap system following the current zero.
  • Every vacuum tube switch is designed to transport a certain maximum magnitude of energy across the vacuum gap during an arcing event (maximum current) and to cause a decay of the residual energy at'least at a defined minimum rate to assure that the current will not resume as the system applies a transient recovery voltage across the vacuum 8 4- ln the example of FIG.
  • the 15 KV module is designed to withstand a transient voltage having its first peak of 29.2 KV at 32.7 microseconds, curve B. Therefore, the minimum dielectric recovery strength of this module must be greater than curve B from the time of current zero to 32.7 microseconds following current zero.
  • the ultimate dielectric strength-of the vacuum gap and all parts in parallel with the vacuum gap of the switch must be equal, at least, to 70.7 KV--the 1 minute withstand value.
  • the transient recovery characteristic of the system is divided by the number of modules to be employed. If the divided system transient is at all times less than the dielectric recovery ability of the individual module and the system voltage is uniformly divided across the modules, then this combination of modules is capable of interrupting the current of the high voltage system.
  • each module must be capable of withstanding its portion ofthe continuous 60 cycle system voltage for the time between circuit interruption and isolation of the interrupter from the system. This is a time duration of cycles to tens of cycles and therefore may be equal withstand value of the the normal 60 cycle voltage stress of the system.
  • the present invention can contemplate a practical 138 KV 1600 Amp isolating Circuit Breaker having the following characteristics:
  • the switch would embody four 15 Kv vacuum tube interrupters immersed in a high dielectric medium.
  • the vacuum tubes would be shunted by four shunt switches as shown in FIG. 5. These switches would be immersed as the same high dielectric medium as the interrupter's and assume the highmomentary and short time current carrying duty of the switch, as well as being the principal carrier of the continuous current and the circuit reclosing means.
  • the interrupter portion of the device would be housed as shown in the drawings and mounted on the rotatable stack 31.
  • the isolating function is accomplished by rotating the stack to provide a visibly ,openswitch. dimensioned to withstand all voltage stress of the system.
  • the disconnect contacts will interrupt any residual current of voltage distribution resistorcapacitor networks.
  • the operating mechanism of the switch provides the opening and closing operations previously described, and can be sequenced to open only the shunt contacts and the vacuum switch contacts for reclosure service.
  • the isolating portion of the switch will be operated when faults are not cleared by single reclosure and/or where isolation is required or desired.
  • the operating mechanism should preferably drive all contacts to closed position and in doing so should preferably load an energy storage device for high speed opening of the shunt and vacuum contacts. Only the disconnect would be opened by the operating mechanism per se.
  • the present invention visualizes a family of Isolating Circuit Breakers applicable to practically all commonly used transmission and distribution voltages.
  • Effective circuit breaker operation is predicated upon immersion of currently available vacuum tubes in a high dielectric medium, bypassing the tubes with adequately rated shunt means in the closed circuit position, and isolation of the tubes from the system in open circuit position.
  • the shunt may be external of the tubehousing, but at high voltages the shunt is preferably within the housing and immersed in the dielectric.
  • a circuit breaker comprising, in combination, interrupter switch means for breaking the circuit and means for isolating said interrupter switch means from circuit stress except at the moment of circuit breaking operation of said interrupter switch means, so that the interrupter switch means can perform circuit breaking operations at the level of the transient capabilities thereof rather than the continuous service ratings thereof.
  • said housing comprising a T-shaped component having a horizontal leg containing said interrupter switch means and a vertical leg rotatably mounted on said movable frame, said movable frame being vertically reciprocable on said stationary frame, said operating means rotating said component into and out of en gagement with said stationary contacts and vertically reciprocating said movable frame when said components is out of engagement with said stationary contacts to move said component into and out of the environment of said stationary contacts.
  • a circuit breaker comprising a pair of spaced stationary contacts, a housing normally extending between said stationary contacts and having contacts at its ends normally engaging said stationary contacts, said housing in essence being insulating between its said contacts, a plurality of interrupter switches mounted in their entirety in said housing and connected in series circuit with one another and said housing contacts to establish an electrical circuit between said stationary contacts, spring biased snap action operating means in said housing for simultaneously opening all of said interrupter switches, and an operating mechanism connected to said housing and said operating means operable upon switch opening movement for initially effecting operation of said operating means to open said interrupter switches at high speed to break said circuit and for subsequently moving said housing and its contacts away from said stationary contacts to isolate said housing and the entirety of said'interrupter switches from said stationary contacts, said operating mechanism being operable upon switch closing movement'for first moving said housing and its contacts back into engagement with said stationary contacts and subsequently effecting operation of said operating means to close said interrupterswitches.
  • a circuit breaker as set forth in claim 19 including shunt switch means in parallel circuit with said interrupter switches and series circuit with said housing contacts, said operating mechanism including means for opening said shunt switch means prior to opening of said interrupter switches and for closing said shunt switch means subsequent to movement of said housing back into engagement with said stationary contacts but prior to reclosing of said interrupter switches.
  • said operating mechanism including means for opening and closing said shunt switch means and said interrupter switches independently of movement of said housing forcircuit breaker reclosure service.
  • a process of breaking a high voltage, high current electrical circuit by interrupter means and disconnect means comprising the steps of inserting in series in each phase of the circuit a plurality of interrupters; inserting a pair of disconnect means in series in the circuit to opposite sides of said interrupters; substantially simultaneously operating all of said interrupters to open circuit position;. and thereafter completely isolating the entirety of said interrupters from the circuit by operating said disconnect means to open circuit position; whereby said interrupters may be operated at the level of their transient capabilities rather than their continuous voltage ratin s.
  • a circuit breaker comprising, in combination, interrupter switches for breaking the circuit and means for completely isolating the entirety of said interrupter switches from voltage stress except at substantially the moment of circuit breaking operation of said interrupter switches, so that the entirety of the interrupter switches have no electrical stress thereon in the open circuit position and can perform circuit breaking operations at the level of the transient capabilities thereof rather than the continuous service ratings thereof.
  • a circuit breaker as set forth in claim 27, wherein said isolating means comprises disconnect switches in series with said interrupter switches to opposite sides thereof for completely isolating the entirety of said interrupter switches from the circuit in the open circuit position.

