EE6702 - PROTECTION

& SWITCHGEAR
By,
VINITHA JC
ASSO. PROF.

RMD-EEE
 UNIT -5
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
 UNIT 5 Syllabus
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
• Physics of arcing phenomenon and arc
interruption – DC and AC circuit breaking –
re-striking voltage and recovery voltage – rate
of rise of recovery voltage – resistance
switching – current chopping – interruption of
capacitive current – Types of circuit breakers –
air blast, air break, oil, SF6 and vacuum circuit
breakers – comparison of different circuit
breakers – Rating and selection of Circuit
breakers.
Theory of circuit interruption
 The ARC
• The electric arc constitute a basic, indispensable and
active element in the process of current interruption.
1. Basic theory of electric discharge
• The conduction of electricity is through the gases or
vapors which contain positive and negative charge
carriers and all types of discharge involve the very
fundamental process of production, movement &
absorption of these carriers which is the mode of
carrying the current between the electrodes. The gas
discharge phenomena can broadly classified as:
a. The non-self sustained discharge
b. The self sustaining discharges
 Initiation of an Arc

• By high voltage gradient at

the cathode resulting into
field emission.

• By increase of temperature
resulting into thermo ionic
emission
 Maintenance of Arc
• High temperature of the medium around the
contacts caused by high current densities,
with high temp the kinetic energy gained by
moving electrons increased.
• The field strength or volt. gradient which
increases the kinetic energy of the moving
electrons and increases the chances of
detaching electrons from neutral molecule.
• An increase in mean free path-the distance
through which the electron moves freely.
 Methods of Arc Extinction
High resistance method
a. cooling of arc
b. increasing the arc length
c. reducing the cross section of arc
d. splitting of arc

Low resistance or current zero interruption

a. Lengthening of the gap
b. increasing the pressure in the vicinity of the arc
c. Cooling
d. Blast Effect
 Phenomenon of arc extinction
Energy Balance or Cassie Theory
• This theory states that if the rate of heat
dissipation between the contacts is greater then
the rate at which heat is generated, the arc will be
extinguished, otherwise it will restrike.

Recovery rate or Slepian’s Theory

• This theory states that if the rate at which the ions
and electrons combine to form or replaced by
neutral molecules.
Restriking Voltage & Recovery Voltage
• The transient voltage which appears across the
breaker contacts at the instant of arc being
extinguished is known as restriking voltage.
• The power frequency rms voltage ,which appears
across the breaker contacts after the arc is finally
extinguished and transient oscillation die out is
called recovery voltage.
Arc Extinction

Arc Voltage:
The Voltage drop
across the arc is
called Arc Voltage.
 Arc Quenching: ( C.B )
• The Arc Produced not only delays the
current interruption process but it also
generates enormous heat which may cause
damage to the system or to the circuit
breaker itself.
• Therefore main problem in a C.B is to
extinguish the arc with in the shortest
possible time so the heat generated by it
may not reach a dangerous value.
 ARC PHENOMENON
During arcing period, the current flowing between
the contacts depends upon the resistance. The
greater Resistance smaller the current that flows
between the contacts.
The arc resistance depends upon
i) Degree of ionization ( Arc resistance increases with the
decrease in number of ionized particles b/w the contact )
ii) Length of Arc ( Arc resistance increases with the
length of arc )
iii) Cross section of Arc ( Arc resistance increases with
the decrease in X-section of the arc )
 ARC PHENOMENON
The factors that are responsible for
maintenance of arc between the contacts are:

i) Potential Difference between the contacts.

ii) ionized particles between the contacts.
 Methods of Arc Interruption
There are two methods of Arc Interruption or
Extinction are
i) High resistance interruption
ii) Current zero interruption
High resistance interruption
The arc resistance can be increased by
cooling, lengthening, reducing x-section and
splitting the arc.
 Methods of Arc Interruption
It is employed for low power AC and DC circuit
breakers.
Current zero interruption
There are two theories to explain the zero
current interruption of the arc.
i) Recovery rate theory (Slepain’sTheory)
ii) Energy balance theory (Cassie’s Theory)
Recovery rate theory
Energy balance theory
Arc Extinction in oil Circuit Breaker
Incase of oil circuit breaker the opening of
contact which heats the oil surrounds the
contact due to arc which causes hydrogen gas
bubble to evolve and its removes the heat from
the surface. If the rate of heat removal is faster
than its generation then the arc is extinguished.
Arc interruption (or) Extinction
methods
a) Lengthening the arc : by arc runners

