Vol. 5 No.

J Chongqing Univ.-Eng. Ed.

March 2006

Article ID: 1671-8224(2006)01- 0019-05

Overview on permanent magnetic actuator

SA Peng-fei 1,a, ZHAO Min 1, FANG Shu-hua 2
1

College of Automation Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, P. R. China
2

Department of Electrical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, P. R. China Received 11 May 2005; revised 27 December 2005

Abstract: Permanent magnetic actuator (PMA), as a new electronic actuator of vacuum circuit breakers, certainly will be used to replace the traditional mechanical actuator. It has such advantages as simple structure, high reliability, free maintenance, and so on. This paper summarizes the development, structure, magnetic analysis, character analysis, and control strategy of PMA, and also predicts the future trend of PMA development Key words: PMA; mono-stability; bi-stability; dynamic analysis CLC number: TM561 1 Introduction [1-3]a The permanent magnetic actuator (PMA) technology first showed up in 1990s. It adopts a new working theory and a novel structure. With the combination of electrical magnetism and permanent magnetism, it can realize all functions of a breaker with intelligence. It has few parts than a spring structure does. Compared with a traditional breaker, its structure has no break and interlock parts, and its position can still be held. So it is actually a breakthrough of the traditional theory on breakers. At the same time, the electrical power it needs is less than that for a traditional structure. Due to its special characteristic, the permanent magnetic actuator has been used in the low voltage switchgear. In the field of medium switchgear, research on PMA technology was started at the end of 1980s. Lets take German and England for example. The group of system and energy of Manchester University designed a PMA structure model for GEC in 1989. Almost in 1992, the technology began to be used in the industry of England. The company of Whipp & Bourne improved the structure in 1995. Also, in 1997, ABB Calor Emag introduced their newest vacuum breaker with the model VM1 PMA structure. In 1998, they exhibited their samples on Hanoverian Exhibition and attracted all manufacturers attention. ABB Companys VM1 PMA was a bi-stability and bi-coil structure. It is
a

Document code: A supplied with stored power of capacitor. By the same working principle, the research of IPEC in England led to the medium voltage switchgears magnetic actuator which has been put into use for several years. ABB developed a synchronize medium voltage breaker based on PMA. Following ABB, some other companies produced and put on the market similar products. For example, Alsthom in France produced a non-symmetric PMA for the medium voltage breaker. In China, the PMA of 12 kV and 40.5 kV grade have been tested and put into use [4-8]. To serve the 126 kV vacuum breaker, PMA of super displacement and high speed is being researched. 2 PMA Structure Figs. 1 and 2 are the diagrams for the general structure respectively of a bi-stable PMA and a monostable PMA. However, the concrete construction for different PMA of each kind is quite different. For example, ABB Calor Emags switchgear adopts a square structure; while IPECs adopts a column one and its permanent magnetism is transferred from a static core to an moving core. The PMA structure in Fig. 1 has five main parts. The static core thereof provides a magnetic pathway; and the moving core is the only movable part of whole equipment. All parts are held by the permanent magnetic force [9]. 2.1 Structure of the bi-stable PMA [10]

SA Peng-fei (): Male; Born 1975; PhD candidate; Research interests: small and special electrical machine, computer testing and controlling technology; Email: sapengfei@nuaa.edu.cn

For the structure of the bi-stable PMA, there is no current in the coil when the breaker is either on or off. The moving core is held on the up or down position
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with low magnetic reluctance passage provided by the moving core and the static core. It needs no mechanical interlock. When an moving signal occurs, the current of the coil produces a magnetic force. Thus, the force, accumulated by the iron coil and PMA, will drive the pole in a certain time and finish the task of the on-off. 2.2 Structure of mono-stable PMA Compared with the bi-stable structure, the monostable one has a off-spring and a mono-coil structure. It can fulfill on-off operation with one coil.
1 2 3 4 5

3 Magnetic analysis of PMA [3,12] There are two methods for the excitation of PMA: voltage d.c. excitation and capacitor charge excitation, as illustrated in Fig. 3.
R + C + R

