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4 AUTHORS, INCLUDING:
Mirko Palazzo
ABB
22 PUBLICATIONS 24 CITATIONS
SEE PROFILE
Product Brochure
Generator Circuit-Breakers
Application Guide
Edited by
ABB Switzerland Ltd
High Voltage Products
Department: High Current Systems
Brown Boveri Strasse 5
CH-8050 Zurich / Switzerland
Text: Dieter Braun, Giosafat Cavaliere,
Kurt Dahinden, Mirko Palazzo
Table of contents
1 Introduction
3.1
Interrupting chamber
3.2
11
3.3
11
3.4
Disconnector
12
3.5
Earthing switch
12
3.6
12
3.7
Short-circuiting connection
13
3.8
Current transformer
13
3.9
Voltage transformer
13
3.10
13
3.11
Surge capacitor
14
3.12
Surge arrester
14
3.13
Connecting zone
15
3.14
Phase enclosure
16
3.15
16
17
18
5.1
18
5.2
18
5.3
18
5.3.1
19
5.3.2
Power frequency
19
5.3.3
19
5.3.4
20
5.3.5
20
5.3.6
20
5.3.7
20
5.3.8
20
5.3.8.1
20
5.3.8.2
23
5.3.8.3
27
5.3.8.4
5.3.9
27
27
5.3.9.1
First-pole-to-clear factor
28
5.3.9.2
Amplitude factor
28
5.3.9.3
28
5.3.9.4
29
5.3.9.5
System-source faults
30
5.3.9.6
Generator-source faults
30
5.3.9.7
5.3.10
30
32
5.3.11
32
5.3.12
32
5.3.13
34
5.3.14
34
5.3.15
34
4 | ABB
Table of contents
6 Application of generator circuit-breakers
35
6.1
35
6.1.1
35
6.1.2
35
6.1.3
35
6.1.4
36
6.2
6.2.1
38
38
6.2.2
Improved protection of the generator and the main and unit transformers
38
6.2.3
38
6.2.3.1
Transformer failures
39
6.2.3.2
41
6.2.3.3
Generator motoring
42
6.2.3.4
42
6.2.4
Economic benefit
43
44
8 Case study 1: Impact of the method of connecting a generator to the high-voltage grid on the availability of a power plant
45
8.1
45
8.1.1
47
8.1.2
48
8.1.3
Generator circuit-breaker
48
8.1.4
Station transformer
48
8.2
48
8.3
Simulations
48
8.4
Simulation results
49
8.5
Economic evaluation
50
9 Case study 2: Interrupting capability of generator circuit-breakers in case of delayed current zeros
52
9.1
52
9.2
53
9.3
Out-of-phase synchronising
55
9.4
Conclusions
56
References
57
ABB | 5
1 Introduction
A major objective of all power plant operating companies is
the achievement of the highest possible plant availability at
the lowest possible cost. Obviously, how a generator is connected to the high-voltage grid and how the power supply to
the unit auxiliaries is secured has a decisive influence on the
availability of a power plant.
Two basically different ways of connecting a generator to the
high-voltage transmission network are in use today, namely
the connection without a circuit-breaker between the generator and the low-voltage terminals of the main transformer (i.e.
the "unit connection") and the connection with a generator
circuit-breaker (Figure 1). The layout with a generator circuit-
a)
EHV
b)
HV
EHV
MT
HV
MT
UT
AUX
ST
UT
GCB
Figure 1: Layout of a thermal power plant without generator circuit-breaker a) and with generator circuit-breaker b)
Legend
MT
Main transformer
UT
Unit transformer
ST
Station transformer
GCB
Generator circuit-breaker
EHV
Transmission system
HV
Sub-transmission system
AUX
Unit auxiliaries
6 | ABB
ST
AUX
During the sixties, when there was a trend towards higher unit
ratings and, consequently, increased use of phasesegregated generator busducts, ABB developed a circuitbreaker which could meet these new requirements. This was
the first circuit-breaker designed to be installed in the run of
generator busducts (Figure 2).