Function of the arc runners

b) Splitting the Arc:
In this method the arc is elongated and splitted by arc
splitters. These are made with plates of resin bonded fiber
gas. These are placed perpendicular to arc and arc is pulled
into them by electromagnetic forces.
c) Cooling of Arc :
It causes recombination of ionized particles.
Cooling remove the heat from the Arc. Efficient
cooling may be obtained by gas blast directed
along Arc.
2) Low resistance (or) current zero interruption:
This method is used for Arc Extinction in A.C
circuit breakers. In this method the resistance kept
low until current is zero.
In a.c Circuit-breakers the arc is interrupted at a
current zero. At current zero, the space between
contacts is deionized quickly by introducing fresh
unionized medium such as oil or fresh air, or SF6
gas, between the contacts.
• The dielectric strength of the contact space increases
to such an extent that the arc does not continue after
current zero. A high voltage may appear across the
contacts. The voltage may re-established the arc if the
dielectric strength of gap is less than the restriking
voltage. In that case the arc continues for another half
cycle and may get extinguished at next current zero.

The rapid increase of dielectric strength of the medium

near current zero can be achieved by
1)Lengthening of Arc
2)Cooling
3)Blast effect
DC CIRCUIT BREAKING
 How is dc breaking done?
The contacts of the DC breaker
separate and the arc is transferred
from contacts to the runners where
it rises upwards and extinguishes on
its own.
 Drawbacks of HVDC circuit breaking
• The amount of energy to be dissipated during
the short interval of breaking is very high as
compared to the conventional a.c circuit
breakers.

• The natural zero current does not occur as in

the case of a.c cb, resistance switching and
the efficient cooling by forcing the liquid or air
blast are used to dissipate the high amount of
energy.
 SIMPLE D.C CIRCUIT

B circuit breaker.
Assuming CB “B” breaks the current I(=E/R)
ARC CHARACTERISTICS
The diff equation of the circuit is,

L(di/dt) + Ri + eb = E
L(di/dt) = (E –Ri) - eb(i) = Δe

Δe negative:
Current will decrease.

Δe positive:
Increase the current.
 Basic requirement

Progressive lengthening of arc is a

basic requirement of dc circuit
breakers.
In designing an HVDC circuit breaker there are
there main problems to be solved
– How to produce a current zero?
– How to prevent restriking?
– How to dissipate the stored energy?

Producing current zero

– This approach involves changing the form of arc
current by commutation principle
– Quenching gear of well proven HVAC circtuit breaker
– Principle of oscillatory circuit
Prevention of restrikes
• To produce a good ionizing arc the space between two
walls of arc chute can be narrowed to restrict the arc.
• At the same time it can be broken into number of arcs
by inserting a grating of vertical metal plane.

Dissipation of stored energy

• A protective spark gap can be used across the CB to
reduce the size of the commuting capacitor.
• It will keep the abnormal voltage produced at the
switching time below the undesired level.
• By means of high frequency currents the spark gap
acts as an energy dissipating device.
 Interruption of
capacitive current
Interruption of capacitive current
Effect:
The interruption of capacitive current
produces high voltage transients across the gap
of the circuit breaker.

When?
This occurs when an unloaded long
transmission line or a capacitor bank is switched
off.
Interruption of capacitive current
 Interruption of capacitive current
Considering a electrical circuit of a simple power
system

C stray capacitance of the circuit breaker

CL line capacitance
TRANSIENT VOLTAGE ACROSS THE GAP OF
THE CIRCUIT BREAKER WHEN THE
CAPACITIVE CURRENT IS INTERRUPTED
At the instant M
– The capacitive current is 0.
– System voltage is maximum.

If interruption occurs
– Capacitor CL remains charged at the maximum
value of system voltage.

