Air Blast Circuit Breakers: 5 Powerful Secrets of Their Hidden Technology

Circuit breakers play a vital role in protecting electrical networks from overloads and short-circuits, ensuring the safety of both the grid and connected devices. Among the innovative technologies in this field, one stands out: the air blast circuit breaker (ACB). This powerful device effectively extinguishes arcs by employing a high-velocity blast of compressed air. In this blog post, we will delve into the hidden technology behind ACBs, exploring their construction, operation, types, advantages, and disadvantages. Let’s unravel the secrets of the remarkable air blast circuit breakers.

What is an Air Blast Circuit Breaker?

An air blast circuit breaker is a type of circuit breaker that uses compressed air or gas as the arc interrupting medium. The compressed air is stored in a tank and released through a nozzle, creating a high-velocity jet. This jet is directed towards the arc to extinguish it. Air blast circuit breakers are commonly used for indoor services in the medium to high voltage range, typically up to 15 KV and 2500 MVA rupturing capacity. They are also employed in high voltage circuits in outdoor switchyards for 220 KV lines.

Definition and Function

In simple terms, an air blast circuit breaker is a device designed to interrupt or break the flow of electrical current in a circuit. It achieves this by creating a blast of compressed air or gas that extinguishes the arc, which is the result of the current flow. The compressed air is stored in a tank and released through a nozzle at high velocity to blow away the ionized gas and assist in the extinction of the arc. This process happens rapidly, within one or a few cycles, preventing restrikes and ensuring reliable interruption of the current.

Importance in Electrical Grids

Air blast circuit breakers play a vital role in electrical grids for various reasons:

1. High-Speed Operation: Air blast circuit breakers are designed to operate with high speed, allowing for quick interruption of the current. This is crucial in large interconnected networks to maintain system stability and prevent potential damage to electrical equipment.
2. Suitability for Frequent Operation: The absence of oil in air blast circuit breakers enables frequent switching without the risk of rapid carbonization or significant wear and tear on the current-carrying contact surfaces. This makes them suitable for applications that require repeated switching.
3. Negligible Maintenance: Due to their ability to handle frequent switching and the absence of oil, air blast circuit breakers require minimal maintenance. This reduces downtime and ensures reliable operation.
4. Elimination of Fire Hazard: Unlike circuit breakers that use oil as the interrupting medium, air blast circuit breakers eliminate the risk of fire. The absence of oil greatly reduces the potential for electrical fires, enhancing safety in electrical installations.
5. Reduced Size: Air blast circuit breakers take advantage of the rapid growth of dielectric strength in compressed air. This means that the final gap required for arc extinction is smaller, allowing for smaller and more compact devices. This is advantageous in terms of space-saving and overall system design.

Air blast circuit breakers are essential components in electrical grids. They provide reliable interruption of electrical currents, ensuring system stability, frequent operation capability, negligible maintenance, elimination of fire hazards, and reduced device size. Their unique design using compressed air or gas as the arc interrupting medium makes them a preferred choice for medium to high voltage applications.

Working Principle of an Air Blast Circuit Breaker

The working principle of an air blast circuit breaker revolves around arc interruption and quenching, as well as the crucial role played by high-velocity air blasts. Let’s delve deeper into these aspects:

Arc Interruption and Quenching

When it comes to extinguishing the arc in an air blast circuit breaker, compressed air acts as the interrupting medium. The circuit breaker stores compressed air in a tank and intelligently releases it through a nozzle to generate a high-velocity jet. This jet is then directed towards the arc for extinguishing purposes.

The air blast circuit breaker is specifically designed for indoor services in the medium to high voltage range, typically up to 15 KV and with rupturing capacities of 2500 MVA. However, its usage has expanded to include high voltage circuits in outdoor switchyards for 220 KV lines.