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  • Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
US775660A 1968-11-14 1968-11-14 Isolating circuit breaker Expired - Lifetime US3566055A (en)

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BE (1) BE761144A (lt)
CH (1) CH542530A (lt)
DE (1) DE2103428A1 (lt)
FR (1) FR2122636A5 (lt)
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Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3769478A (en) * 1971-03-01 1973-10-30 Porter Co H Isolating circuit breaker and operating mechanism therefor
US3805118A (en) * 1973-06-29 1974-04-16 Ite Imperial Corp Collapsible switch and rack
US4596906A (en) * 1985-04-10 1986-06-24 S&C Electric Company Arrangement for providing independent rotary and linear drive outputs for high-voltage switches
US4677262A (en) * 1985-04-25 1987-06-30 S&C Electric Company Operator for interrupters and disconnect mechanisms
US4780581A (en) * 1987-10-30 1988-10-25 Rte Corporation Suicide switch/interrupter with variable volume chamber and puffer action
US5410116A (en) * 1991-05-08 1995-04-25 Hitachi, Ltd. Gas isolated disconnecting switch and gas isolated switching device
US6114778A (en) * 1997-07-23 2000-09-05 Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution, Inc. High voltage synchronous switch for capacitors
EP1039605A1 (en) * 1999-03-24 2000-09-27 Ansaldo Trasmissione e Distribuzione S.r.l. High-voltage circuit-breaker and disconnect-switch structure
US6236010B1 (en) 1999-07-14 2001-05-22 Southern States, Inc. Circuit interrupter including a penetrating electrical contact with grip and release structure
US6316742B1 (en) 1999-07-14 2001-11-13 Southern States, Inc. Limited restrike circuit interrupter used as a line capacitor and load switch
US6678151B2 (en) * 2000-03-10 2004-01-13 Abb Service S.R.L. Module for high- and medium-voltage electric station
US20070137990A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2007-06-21 Jorgensen Robert W Regulator bypass switch assembly
CN104051177A (zh) * 2013-03-11 2014-09-17 台达电子工业股份有限公司 电气设备、手动旁路柜及其手动隔离刀闸
WO2018192751A1 (de) * 2017-04-21 2018-10-25 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Anordnung und verfahren zum parallelen schalten hoher ströme in der hochspannungstechnik

Families Citing this family (6)

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FR2274129A1 (fr) * 1974-06-07 1976-01-02 Egic Dispositif de commande de pinces de contact d'un sectionneur
GB2129617B (en) * 1982-09-22 1986-07-23 Scott L & Electromotors Ltd Electrical isolating switch
DE3306926A1 (de) * 1983-02-26 1984-08-30 Fritz Driescher KG Spezialfabrik für Elektrizitätswerksbedarf GmbH & Co, 5144 Wegberg Mittelspannungs-lasttrennschalter
DE3611270C2 (de) * 1986-04-04 1995-08-17 Sachsenwerk Ag Elektrische Schalteinrichtung für hohe Schaltspannungen
DE102016217759A1 (de) 2016-09-16 2018-03-22 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Schalten von Mittel- und Hochspannungen
DE102017202857A1 (de) 2017-02-22 2018-08-23 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Schalteranordnung mit zwei Trennschaltern und einem Leistungsschalter