After the instant M

– Voltage across the breaker gap is
– the difference of Vc and VcL.
At the instant N
– The voltage across the gap is twice the maximum
– Value of Vc.

If the breaker restrikes

– The voltage across the gap become partially zero.
– Voltage falls from 2Vcmaxto zero.
– A severe high frequency oscillation occurs (about
the point S)
– Interrupted again.( if restriking current=0)
– The capacitor CL at the voltage -3emax.
At the instant P
– The system voltage reaches its positive
maximum.(point T)
– Voltage across the gap becomes 4emax.
– The capacitive current reaches zero again and
there may be an interruption.
– The transient voltage oscillates between
-3emaxand +5emax. (point P—Q)

• Thus voltage across the gap goes on

increasing.
CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Types of circuit breakers
1. Air Blast circuit breaker
2. Vacuum circuit breaker
3. Oil circuit breaker
4. SF6 circuit breaker
• Comparison of Airblast, Vacuum, Oil, SF6.
• Testing of circuit breakers.
 Types Of Circuit Breakers
1. Oil Circuit Breakers

2. Vacuum Circuit Breakers

3. AirBlast Circuit Breakers

4. SF6 Circuit Breakers

 1. OIL CIRCUIT BREAKER
• It is designed for 11kv-765kv.
• These are of two types
❑ BOCB (Bulk oil Circuit Breaker)
❑ MOCB (Minimum oil Circuit
Breaker)

• The contacts are immersed in oil

bath.
• Oil provides cooling by hydrogen
created by arc.
• It acts as a good dielectric
medium and quenches the arc.
 1. OIL CIRCUIT BREAKER
Advantages:
• Oil has good dielectric strength.
• Low cost.
• Oil is easily available.
• It has wide range of breaking capability.

Disadvantages:
• Slower operation , takes about 20 cycles for arc
quenching.
• It is highly inflammable , so high risk of fire.
• High maintenance cost.
 2. VACCUM CIRCUIT BREAKER
• It is designed for medium voltage range (3.3-33kv).
• This consists of vacuum of pressure (1*10-6) inside arc
extinction chamber.
• The arc burns in metal vapour when the contacts are
disconnected.
• At high voltage , it’s rate of dielectric strength recovery is very
high.
• Due to vacuum arc extinction is very fast.
• The contacts loose metals gradually due to formation of metal
vapours.
 3. AIR BLAST CIRCUIT BREAKERS
• This operates using high velocity blast of air
which quenches the arc.
• It consists of blast valve , blast tube &
contacts.
• Blast valve contains air at high pressure.
• Blast tube carries the air at high pressure &
opens the moving contact attached to spring.
• There is no carbonization of surface as in VCB.
• Air should be kept clean & dry to operate it
properly.
3. AIR BLAST CIRCUIT BREAKERS
 3. AIR BLAST CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Advantages:
• High speed operation as compared to OCB.
• Ability to withstand frequent switching.
• Facility for high speed reclosure.
• Less maintenance as compared to OCB.

Disadvantages:
• Little moisture content prolongs arcing time.
• Pressure should be checked frequently for frequent
operation.
• Risk of fire hazards due to over voltages.
• It can’t be used for high voltage operation due to
prolonged arc quenching.
AIRBREAK CIRCUIT BREAKER
 4. SF6 CIRCUIT BREAKERS
• It contains an arc interruption chamber containing SF6
gas.
• In closed position the contacts remain surrounded by
SF6 gas at a pressure of 2.8 kg/cm2.
• During opening high pressure SF6 gas at 14 kg/cm2
from its reservoir flows towards the chamber by valve
mechanism.
• SF6 rapidly absorbs the free electrons in the arc path to
form immobile negative ions to build up high dielectric
strength.
• It also cools the arc and extinguishes it.
• After operation the valve is closed by the action of a
set of springs.
• Absorbent materials are used to absorb the byproducts
and moisture.
4. SF6 CIRCUIT BREAKERS
 4. SF6 CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Advantages:
– Very short arcing period due to superior arc quenching property
of SF6.
– Can interrupt much larger currents as compared to other
breakers.
– No risk of fire.
– Low maintenance, light foundation.
– No over voltage problem.
– There are no carbon deposits.