Since the delivery of the first specific purpose generator
circuit-breaker in 1970, there has been a continuous development of this piece of power plant equipment. At the beginning
the circuit-breakers consisted of three metal-enclosed, phase
Figure 2: Air blast generator circuit-breaker type DR mounted in the run of an isolated phase bus
ABB | 7
Current transformer
Voltage transformer
Interrupting chamber
Disconnector
Surge arrester
8 | ABB
8
1
G
3
10
Figure 6: Typical single line diagram of a generator circuit-breaker system
1
2
3
4
5
Generator circuit-breaker
Line disconnect switch
Earthing switch
Starting switch for SFC connection
Manual short-circuiting connection
(by removal of cover)
6
7
8
9
10
Surge capacitor
Current transformers
Voltage transformers
Surge arrester
Motor-operated short circuiting link
(only with generator side earthing switch)
the pressure of SF 6 which is needed for interruption depends on the magnitude of the current
an efficient operation can be achieved with a smaller operating mechanism due to lower energy consumption during
contact movement
a gentle interruption of small inductive currents can be
obtained thus reducing the risk of chopping the arc and
generating subsequent overvoltages
SF6 gas can be monitored
ABB | 9
a Circuit-breaker CLOSED
b Initiation of opening movement (transfer of current from the main contacts
to the arcing contacts)
c Separation of arcing contacts with interruption of small currents supported
by puffer action
1
2
3
4
Terminals
Cylindrical coil
Fixed arcing contact
Moving arcing contact
5
6
7
8
10 | ABB
interlock prevents movement of the piston to the open position in case of a pressure drop.
For the opening operation, the piston head side is isolated
from the high pressure and simultaneously connected to the
low pressure oil volume.
The charging state of the spring disk assembly is controlled
by switching elements, actuating the pump motor to immediately maintain the oil pressure.
A non-return valve between pump and high-pressure oil
volume prevents pressure loss in the event of a pump outage.
The hydraulic system is hermetically sealed against atmosphere. The mechanically operated position indicator provides
reliable indication of the circuit-breaker position.
The drive operates all three circuit-breaker poles simultaneously by mechanical linkages, thus keeping the switching time
difference between the poles to a minimum.
a)
b)
High pressure
Low pressure
volume-density principle. The density of the gas in the circuitbreaker chamber is compared with the density of the gas in
a sealed reference gas volume. When the gas density drops
below the specified value, the density monitor signals the loss
of SF6-gas in several steps.
Since the gas volumes of the three circuit-breaker poles are
connected via the refilling pipe only one SF 6-gas density
monitor per circuit-breaker is required to supervise the gas
density.
ABB | 11
3.4 Disconnector
The switchgear concept provides a disconnector fitted in
series with the circuit-breaker. It is placed on the transformerside of the circuit-breaker and within the same enclosure. The
disconnector is a tubular telescopic unit and it is equipped
with a drive which operates through a mechanical linkage all
three poles. This layout provides easy access and simplifies
maintenance. In the open position of the disconnector the iso-
a)
b)
Figure 11: Blade type a) and tubular telescopic type b) earthing switches
12 | ABB
enclosure has to be removed to allow the fitting of the shortcircuiting bar. In the latter case the short-circuiting link is used
in conjunction with the earthing switch installed on the
generator-side of the circuit-breaker (for generator circuitbreaker systems type HECS).
ABB | 13
DE 6
open delta connection of the tertiary
windings
Earth Fault
Protection Relay
DE 6
Earth Fault
Protection Relay
14 | ABB
5) withstanding the mechanical stress resulting from electrodynamic forces in case of short-circuit currents
6) providing a low resistance, safe and stable electrical
connection
a)
b)
c)
d)
a)
b)
c)
d)
Figure 19: Connection between one pole of a generator circuitbreaker and the associated phase bus
ABB | 15
16 | ABB
The stresses imposed on generator circuitbreakers differ from the stresses imposed on general purpose circuit-breakers mainly in the following
respects:
1. The degree of asymmetry of the system-source
short-circuit current is in the order of 60% to 80%.
2. The degree of asymmetry of the generatorsource short-circuit current is in the order of 90%
to 150%, i.e. the generator-source short-circuit
current may exhibit delayed current zeros (degree
of asymmetry > 100%).