Role of High-Velocity Air Blast

In an air blast circuit breaker, the high-velocity air blast plays a critical role in the arc interruption process. Here’s how it works:

1. High-Speed Operation: The air blast circuit breaker ensures rapid operation within a very short time interval between the triggering impulse and contacts separation. This speed is particularly crucial in large interconnected networks to maintain system stability.
2. Suitability for Frequent Operation: The absence of oil in air blast circuit breakers allows for frequent switching without the risk of rapid carbonization or significant wear and tear. However, it’s important to ensure a sufficient air supply for anticipated frequent switching scenarios.
3. Negligible Maintenance: Due to its ability to handle repeated switching, air blast circuit breakers require minimal maintenance, providing a cost-effective solution.
4. Elimination of Fire Hazard: As there is no oil involved, the risk of fire is eliminated, making air blast circuit breakers a safer option.
5. Reduced Size: Air blast circuit breakers benefit from the rapid growth of dielectric strength, leading to smaller device sizes. The final gap required for arc extinction becomes significantly smaller, allowing for more compact designs.

Principle of Arc Extinction in Circuit Breaker

To achieve arc extinction, air blast circuit breakers utilize an additional compressed air system. When opening air is required, compressed air is directed into the arc extinction chamber, exerting pressure on the moving contacts. This leads to the separation of contacts as the air blast pushes them apart, simultaneously moving the ionized gas away and assisting in arc extinction.

The high-pressure air within the arc chamber, provided by the air blast, effectively extinguishes the arc within a few cycles. This pressurized air also prevents restrikes, making air blast circuit breakers reliable in maintaining interruption efficiency. Consequently, air blast circuit breakers are categorized as external extinguishing energy type, as the energy for arc quenching is derived from the high-pressure air, independent of the interrupted current.

Types of Air Blast Circuit Breaker

There are various types of air blast circuit breakers, all functioning based on the fundamental principle of separating contacts within a flowing arc via the opening of a blast valve. Through this mechanism, the arc is directed centrally, often utilizing a nozzle to focus and efficiently extinguish it.

Remember, air blast circuit breakers are invaluable in electrical systems, ensuring the safe interruption of current and protecting equipment from electrical faults.

Construction of an Air Blast Circuit Breaker

An air blast circuit breaker is a specialized type of circuit breaker that uses high-pressure air to extinguish electrical arcs and prevent overflow of electric current. In this section, we will delve into the components of an air blast circuit breaker, including the role of the air reservoir and insulator columns.

Components of an ACB

An air blast circuit breaker comprises several key components that work together to ensure the proper functioning of the device. These components include:

1. Air ReservoirThe air reservoir is a tank that stores high-pressure air, typically around 20-30 atm. It is an essential part of the circuit breaker, as it supplies the required air pressure for arc extinction. The reservoir is connected to an auxiliary system that ensures a continuous supply of high-pressure air.
2. Hollow Insulator AssemblyThe hollow insulator assembly plays a crucial role in connecting the air reservoir to the arc extinction chamber. These insulators facilitate the flow of high-pressure air from the reservoir to the arc extinction chamber. Furthermore, they have valves at their base, which allow control of the air flow into the system. The hollow insulators also provide insulation, protecting other equipment from high-voltage lines.
3. Arc Extinction ChamberMounted on the hollow insulator assembly, the arc extinction chamber is where the circuit breaks and interrupts the flow of current. It consists of fixed and moving contacts, which are responsible for the arc extinction process. The movement of these contacts is dependent on the air pressure within the chamber.
4. ValvesValves are located at the base of the insulators and play a critical role in regulating the flow of high-pressure air. They ensure that the air flows from the air reservoir to the arc extinction chamber. If a fault occurs in the circuit, the valves open with the help of an iron rod activated by a pneumatic operating system.
5. Current Carrying ConductorsCurrent carrying conductors are responsible for connecting the neighboring equipment with the arc extinction chambers in series. They serve the purpose of ensuring a continuous flow of current within the circuit breaker.

Role of Air Reservoir and Insulator Columns

The air reservoir and insulator columns are vital components of an air blast circuit breaker, each with its own specific role:

The air reservoir acts as a storage unit for high-pressure air. It ensures a constant supply of air to the circuit breaker for arc extinction. By maintaining a pressure of around 20-30 atm, the air reservoir provides the necessary force to extinguish the electrical arcs within the arc extinction chamber.

