The five general types of high-voltage
circuit breakers are as follows.
1 Oil circuit breakers use
standard transformer oil, an effective medium for quenching the arc
and providing an open break after current has dropped to zero. There
are two general types of oil circuit breakers: dead-tank for the
higher voltage ranges and live-tank for lower voltages.
Oil circuit breakers have been improved
by adding such features as oil-tight joints, vents, and separate
chambers to prevent the escape of oil. Also, improved operating
mechanisms prevent gas pressure from reclosing the contacts, making
them reliable for system voltages up to 362 kV.
However, above 230 kV, oil-less
breakers are more economical.
2 Air-blast circuit breakers
were developed as alternatives to oil circuit breakers as voltages
increased. They depend on the good insulating and arc-quenching
properties of dry and clean compressed air injected into the contact
region.
3 Magnetic-air circuit breakers
use a combination of strong magnetic field with a special arc chute
to lengthen the arc until the system voltage is unable to maintain
the arc any longer. They are used principally in power distribution
systems.
4 Gas circuit breakers take
advantage of the excellent arc-quenching and insulating properties of
sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas. These outdoor breakers can interrupt
system voltages up to 800 kV.
These circuit breakers are typically
included in gas insulated substations (GISs) that offer space-saving
and environmental advantages over conventional outdoor substations.
Gas (SF6) circuit breakers are made with ratings up to 800 kV and
continuous cur rent up to 4000 A.
They are alternatives to oil and vacuum
breakers for metal-clad and metal-enclosed switchgear up to 38 kV.
5 Vacuum circuit breakers, more
accurately termed vacuum-bottle interrupters, are generally used for
voltages up to 38 kV and continuous current ratings to 3000 A. They
are used for higher system voltage, current, and interrupting
ratings, and are typically specified for metal-clad and
metal-enclosed switchgear in distribution systems.
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