Description of Test
Standard
Clause
Cl. 6.2.1
Cl. 6.2.2
Cl. 6.2.3
Cl. 6.2.3
Cl. 6.2.4
Cl. 6.2.5
Cl. 6.2.6
Cl. 6.2.7
Cl. 6.2.8
Cl. 6.2.9
Cl. 6.2.10
Cl. 6.2.11
Cl. 6.2.12
EMC tests
Cl. 6.2.13
I max =
I max
Sn
3 Vmin
Sn
V min
20000
19000
18000
indoor
Current (Arms)
17000
16000
15000
14000
13000
12000
11000
-25.0
-20.0
-15.0
-10.0
-5.0
0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
Figure 20: Current carrying capability curves for generator circuit-breaker type HECS-100L operating at a power frequency of 50 Hz and
isolated phase bus temperatures of 90 C / 70 C (conductor / enclosure respectively)
ABB | 19
Rated maximum
voltage
[kVrms]
Power frequency
withstand voltage
[kVrms]
Lightning impulse
withstand voltage
[kV peak]
20
60
8.25
28
75
8.25 / 15
38
95
15.5
50
110
27
60
125
38
80
150
I ac =
I ac
X eq
20 | ABB
Vmax
3 X eq
Vmax
The required asymmetrical system-source interrupting capability of a generator circuit-breaker is composed of the r.m.s.
symmetrical current and the percentage d.c. component. The
values of the d.c. component are expressed in percent of the
peak value of the symmetrical short-circuit current and are
measured at the primary arcing contact parting time. The primary arcing contact parting time can be generally considered
t cp
Idc = 2 Iac e
tcp
I dc
Iac
Xeq
X eq
Req
Req
a=
I dc
2 I ac
100.0
90.0
1.5
80.0
Current (pu)
0.5
2 Iac
Idc
t cp
-0.5
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
30.0
20.0
10.0
-1
0
10
20
30
40
50
Time (ms)
60
70
80
90
100
0.0
10
20
30
40
50
Time (ms)
60
70
80
90
100
ABB | 21
HV-System
Step-Up
Transformer
Generator
Circuit-Breaker
Unit Auxiliary
Transformer
Figure 23: (right side) Typical power plant layout with a step-up
transformer and a unit auxiliary transformer
I ac =
Vmax
3
(X sys + X GSUT )
Motors
1
I rM VrM2 V AUXT _ HV
I LR SrM
+ X AUXT
V AUXT _ LV
SrM
I LR / IrM
XAUXT
Generator
VAUXT_HV
is the transformation ratio of the unit auxiliary
VAUXT_LV
transformer
The d.c. component of the system-source short-circuit current for the power plant layout depicted in Figure 23 can be
calculated by using the following formula:
( )
I dc tcp = 2
Vmax
3
(X sys + X GSUT )
(X sys + X GSUT )
sys + GSUT =
(R sys + RGSUT)
t cp
sys + GSUT
M + AUXT
I rM VrM 2 VAUXT _ HV
I LR SrM VAUXT _ LV
I LR SrM
M + AUXT =
+ X AUXT
I rM VrM 2 V AUXT _ HV
Rsys
the equivalent resistance of the HV-system referred
to the LV-side of the step-up transformer
R GSUT the resistive component of the short-circuit
impedance of the step-up transformer referred to the
LV-side of the step-up transformer
XM / RM the X/R ratio of the motors connected to the LV-side
of the unit auxiliary transformer
22 | ABB
t cp
V AUXT _ LV
+ X AUXT
R M I rM VrM 2 V AUXT _ HV
X M I LR SrM V AUXT _ LV
+ RAUXT
( )
a tcp =
( )
Idc tcp
2 Iac
HV-System
Step-Up
Transformer
Generator
Circuit-Breakers
Unit Auxiliary
Transformer
Generator
Generator
Motors
I gen sym =
VmG SrG
3 VrG
1
1
1
1
1
et ''d +
et 'd +
x''d x'd
x'd x d
xd
x'd
x" d
' d
" d
If the fault initiation takes place when the voltage in one phase
passes through zero the resulting fault current in that phase
exhibits the maximum degree of asymmetry. The a.c. component decays with the subtransient and transient time
a =
X2
X2
2 f R a
f
Ra
ABB | 23
X2 =
X"d
X ''d + X ''q
2
Xq
The generator-source asymmetrical short-circuit current for the phase with the highest asymmetry, the generator being in the
no-load mode, can be calculated by the following simplified formula:
I gen asym =
2 VmG SrG
3 VrG2
1
1
1
1 t 'd 1
1 1
1
1 1
1
cos ( t )
e t ''d +
e
+
+
e t a +
e t a cos (2 t)
x''d x'd
x'd xd
xd
2 x''d
x''q
2 x''d
x''q
xq
Since x" d is approximately equal to x"q for turbo generators, the equation can be written as follows:
I gen asym =
2 VmG SrG
3 VrG2
1
1
1
1 t 'd 1
1
cos ( t )
e t ''d +
e
+
e t a
x''d x'd
x'd xd
xd
x''d
150
100
50
0.02
0.04
0.06
0.08
time [s]
0.10
0.12
24 | ABB
0.14
asymmetry of the fault current is higher than 100% thus leading to delayed current zeros. The typical course of the degree
of asymmetry of the generator-source short-circuit current is
shown in Figure 25.