On the other hand, the insulator columns serve as connectors between the air reservoir and the arc extinction chamber. They enable the flow of high-pressure air from the reservoir to the chamber, facilitating the arc extinction process. Additionally, the hollow insulators perform the crucial task of insulating the equipment from the high-voltage lines.

The air reservoir and insulator columns are integral components of an air blast circuit breaker. The air reservoir ensures a continuous supply of high-pressure air for arc extinction, while the insulator columns facilitate the flow of air from the reservoir to the arc extinction chamber, while also providing insulation for the equipment. Together, these components ensure the efficient and reliable operation of the circuit breaker.

Operation of an Air Blast Circuit Breaker

An air blast circuit breaker (ACB) is an essential component in power transmission and distribution systems. It is responsible for interrupting fault currents and protecting electrical equipment from damage. In this section, we will delve into the operational aspects of an ACB, focusing on the steps involved in its operation and the significance of arc quenching.

Steps Involved in ACB Operation

1. Closing the contacts: The first step in operating an ACB is closing the contacts. When a fault occurs or when maintenance is required, the contacts of the breaker are manually or automatically closed to establish electrical continuity.
2. Current interruption: Once the contacts are closed, the ACB monitors the current flowing through the circuit. If a fault is detected, the ACB initiates the interruption process. It rapidly opens the contacts to create a gap, thereby breaking the circuit and stopping the flow of current.
3. Arc initiation: As the contacts of the ACB start to separate, an arc is formed due to the electrical resistance between them. This arc is highly conductive and possesses high energy, posing a risk of damage to the contacts and nearby equipment if not effectively controlled.
4. Arc quenching: The primary objective of an ACB is to quench or extinguish the arc quickly. It achieves this by utilizing a high-velocity blast of compressed air. The compressed air is released through nozzles strategically positioned to direct the airflow towards the arc zone. This rapid burst of air cools and disrupts the arc, ionizing the surrounding medium and extinguishing the arc.
5. Arc extinction: The arc is effectively extinguished when the pressure and velocity of the compressed air blast force the ionized medium between the contacts to regain its insulating properties. This ensures a reliable interruption of the fault current, effectively protecting the electrical system from further damage.

Importance of Arc Quenching

Arc quenching plays a crucial role in the operation of an ACB, as it ensures the safe interruption of fault currents. Here are a few reasons why arc quenching is of utmost importance:

• Protecting equipment: By swiftly extinguishing the arc, an ACB safeguards electrical equipment from the damaging effects of fault currents. It prevents thermal and mechanical stress on the system, prolonging the lifespan of critical components.
• Ensuring operator safety: In the event of a fault, arc quenching minimizes the risk of electrical shock or injury to maintenance personnel. By rapidly extinguishing the arc, an ACB reduces the potential for arc flash incidents and associated hazards.
• Maintaining system reliability: Interrupting fault currents promptly and efficiently is essential for maintaining the reliability of power transmission and distribution systems. The arc quenching capabilities of an ACB ensure the continuous and uninterrupted flow of electricity, preventing prolonged power outages.

Understanding the operation of an air blast circuit breaker is crucial for comprehending its role in electrical systems. The steps involved in its operation, from closing the contacts to arc quenching, ensure the safe interruption of fault currents and the protection of valuable equipment. The proper functioning of arc quenching mechanisms guarantees the reliability and safety of power transmission and distribution systems.

Types of Air Blast Circuit Breakers

Air blast circuit breakers are a type of circuit breaker that use compressed air or gas as the arc interrupting medium. They are commonly employed in medium to high voltage circuits, both indoors and outdoors, to ensure the stability and safety of the electrical system. In this section, we will explore the different types of air blast circuit breakers: Axial Blast ACB, Radial Blast ACB, and Cross Blast ACB.

