Field tests of a circuit breaker synchronous control

Abstract

A circuit breaker synchronous control interface which controls the point-on-wave at which shunt reactor circuit breakers open or close has been developed and tested on Hydro-Quebec's 735-kV power system. It takes into account the influence of outdoor temperature on the breaker closing and opening times. It is also equipped with a reignition and a high-inrush-current detection system. Opening tests at different preset arcing times were conducted and the arcing time range where there are no re-ignitions in air-blast breakers was established. The tests showed that the interface is a valuable device for the elimination of re-ignitions associated with the interruption of small inductive currents. Closing tests have shown that the interface is also useful for the limitation of high inrush currents by selecting an appropriate point-on-wave for circuit breaker closing.