DC

R: Resistor of coil; L: Inductance of coil C: capacitance

Fig.3 two methods about excitation of PMA

3.1

Voltage D.C. excitation circuit

1. coil; 2. static core; 3. permanent magnet; 4. moving core; 5. driving pole

Fig. 1 Structure of bi-stable PMA

1 2 3 4 5

As shown fig.3, current equation is as follows: d U = RI + d t (1) 2 m d z = F F mag f dt where I=SJ in which S is the section area of the excitation coil and J is the current density of the coil; is the total flux and =N where in N is the coil number and is the flux; U is the DC voltage; R is the resistance of the coil; I is the total excitation current; t is time; m is the mass of the driving pole; z is the moving core displacement; Ff is the anti-force; and Fmag is the magnetic force. 3.2 Capacitor charge excitation While the coil is excited by capacitor, the current equation is d U = RI + d t dUC (2) I = C dt d2 z = Fmag Ff m dt Z. Li. B. R. Varlow suggested that PMA could be equalized and simplified from circuit aspect. The circuit dynamic model can be achieved by resolving differential equation of the working space. It has a great superiority in optimizing the design of the actuator. But it isnt fit for circuit simulation. 4 Characteristic analysis [3,9,11,12] The most important characteristic of PMA is its holding the actuator at the terminal position when the breaker is at on or off position.

1. short circuit ring; 2. permanent magnet; 3. moving core; 4. driving pole; 5. static core

Fig. 2 Structure of mono-stable PMA

2.3 Difference between bi-stable structure and monostable one [2,9,11] In the same driving mechanical condition, the force a mono-stable structure needs is more than that a bistable one does. This is unfavorable to shortening the dimension of the PMA structure. The characteristics in the off mode is similar for both types, but those in the on mode are quite different. The bi-stable type is inferior to the mono-stable one in load characteristics. The mono-stable one has the same character of opening speed. It accelerates before separating and begins to decelerate after separating. This opening character can be attained through the design of a reasonable spring parameter.
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Theoretical calculation and equation are given in Ref. [11]. The objective area of the boundary, consisting of air area, soft magnetic area and permanent magnetic area, is assumed to be an axially symmetrical area, as is shown in Fig. 4.

1 ( A) 1 ( A) + = J c x x y y

(7)

The boundary conditions are A = A0

(8)

1 A (9) = Ht n If the structure has a permanent magnet, the calculation is to set up a mathematical model for it.

air O Q N

F = p d S

(10)

: air area; : boundary

Fig. 4 Schematic diagram of force calculation of the moving core

The current direction of the coil is vertical to the coordinate plane. During magnetism calculation, magnetism vector A has only one branch value A. The magnetic equation is 1 A 1 A ( v ) + ( v ) = J (3) r r r z r z where r is the radius; and v is the velocity. 1) For the cylinder magnetic structure, axially symmetric method can be used. In the cylindrical coordinate system, the above equation can be expressed as 1 ( rA ) 1 ( r A ) (4) + = Jc r r r r r z

In Fig. 4, there is a air-gap element E around the moving core. If the discrete value of vector magnetism A is solved, the magnetism calculation can be conducted by the following steps. 1) Determine the surfaces around the moving core. In order to improve calculation accuracy, the integration path should pass through the center of element N; 2) Calculate the magnetic induction BE of the integrated surface S. For any triangle element E, the vector magnetism of the three peak points O, P, and Q can be solved, so its vector magnetic potential A (x,y) can be expressed by the linear interpolation function as follows:
A ( x, y ) = f ( AO , AP , AQ )

(11)

So the magnetic induction intensity of the triangle element is B = rot A (12) The surface pressure p in element E is 1 1 2 p= (13) Bn (n B) B 0 2 0
where n is normal vector of the integrated surface S. The total magnetic force can be calculated as: F = pE S E
E =1 N

where r is the relative permeability; and Jc is the current density. The boundary condition is: rA = rA0 (5)
1 ( rA ) = Ht r n

(14)

(6)

where A0 is the area; n is the normal vector; and Ht is the magnetic intensity 2) For the rectangular magnetic structure, the end effect is negligible and the calculation can be performed in two dimensions. In the plane coordinates (x,y), the magnetic equation is

where SE is the surface of element E along the integrated direction. The magnetic structure, no matter square or column, is symmetrical to the axis y. The value of magnetic force F is equal and has an opposite direction which works on the two parts to the right and left of y axis. On condition that PMA is reasonably designed, the magnetism Fx along x-axis is very small. It has little influence on the structure.
5 Control strategy of PMA [13]

The on-off control circuit schematic of PMA is

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shown in Figs. 5. (a)

K1

D1 making coil detecting-coil

(b)

K2

D2 tripping coil detecting-coil

D1 and D2: diodes; K1 and K2: insulated gate bipolar transistors L1 and L2: inductances