In addition the a.c. component of the generator-source shortcircuit current and its degree of asymmetry can vary if the
generator is unloaded or delivering power with lagging power
factor (i.e. working in the over-excited mode) or leading power
factor (i.e. working in the under-excited mode) prior to fault.
Typical fault current wave-shapes are depicted in
Figures 26, 27 and 28.
The magnitude of the a.c. component of the fault current
which is fed by the generator is typically about 80% of the
magnitude of the a.c. component of the system-source short-
250.0
250.0
[kA ]
[kA ]
187.5
187.5
125.0
125.0
62.5
62.5
0.0
0.0
-62.5
-62.5
-125.0
-125.0
-187.5
-187.5
-250.0
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
-250.0
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
250.0
[kA ]
187.5
125.0
62.5
0.0
-62.5
-125.0
-187.5
-250.0
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
ABB | 25
The arc-voltage of a circuit-breaker depends on the instantaneous value of the current and on the type of the extinguishing medium, its pressure, the intensity of its flow and the
length of the arc. The uarc-i characteristic of one break of the
circuit-breaker has to be derived from short-circuit current
interrupting tests. To be able to investigate the behaviour
of the circuit-breaker during the interruption of short-circuit
currents with delayed current zeros the arc-voltage versus
current characteristic has to be transferred into a mathematical
model. From the arc-voltage u arc(i,t) and the current i(t) the
arc resistance Rarc(i,t) can be obtained. In order to model the
behaviour of the SF6 circuit-breaker a non-linear time-varying
resistance of the value R arc(i,t) has to be inserted into the
simulation at the time of the separation of the contacts of the
circuit-breaker.
Figures 29 to 32 show examples of the corresponding calculation results. Figures 29 and 30 represent the case of the
generator being under no-load condition with the generator
circuit-breaker closing into a three-phase fault. In the computation the arc-voltage of the generator circuit-breaker starting
at contact separation is taken into account. Figure 29 represents the case with fault initiation at voltage zero and Figure
30 represents the case with fault initiation at voltage maximum in one phase. Figures 31 and 32 represent the case of
the generator being in service with a leading power factor. In
the computation the arc-voltage at the fault location starting
at the initiation of the fault and the arc-voltage of the generator circuit-breaker starting at contact separation is taken into
account. Figure 31 represents the case with fault initiation
at voltage zero and Figure 32 represents the case with fault
initiation at voltage maximum in one phase.
As the maximum calculated arcing time (i.e. 20.9 ms, see
Figure 29) is shorter than the maximum arcing time of the
generator circuit-breaker of concern it can be concluded that
the circuit-breaker is capable of interrupting these fault
currents showing delayed current zeros.
250.0
250.0
[kA ]
[kA ]
187.5
187.5
125.0
125.0
62.5
62.5
0.0
0.0
-62.5
-62.5
-125.0
-125.0
-187.5
-187.5
-250.0
0.00
t cp
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
26 | ABB
-250.0
0.00
t cp
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
250.0
250.0
[kA ]
[kA ]
187.5
187.5
125.0
125.0
62.5
62.5
0.0
0.0
-62.5
-62.5
-125.0
-125.0
-187.5
-250.0
0.00
-187.5
t cp
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
-250.0
0.00
t cp
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
ABB | 27
The TRV shall be calculated after the interruption of a symmetrical current as any asymmetry in the current wave-shape
would lead to a less severe TRV. At the interruption of the
short-circuit current with maximum asymmetry, the transient
oscillation of the recovery voltage will be very small or even
non-existent since at the moment of short-circuit current
interruption, the normal frequency voltage value may be very
small or zero.
k pp =
kpp
Z0
3 Z0
2 Z 0 + Z1
k pp =
Z1
3Z0
3Z0
= 1.5
2 Z0
2 Z 0 + Z1
28 | ABB
TRV rate-of-rise
td
TRV
t3
T2
E2
t3
T2
Figure 33: Inherent TRV curve for first-pole-to-clear for required symmetrical
interrupting capability for three-phase faults
E2 =
2
3
V k af k pp = 1.84 V
The rated TRV is the inherent value assuming an ideal generator circuitbreaker. These values may be modified by the generator circuit-breaker
characteristics or by the asymmetry of the current.