Disadvantages:
– SF6 breakers are costly due to high cost of SF6.
– SF6 gas has to be reconditioned after every operation of the
breaker, additional equipment is required for this purpose.
Comparison of Circuit Breakers
Testing of circuit breaker
Why "Testing of Circuit Breaker" is Necessary?
• A Circuit Breaker should be capable of carrying,
making, and breaking under normal and abnormal
conditions. In any power system circuit breaker has to
withstand power frequency over voltages and
transient over voltages due to switching and lightning.

• The performance of a circuit breaker under normal

and abnormal conditions can be verified by
performing different type of tests on circuit breakers.
The main purpose of testing of circuit breakers is to
confirm if circuit breaker is able to work on particular
voltage and current ratings or not.
 TYPE OF TEST ON CIRCUIT BREAKERS
There are mainly two tests classified:
• 1)Type test
• 2) Routine Test

1) Type Tests:
The purpose of type tests is to prove design
features and the quality of circuit breaker. Type
tests are not conducted on each circuit breaker. This
is done to prove the capabilities and to confirm the
rated characteristics of the circuit breakers.
 TYPE OF TEST ON CIRCUIT BREAKERS
2)Routine Tests:
Routine test is performed before circuit breaker
dispatch to ensure the product. This gives result
about defects in materials and construction of
circuit breaker. We can check quality of material
of circuit breaker by performing Routine Test.
 TYPE TESTS LISTED BELOW
• Mechanical endurance tests
• Thermal tests
• Dielectric tests
• Measurement of resistance of the main
circuits
• Short Circuit tests
 1. Mechanical endurance tests
• In this test, the C.B.. is open and closed 500 times
or other value as agreed to between the
purchaser and the supplier. The test are carried
out without current through the main circuit of
the C.B. Out of the total number of tests, 10%
should be closed-open operation, that is with the
tripping, mechanism energized by the closing of
main contacts. During the tests, occasional
lubrication, but no mechanical adjustments are
permissible. After the tests, all parts including
contacts should be in good condition and there
should be no permanent distortion and undue
wear of the parts.
 5. SHORT CIRCUIT TESTS
1) Breaking capacity Test:-
• Sequence of performing this tests is as follows:-
– First of all, the master circuit breaker (MB)and the breaker under
test (TB)are closed.
– The s.c. current is passed by closing the make switch.
– The circuit breaker under test(TB) is opened to interrupt the s.c.
current at desired moment.
• The following measurements related to the breaking
capacity performance are taken from the oscillogram during
the test:-
– Symmetrical breaking current
– Asymmetrical breaking current
– Amplitude factor
– Natural frequency of oscillations and RRRV(RATE OF RISE OF
RISTRIKING VOLTAGE)
 2. Thermal test (Temperature Rise Test)
• This test determines the maximum normal current
that the circuit breaker can carry without
exceeding the maximum allowable temperature
rise. In this test the rated normal current of
normal frequency is passed through the current
carrying parts of circuit breaker.
• Method are recognized by Indian standards for
measuring temperature rise of parts:-
1) Thermometer method
2) Thermocouple method
3) Self resistance method
 5. SHORT CIRCUIT TESTS
2. Making Capacity Test:-
Sequence of Performing this test :-
– First of all, the master circuit breaker (MB)and the
make switch(MS) are closed.
– Then, the short circuit current is initiated by
closing the test breaker (TB).
– The rated short circuit making current i.e. the
peak value of the first major loop of the short
circuit current envelope is measured from the
oscillorgram.
 5. SHORT CIRCUIT TESTS
3) Short Time Withstand Current Capacity:-

• In this test, the rated short-time withstand current is

applied to the circuit breaker under test for the
specified duration of the time.
• The rated short time withstand current is equal to be
rated short circuit breaking current and standard value
of rated duration of short circuit current is 1 second or
3 seconds.
• The current is measured by taking an oscillograph of
the short circuit current wave.After the test, there
should be no mechanical or insulation damage and any
contact welding.
THANK YOU