Axial Blast ACB

The Axial Blast ACB is a type of air blast circuit breaker where the compressed air is released axially along the axis of the arc chamber. The high-velocity air jet generated by the blast valve extinguishes the arc by blowing away the ionized gases. This type of ACB is particularly suitable for interrupting low currents and has a relatively simple design.

Radial Blast ACB

The Radial Blast ACB operates by releasing the compressed air radially into the arc chamber. As the air jet spreads out in a radial direction, it displaces the ionized gases, disrupting the continuity of the arc. This type of ACB is known for its high interrupting capacity and is commonly used in medium to high voltage applications.

Cross Blast ACB

The Cross Blast ACB is a variation of the air blast circuit breaker that combines elements of both axial and radial blast designs. Compressed air is released both radially and axially to effectively blow out the arc in multiple directions simultaneously. The cross blast technique enhances the arc extinction capability of the circuit breaker, making it suitable for handling high fault currents.

Each type of air blast circuit breaker has its own advantages and is selected based on specific application requirements. The design of these circuit breakers ensures high-speed operation, suitability for frequent switching, negligible maintenance, elimination of fire hazards, and reduced size. By harnessing the power of compressed air, these circuit breakers excel at promptly interrupting the flow of electrical current and ensuring the safety of the electrical system.

Advantages of Air Blast Circuit Breakers

In the world of electrical engineering, air blast circuit breakers have gained significant popularity due to their unique advantages and capabilities. Let’s explore the remarkable advantages of air blast circuit breakers that make them a preferred choice in high-voltage situations.

Rapid Arc Extinction

One of the key advantages of air blast circuit breakers is their ability to rapidly extinguish electrical arcs. When a fault occurs and an electrical arc is formed, the compressed air within the circuit breaker is released at high pressure, creating a powerful blast. This air blast quickly cools and extinguishes the arc, ensuring prompt interruption of electrical current. The rapid arc extinction capability of air blast circuit breakers helps prevent damage to equipment and ensures the safety of electrical systems.

Suitability for High-Voltage Situations

Air blast circuit breakers are specifically designed to handle high-voltage applications, typically operating at voltages of 132kV and above. Their robust construction and effective arc quenching mechanism make them suitable for handling the immense electrical power associated with high-voltage transmission and distribution networks. By effectively interrupting fault currents at these high voltage levels, air blast circuit breakers play a crucial role in maintaining the reliability and stability of the electrical grid.

Minimal Maintenance Requirements

Another significant advantage of air blast circuit breakers is their low maintenance requirements. Unlike some other types of circuit breakers, air blast circuit breakers do not rely on complex and expensive maintenance procedures. The interrupting medium, air, is abundantly available, chemically stable, and inert, eliminating the need for specialized maintenance activities such as oil replacement or purification. This translates to cost savings and reduced downtime for maintenance, making air blast circuit breakers a cost-effective solution for power system operators.

Air blast circuit breakers offer several distinctive advantages that contribute to their popularity in high-voltage applications. The rapid arc extinction capabilities, suitability for high-voltage situations, and minimal maintenance requirements make air blast circuit breakers a reliable and efficient choice for ensuring the stability and safety of electrical systems.

Conclusion

In conclusion, air blast circuit breakers (ACBs) play a crucial role in safeguarding electrical networks by efficiently interrupting fault currents and preventing electrical damage. With their unique working principle of directing a high-velocity blast of compressed air onto the arc zone, ACBs effectively extinguish the arc and ensure safe grid operation. The construction of ACBs includes essential components such as the air reservoir, insulator columns, and double arc extinction chambers.

The operation of ACBs involves steps like supplying air to the reservoir, creating an arc when contacts separate, and quickly quenching the arc with the air blast. ACBs are available in different types, including axial blast, radial blast, and cross blast, each directing the air blast in a specific manner.

The advantages of using ACBs are notable, including rapid arc extinction, suitability for high-voltage situations, and minimal maintenance requirements. Overall, air blast circuit breakers are a hidden technology that plays a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient operation of electrical grids.