A system with a TRV that exceeds the rated values of the generator
circuit-breaker must be modified in such a way as to lower the TRV. This
is generally achieved by connecting capacitors phase-to-ground on both
sides of the generator circuit-breaker.
The additional capacitance has three effects:
ABB | 29
R eq
Veq
L eq
respectively the values of equivalent resistance, inductance and capacitance to ground of the circuit
for assessing the TRV across the first pole to clear
(lumped parameters).
GCB
Ceq
Veq = Vmax
Vmax
30 | ABB
3 Z0
1.5 Vmax
2 Z 0 + Z1
Z0
Z1
Leq can be considered equal to 1.5 L1 where L1 is the equivalent positive-sequence inductance of the three-phase circuit.
Following the same procedure Req is equal to 1.5 R1 where R1
C0 + 2 C1
3
Ceq =
C0
If C0 = C1 then Ceq = C1 = C0
C1
>
L eq Ceq
Req2
4 L eq2
R eq
2 L eq
cos t )
)
Req2
1
L eq Ceq
4 L eq2
1
L eq Ceq
R eq
2 L eq
cos t )
Req2
1
>>
L eq Ceq
4 L eq2
assuming
T2 = L eq Ceq
2 Veq 1 e
R eq
2 L eq
T2
cos T2 ) =
)
E2 =
2 Veq 1 + e
R eq
2
Ceq
Leq
ABB | 31
in the motor mode in pumped storage power plants. The generator circuit-breaker shall be capable of interrupting those
currents and withstanding the TRV appearing across the open
contacts immediately after the interruption of the current.
32 | ABB
The most important parameters which influence the waveshape of the fault current resulting from out-of-phase
synchronizing and the occurrence of delayed current zeros are
power plant equipment parameters, out-of-phase angle 0,
power frequency of the system and instant when the synchronization is initiated.
The wave-shape of the out-of-phase current is depicted in
Figures 35 to 40 for different values of 0. It is evident that at
the time when = 0 the fault current is dominated by a d.c.
component. In modern power systems the protection systems sends the tripping signal to the generator circuit-breaker
before the = 0 condition is reached, thus leading to a less
severe tripping operation. If the tripping is delayed this might
lead to extremely severe interrupting conditions and even
unsuccessful interruption. It is shown in published literature
that circuit-breakers installed at the HV-side of the step-up
transformer may not be suitable for interrupting fault currents
resulting from out-of-phase synchronizing [5]. Although the
arc-voltage of the HV circuit-breaker is of the same order of
magnitude of the arc-voltage of the generator circuit-breaker,
its value referred to the LV-side of the step-up transformer is
reduced by the transformation ratio and has practically no
effect on the time constant of the decay of the d.c.
component of the fault current.
400
400
[kA ]
[kA ]
300
300
200
200
100
100
-100
-100
-200
-200
-300
-300
-400
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
[s]
0.40
-400
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
[s]
angle 0 = 30
angle 0 = 60
400
400
[kA ]
[kA ]
300
300
200
200
100
100
-100
-100
-200
-200
-300
-300
-400
0.00
0.40
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
[s]
0.40
-400
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
[s]
0.40
angle 0 = 90
0 = 120
400
400
[kA ]
[kA ]
300
300
200
200
100
100
-100
-100
-200
-200
-300
-300
-400
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
[s]
0.40
-400
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
[s]
0.40
0 = 150
0 = 180
ABB | 33
1
1
L mag i 2 = Ceq v 2
2
2
v
i
L mag
Ceq
v=i
L mag
Ceq
is the equivalent capacitance to ground of the stepup transformer windings and the connection of the
step-up transformer to the generator circuit-breaker
terminals
The value of chopped current, and consequently the overvoltages produced, are mainly dependent on the type of generator circuit-breaker. Experience indicates that the current
chopping level of SF 6 self-blast generator circuit-breakers is
low and no overvoltages of concern are expected. Furthermore, the transformer LV-side is usually protected by surge
arresters which reduce these overvoltages. The energy to
be absorbed by the arresters is usually extremely small. In
34 | ABB
power plants.
