Products and Devices

4.3 Vacuum Switching Technology and Components for Medium Voltage

Mode of operation Basically, there are three different modes or states of operation: normal operation, short circuit and overload. During normal operation, the combination behaves like a contactor. To close the contactor, the magnetic system can be operated with a control current, optional taken out of the control transformer. The DC magnet system operates as an economy circuit, proving a high mechanical endurance and a low pickup and holding power. An optional latch may hold the vacuum contactor in closed position even without excitation of the magnet system. The vacuum contactor is released electrically by means of a latch release solenoid or mechanically by an optional cabel operated latch release. Standards Contactor-fuse combinations 3TL62/63/66 are designed in open construction, with degree of protection IP00, according to IEC 60470. They conform to the standards for high-voltage alternating current contactors above 1 kV to 12 kV:
IEC 62271-1 IEC 60470 Issue 2000 IEC 62271-1 106 CDV 012010 IEC 60529 IEC 60721 IEC 60282-1 IDIN EN 60529 DIN EN 60721 IDIN EN 60282-1 DIN EN 62271-1 IDIN EN 60470

Test voltage according to D/L 404, GB 14808, DL/T 593

In case of short circuit, the HV HRC fuse melts already during the current rise. The released thermal striker activates an indication and operates the vacuum contactor. In the optimum time sequence, the fuse has already interrupted the short-circuit current at this time. In case of overload, a high continuous current overloads the fuselink thermally, thus tripping the thermal striker. The contactor already operates within the arcing time of the fuse, making a take-over current ow through the vacuum interrupters. The take-over current must not exceed maximum switching capability, as this could damage the vacuum interrupter. This is prevented by selecting the correct fuse. Application examples Contactor-fuse combinations are suitable for operational switching of alternating-current consumers in indoor switchgear. They are used, for example, for the following switching functions: Starting of motors Plugging or reversing the direction of rotation of motors Switching of transformers and reactors Switching of resistive consumers (e.g., electric furnaces) Switching of capacitors and compressors. With these duties, contactor-fuse combinations are used in conveyor and elevator systems, pumping stations, air conditioning systems as well as in systems for reactive power compensation, and can therefore be found in almost every industrial sector.

Advantages at a glance Up to one million electrical operating cycles Usable for all kinds of switching duties Maintenance-free, reliable operation of vacuum interrupter and magnetic operating mechanism for maximum cost-efciency Wide range of types for the most varied requirements Type-tested, compact construction (also for installation in narrow switchgear panels) Specially developed fuse holders for homogeneous current distribution Optimized construction for high power density Reliable for optimized availability Excellent environmental compatibility Over 35 years experience with vacuum contactors.

180

Siemens Energy Sector Power Engineering Guide Edition 7.0