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US2838637A (en) * 1956-10-15 1958-06-10 Schwager Wood Corp Circuit interrupting and isolating means for high voltage circuits
US3154656A (en) * 1957-12-23 1964-10-27 S & C Electric Co Circuit interrupter provided with main and auxiliary contacts in parallel sequentially operable to open the circuit first at the main contacts followed by the auxiliary contacts
US3268696A (en) * 1963-10-30 1966-08-23 S & C Electric Co Circuit interrupter having vacuum type interrupter in insulating gas filled housing

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2838637A (en) * 1956-10-15 1958-06-10 Schwager Wood Corp Circuit interrupting and isolating means for high voltage circuits
US3154656A (en) * 1957-12-23 1964-10-27 S & C Electric Co Circuit interrupter provided with main and auxiliary contacts in parallel sequentially operable to open the circuit first at the main contacts followed by the auxiliary contacts
US3268696A (en) * 1963-10-30 1966-08-23 S & C Electric Co Circuit interrupter having vacuum type interrupter in insulating gas filled housing

Cited By (17)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3769478A (en) * 1971-03-01 1973-10-30 Porter Co H Isolating circuit breaker and operating mechanism therefor
US3805118A (en) * 1973-06-29 1974-04-16 Ite Imperial Corp Collapsible switch and rack
US4596906A (en) * 1985-04-10 1986-06-24 S&C Electric Company Arrangement for providing independent rotary and linear drive outputs for high-voltage switches
US4654489A (en) * 1985-04-10 1987-03-31 S&C Electric Company Insulating support column with operating member
US4677262A (en) * 1985-04-25 1987-06-30 S&C Electric Company Operator for interrupters and disconnect mechanisms
US4780581A (en) * 1987-10-30 1988-10-25 Rte Corporation Suicide switch/interrupter with variable volume chamber and puffer action
US5410116A (en) * 1991-05-08 1995-04-25 Hitachi, Ltd. Gas isolated disconnecting switch and gas isolated switching device
US6114778A (en) * 1997-07-23 2000-09-05 Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution, Inc. High voltage synchronous switch for capacitors
EP1039605A1 (en) * 1999-03-24 2000-09-27 Ansaldo Trasmissione e Distribuzione S.r.l. High-voltage circuit-breaker and disconnect-switch structure
US6236010B1 (en) 1999-07-14 2001-05-22 Southern States, Inc. Circuit interrupter including a penetrating electrical contact with grip and release structure
US6316742B1 (en) 1999-07-14 2001-11-13 Southern States, Inc. Limited restrike circuit interrupter used as a line capacitor and load switch
US6678151B2 (en) * 2000-03-10 2004-01-13 Abb Service S.R.L. Module for high- and medium-voltage electric station
US20070137990A1 (en) * 2005-12-09 2007-06-21 Jorgensen Robert W Regulator bypass switch assembly
US7627948B2 (en) * 2005-12-09 2009-12-08 Hubbell Incorporated Regulator bypass switch method
CN104051177A (zh) * 2013-03-11 2014-09-17 台达电子工业股份有限公司 电气设备、手动旁路柜及其手动隔离刀闸
CN104051177B (zh) * 2013-03-11 2016-06-01 台达电子工业股份有限公司 电气设备、手动旁路柜及其手动隔离刀闸
WO2018192751A1 (de) * 2017-04-21 2018-10-25 Siemens Aktiengesellschaft Anordnung und verfahren zum parallelen schalten hoher ströme in der hochspannungstechnik

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2122636A5 (lt) 1972-09-01
NL7019090A (lt) 1972-07-04
CH542530A (de) 1973-11-15
BE761144A (fr) 1971-05-27
LU62516A1 (lt) 1971-08-10
AU2374870A (lt) 1972-06-29
DE2103428A1 (de) 1972-08-17
GB1339430A (en) 1973-12-05

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Owner name: G & W ELECTRIC COMPANY; BLUE ISLAND, IL. A CORP O

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNOR:H.K. PORTER COMPANY, INC.;REEL/FRAME:004026/0069

Effective date: 19820730