For this reason the use of SFC starting equipment is becoming
more and more widespread. ABB generator circuit-breakers
also contain the switching functions required for SFC starting
within its enclosure. The output of the SFC (voltage of variable
amplitude and frequency) is fed to the generator terminals via
the starting switch that is designed for the voltage, current
and current duration occurring during the SFC start-up period
of the gas turbine. Its rated voltage is chosen according to
the rated voltage of the SFC which in general is considerably
lower than the generator rated voltage.
ABB | 35
36 | ABB
EHV
HV
MT
ST
UT
GCB
EHV
EHV
MT
MT
UT
GCB
AUX
GCB
AUX
a)
SS
G
AUX
b)
EHV
c)
EHV
EHV
MT
MT
MT
UT
SFC
MT
MT
PRD
GCB
UT
GCB
BS
G
GCB
BS
G
UT
GCB
BS
AUX
SS
GCB
BS
SS
SS
BS
AUX
PRD
GCB
BS
SS
G
SFC
UT
d)
e)
f)
AUX
Figure 41: Different power plant layouts which employ generator circuit-breakers
Legend
MT
Main transformer
AUX
Unit auxiliaries
UT
Unit transformer
SS
Starting switch
ST
Station transformer
BS
Braking switch
GCB
Generator circuit-breaker
SFC
EHV
Transmission system
PRD
Phase-reversal disconnector
HV
Sub-transmission system
ABB | 37
economic benefit
38 | ABB
Compared to high-voltage circuit-breakers modern SF6 generator circuit-breakers exhibit higher maintenance intervals as
they are especially designed for a high mechanical and electrical endurance. Depending on the application the down-time
of a unit due to circuit-breaker maintenance can therefore be
significantly reduced when a generator circuit-breaker is used.
Unit start-up:
1)
Run-up unit on station transformer (start-up supply) and
synchronise generator with high-voltage grid by means
of high-voltage circuit-breaker
2)
Parallel unit auxiliaries supplies
3)
Separate unit auxiliaries from station transformer (start
up supply)
Unit start-up:
1)
Run-up unit on unit transformer and synchronise
generator with high-voltage grid by means of generator
circuit-breaker
Figure 42: Description of operation procedures for layouts with and without generator circuit-breaker
ABB | 39
Interruption of HV
Circuit-Breaker
I s +I g
Fault
Current
I s +I g
Ig
Grid
Ig
seconds
tens of ms
Time
Interruption of Generator
Circuit-Breaker
Grid
Interruption of HV
Circuit-Breaker
Fault
Current
seconds
tens of ms
Figure 43: Interruption of generator-fed fault currents with and without generator circuit-breaker
Pressure
HV Circuit - Breaker
Time
Figure 44: Pressure rise inside transformer tank for different fault locations
40 | ABB
Is
Ig
Is
Ig
Time
Sequence of events
t
t
t
t
= 0
= 45
= 95
150
ms:
ms:
ms:
ms:
Figure 46: Examples of failures which can lead to unbalanced load conditions
ABB | 41
The thermal stresses result from the negative sequence component of the fault current that interacts with the generator
damper windings. Unbalanced load conditions can give rise,
within a very short time, to dangerously high temperatures
in the damper windings. These temperatures are particularly
critical for turbo generators and in the worst case may cause
the rotor to jam in the stator. If a generator circuit-breaker is
present it will separate the generator from the fault within 4
cycles and thus effectively prevent damage to the generator.
If no generator circuit-breaker is fitted, the generator will continue to supply a negative sequence current until de-excitation
is completed. The de-excitation may take several seconds,
during which time the generator may suffer severe damage.
Unbalanced load cases might lead to severe damage as
depicted in Figure 47. In this case the rotors touching of the
stator destroyed the generator completely.
Generator
Pn = 500 MW
GS
3~
Main Transformer
HV Circuit-Breaker
Overhead Line
(Transmission)
Overhead Line
Coupling
Figure 48: Layout of a power plant in which a case of generator motoring occurred
42 | ABB
ABB | 43
44 | ABB
345 kV
138 kV
GSUT
UT
GSUT
G
GEN 22 kV
UT
UT
UT
ST
ST
GEN 22 kV
Figure 49: Layout of a 2 x 360 MW thermal power plant with two station transformers and no generator circuit-breaker
ABB | 45
345 kV
138 kV
GSUT
UT
GSUT
UT
UT
GEN 22 kV
UT
GEN 22 kV
Figure 50: Layout of a 2 x 360 MW thermal power plant with one station transformer and generator circuit-breakers
345 kV
GSUT
UT
GSUT
G
GEN 22 kV
UT
UT
UT
GEN 22 kV
Figure 51: Layout of a 2 x 360 MW thermal power plant with generator circuit-breakers and no station transformer
46 | ABB
ST
b)
c)
d)
e)
BR
BR
BR
CL
BR
BR
CL
BR
CL
BR
BR
CL
ABB | 47
8.3 Simulations
The simulations have been carried out with the help of a
computer program based on the Monte Carlo method [20].