Fig. 5 Schematic diagram of (a) the making-coil; and (b) the tripping-coil

The additional on-line detecting function of the PMA unit makes the use of the unit very convenient [14]. The capacitor is recharged or charged periodically in sleeping state, and in this way successfully avoids damage incurred in recharge state and extends the life of the capacitor. If digital logic control is employed, the circuit can be simplified while realize a high accuracy, high reliability, low cost, easy manufacture, easy adjustment and wide spread. In Ref. [15] intelligent control was validated by computer simulation and test, in which an operational test of the circuit breaker was performed. Based on current waveform analysis of the on-off coil, the reasonable time range of the coil, which was in 10 ms after the machine stops, is proposed for the on-off time controlled by the electronic switcher.
6 Tendency of PMA development

has a great potential of wide use. With the development of microprocessor and computer technology, the intercommunication between an AC contactor and an upper computer is realizable. PMA is reinforced in its protection and control functions. It can be supervised via three-phase current, voltage, and other factors through harmonic analysis and energy analysis by application of electronic equipment and software. Additionally, it provides new power for synchronized switchgear technology. Its main contactor can be closed at zero voltage and opened at zero current, thus enhance the breaking capacity and lengthen the service life of the switchgear. Some aspects about switchgear intelligence should be paid attention to[20]. Firstly, PMA and electronic controlling system should be combined perfectly. Secondly, micro controller unit and electronic technology should be properly applied. Thirdly, a vacuum switchgear should be equipped with sensitive and accurate detecting function as well as right estimation and execution function. This is the development trend of high voltage switchgear and the instant requirement of high reliability of power network performance. 6.2 Research tendency PMA has a bright future regarding function improvement, reliability enhancement and cost reduction. The roaring development of PMA is attributed to the application of NiFeB material that is featured by high quantity, high stability and long endurance life. Additionally, research on temperature rising and electrical magnetic compatibility should be done on 35 kV, 40.5 kV, 63 kV, 72.5 kV, 126 kV and even higher voltage grade.
References
1 You Y M, Chen D G, Hou J X, et al. Development and application of permanent magnetic actuator [J], High Voltage Apparatus, 2003, 39 (6) : 54-56. Ma Y Y, Wang W. Study of permanent magnetic actuator for middle-voltage circuit breaker [J]. Electrical Times, 2003, 5: 106. (in Chinese). Sun H T, Chen D G. Analysis to permanent magnetic actuator of vacuum circuit breaker with finite element method [J]. Journal of Electrical Technology, 2001, 7: 810. Shi Y W. Choice and application of bi-stable permanent magnetic actuator for high voltage vacuum circuit breaker [J]. High Voltage Apparatus, 2001, 37 (3): 52-53, 60. Fu W N, Song B Y. Research on PM actuator of HV

6.1 Application [16-19] PMA has a bright prospect in application to contactors except for breakers of high voltage switchgears. A bi-stable permanent contactor is different from an energy saving one. Although both held by magnetism, they have great difference in working theory, moving progress, breaking theory, system structure and even their results. The PMA of AC contactor can work in DC non-noise state and its reliability is improved. At the same time, a great deal of energy is also saved. By virtue of this feature, PMA
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switchgear [J]. Proceedings of the CSEE, 2000 (8): 21-26. Ma S H, Xu J Y, Wang J M. Characteristic analysis & feasibility of the bi-stable magnetic actuator fitted on high voltage [J]. High voltage apparatus, 2000 (4): 19-23. Liu D H, Wang J M, Wang Z Y, Gu P J. Preliminary study on the development of 126 kV vacuum circuit breaker in China [J]. High Voltage Apparatus, 2003, 29 (2):26-28. Gao H J, Lin X, Cai Z Y. Magnetic field calculation and dynamic behavior analyses of permanent magnetic actuator [J]. Journal of Shenyang University of Technology, 2002, 22 (6): 490-493. Lin X, Gao H J, Tie R. The numerical calculation of magnetic field in the permanent operating device [J]. High Voltage Apparatus, 2000, 3: 3-6. (in Chinese). Shi M Y, Zuo Q Z, Zheng L X, et al. Selection of control scheme of permanent magnetic actuator with bi-stable magnetic circuit [J]. High Voltage Apparatus, 2001, 37 (6): 27-30. (in Chinese). Lu Y, Lin X. Study of bi-stable and mono-stable for permanent magnetic actuator [J], Journal of Shenyang University of Technology, 2002, 24 (2): 103-106. Lin J, Shen T, Wang R W. Modeling on the equivalent circuit of operating coil in permanent magnetic actuator [J]. High Voltage Apparatus, 2004,40 (1): 56-60. Zhou J, Xin K Y. permanent magnetic actuator mech-

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Edited by LUO Min

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