This is a very powerful technique to quantitatively estimate the
reliability of complex systems like power plants; furthermore it
allows to quantify the impact of the connection scheme of a
generator to the extra high-voltage network on the availability
of the plant.
Monte Carlo methods estimate the reliability of a system by
simulating the process and its random behaviour. The simulation consists in a repeated process of generating deterministic
solutions to a given problem with each solution corresponding to a set of deterministic values of the underlying random
variables. The main element of Monte Carlo simulation is
therefore the generation of random numbers from probability
distributions describing the random variables of interest, e.g.
the failure and repair rates of different items of power plant
equipment.
48 | ABB
EHV substation
(refer to Figure 52)
HV substation
(refer to Figure 52)
Generator
circuit-breaker
Station
transformer
Power
throughput
YES/NO
No.
MW
a)
a)
no
619.38
b)
a)
no
619.50
c)
a)
no
619.62
d)
a)
no
619.35
e)
a)
no
619.45
a)
a)
yes
621.93
622.08
b)
a)
yes
c)
a)
yes
622.09
d)
a)
yes
622.06
e)
a)
yes
622.04
a)
yes
621.97
b)
yes
622.07
c)
yes
622.09
d)
yes
622.07
e)
yes
622.00
0.44%
0.42%
0.42%
0.42%
0.40%
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
ABB | 49
EHV substation
(refer to Figure 52)
HV substation
(refer to Figure 52)
Generator
circuit-breaker
Station
transformer
YES/NO
No.
MW
no
619.50
yes
622.08
yes
622.07
b)
a)
b)
a)
b)
Power
throughput
b)
a)
no
619.47
b)
a)
yes
622.10
b)
yes
622.07
the initial capital outlay also all those expenses arising from
its installation, operation, maintenance and, at the end of its
service life, its disposal.
The power delivered to the grid is given by the power
throughput minus the power consumed by the auxiliaries.
Monetary values are time dependent, and can only be
summed or subtracted when they are referred to the same
point in time. For this reason a cash value corresponding to
each cost term must be calculated to allow for interest and
inflation rates:
Cpv =
Ci
C pv
i=1
1+ r
PV_FM
N
r
li
OC i
50 | ABB
Ci
r
i
PV _ FM =
1
1+ r
MCi
AC
CWC
IC
AC CWC IC
are the
year i
are the
are the
are the
100.50%
100.40%
100.30%
With no GCB
100.20%
100.10%
100.00%
99.90%
99.80%
99.90%
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
ABB | 51
9 Case study 2: Interrupting capability of generator circuitbreakers in case of delayed current zeros
The requirements imposed on generator circuit-breakers
greatly differ from the requirements imposed on general
purpose transmission and distribution circuit-breakers. Due
to the location of installation between the generator and the
associated step-up transformer a generator circuit-breaker
must meet high technical requirements with respect to the
interruption of fault currents. In addition to their generally high
magnitude, these currents can be characterized by delayed
current zeros.
52 | ABB
150
[kA ]
100
50
-50
-100
-150
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
Figure 56 and Figure 57 show the corresponding calculation results with the generator circuit-breaker closing into a
three-phase fault. In the computation the arc-voltage of a
SF6 generator circuit-breaker starting at contact separation is
150
150
[kA]
[kA]
100
100
50
50
-50
-50
-100
-100
-150
0.08
t cp
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
[s]
0.20
-150
0.08
t cp
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
[s]
0.20
ABB | 53
For comparison purposes the interrupting capability of a generator circuit-breaker employing vacuum extinguishing technology is also analysed. Figure 58 and Figure 59 show the
150
150
[kA]
[kA]
100
100
50
50
-50
-50
-100
-100
-150
0.08
t cp
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.20
0.22
[s]
0.24
-150
0.08
t cp
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
0.20
0.22
[s]
0.24
54 | ABB
the inertia constants of turbine, rotor and excitation equipment of the generator are of special importance. Because the
fault current to be interrupted by the generator circuit-breaker
is characterized by delayed current zeros it is extremely important to prove that the circuit-breaker by means of its arcvoltage is capable of forcing current to zero within its maximum permissible arcing time. Even though it is recognized
that synchronising with out-of-phase angle up to 180 might
occur, [1], [2] cover only requirements for a maximum of 90.
Therefore for the present study simulations referring to such a
fault conditions have been performed. The wave-shape of the
out-of-phase current in case of 0 = 90 is depicted in Figure 60.
150
[kA ]
100
50
-50
-100
-150
0.00
0.05
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
[s]
0.30
150
150
[kA]
[kA]
100
100
50
50
-50
-50
-100
-100
-150
0.08
t cp
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
[s]
0.20
-150
0.08
t cp
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
[s]
0.20
ABB | 55
150
150
[kA]
[kA ]
100
100
50
50
-50
-50
-100
-100
-150
0.08
t cp
0.10
0.12
0.14
0.16
0.18
[s]
0.20
-150
0.05
t cp
0.10
0.15
0.20
0.25
0.30
0.35
[s]
0.40
The results show that the fault current resulting from out-ofphase synchronising can impose extremely severe interrupting conditions if the generator circuit-breaker closes when
the voltage across its contacts in one pole is at its maximum
9.4 Conclusions
The possible occurrence of fault currents in power stations
which show delayed current zeros has been investigated. In
addition to the delayed current zeros phenomena associated
with generator terminal faults the case of synchronisation
under out-of-phase conditions has also been analysed. The
capability of the generator circuit-breaker to interrupt fault
currents which show delayed current zeros has been investigated by calculations that take into account the effect of the
arc-voltage of the generator circuit-breaker on the prospective
fault current. In order to carry out a more thorough investigation on the interrupting capability of generator circuit-breakers
a comparison between SF6 and vacuum extinguishing technologies has been made.
In all the cases analyzed the application of a vacuum circuitbreaker results in longer arcing times compared to the SF6
device. Furthermore the fault occurring at voltage maximum in
56 | ABB
References
[1]
IEEE Std C37.013-1997 (R2008) IEEE Standard for
AC High-Voltage Generator Circuit Breakers Rated on a Symmetrical Current Basis.
[12]
I. M. Canay; L. Werren: Unbalanced Load Stresses
in Generators due to Switching Failures, Faults in Power
Transformers, Instrument Transformers and Lightning Arresters, ABB Technical Report ASB 88/200, 1988.
[2]
IEEE Std C37.013a-2007 IEEE Standard for AC High
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[13]
A. Dubi, Monte Carlo Applications in Systems Engineering, John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2000.
[3]
IEC 62271-100 High-voltage switchgear and controlgear Part 100: Alternating-current circuit-breakers.
[14]
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[5]
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[7]
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[9]
D. Braun, L. Widenhorn and J. Ischi, Impact of the
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[10]
L. Widenhorn; K. Froehlich; B. Culver: Minimised
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Hong Kong, 1994, pp.145-150.
[11]
B. Culver, K. Froelich and L. Widenhorn, Prevention
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[15]
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of the IEEE Power Engineering Society Transformers Committee, 1998.
[16]
CIGRE Working Group 13.06, Final Report of the
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Failures and Defects in Service, CIGRE Publication No. 83,
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[17]
M. H. J. Bollen, Literature Search for Reliability Data
of Components in Electric Distribution Networks, Eindhoven
University of Technology, 1993.
[18]
CIGRE Working Group 12.05, An International
Survey on Failures in Large Power Transformers in Service,
Electra, No. 88, 1983, pp 21-42.
[19]
CIGRE Working Group 23.02, Report on the Second
International Survey on High Voltage Gas Insulated Substations (GIS) Service Experience, Cigre Publication No. 150,
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[20]
CLOCKWORK GROUP, A Users Guide to Power
Plant Workbench Version 1.1, Austin , 1999-2000.
[21]
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[22]
M. Palazzo, D. Braun and M. Delfanti, Investigation
on the Occurrence of Delayed Current Zeros Phenomena in
Power Stations and Related Stress Imposed on Generator
Circuit-Breakers, International Conference on Power Systems
Transients, Delft, 2011.
ABB | 57
Notes
58 | ABB
Note
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