Category: CB

Measuring 60HZ AC Signals with less than 10 volts peak-to-peak amplitude. Using the general-purpose analog inputs (channels 3 and higher) on the ZENSOL CBA-32P, it is possible to measure AC voltages where the peak-to-peak amplitude is less than 10 volts. It is necessary to assemble a special circuit to obtain the desired results.

Category: CB

Troubleshooting Examples. The importance of timing tests is particularly critical in maintaining the reliability of the transport and distribution network, and also in the safety of the personnel employed to maintain and operate the network protection apparatus. Using test execution and analysis tools, such as the CBA-32P, by Zensol, which is driven by the CBA Win© software, and with the experience acquired in the field, it is possible to determine, with remarkable accuracy, the nature of the problems that affect circuit breaker performance even before disassembling the apparatus.

Category: CB

Transducers installation examples. Introduction: One of the main difficulties in measuring the displacement on a circuit breaker is the position of the transducer and the attachment of the mechanical base on the breaker. We have gathered several mounting examples here, taken from our own test experiences over the years, in many locations around the world. These tests were all performed using the CBA-32P circuit breaker analyzer and the CBA Win software.

Category: CB/OLTC

An expert system for acoustic diagnosis of power circuit breakers and on-load tap changers. Article from Expert Systems with Applications – Volume 42, Issue 24, 30 December 2015, Pages 9426–9433. Abstract: Most of the faults on power Circuit Breakers (CBs) and On-Load Tap Changers (OLTCs) on high voltage transformers are of mechanical origin. Mechanical malfunction, mechanical wear and other types of abnormal behaviors can be detected as changes in the acoustic signatures. In this paper, an Expert System (ES) with the addition of a signal processor module and factual database module to the conventional ES has been proposed for the diagnosis of CBs and OLTCs.

Category: CB

Maintenance of MV and HV Power Circuit Breakers. Article from Electric Energy T&D, Magazine – May-June 2006 Issue. Preface: This article is the first in a series of articles that will help to bring light to the maintenance practices presently applied to power circuit breakers.

Category: CB

Breaker timing. This document outlines the testing and operation of high-voltage circuit breakers. The primary objective of these tests is to verify the performance of high-voltage circuit breakers under various conditions, ensuring they can reliably interrupt short circuits and reclose safely. The document emphasizes that precise timing is absolutely crucial for successful operation. The timing of "close" and "trip" operations directly impacts the breaker's ability to handle short circuits and reclose effectively. The testing results (timing data) are used to establish reference values and ensure breakers meet design specifications.

Category: CB

The Displacement Curve. This document explains the principles of measuring the displacement of high-voltage circuit breakers, describing the nature of the observed curves, as well as the methods, mechanisms and instruments used to perform displacement measurements on high-voltage circuit breakers.

Category: CB

Make/Break Contacts in Power Circuit Breakers. "The interruption of electric power circuits has always been an essential function, especially in cases of overloads or short circuits when immediate interruption of the current flow becomes necessary as a protective measure. This means of interruption soon became inadequate and special devices called circuit breakers had to be developed".

Category: CB

A New Measurement Method of the Dynamic Contact Resistance of HV Circuit Breakers (pdf). The following paper presents a new dynamic-contact-resistance measurement method that has been validated by field tests which were performed on air-blast and SF6 gas circuit breakers.

Category: CB

A Complete Strategy for Dynamic Contact Resistance Measurements on HV Circuit Breakers (pdf). The following paper proposes a complete strategy for conducting DRM on high-voltage CBs based on three relevant parameters: breaker contact speed (low or rated), injected current values (100–2800 A DC), and the presence of metallic fluorides deposited on breaker contacts.

Category: CB

First trip monitoring. The document outlines the use of Zensol's CBA-32P device for on-line first trip monitoring of circuit breakers. Unlike traditional tests requiring isolation, this approach enables testing while the breaker remains energized. The solution involves a current transducer connected to the analog input of the device, capturing low current signals safely. The KIT-Z-FT kit simplifies setup, allowing for one-phase or three-phase monitoring. The procedure ensures operator safety and complies with international standards IEC 56.3.105. Real tests conducted in Alabama demonstrate the system's effectiveness and ease of use in live settings.

Category: OLTC

Application Note for vibration method applied on voltage regulator. Article for know what kind of voltage regulator signature we obtain and see if we can use the TAP-4 as a diagnostic instrument as it is commonly used for on load tap changers in transformers.

Category: OLTC

Vibro-Acoustic Testing Applied on Tap Changers and Circuit Breakers (pdf). Article describing a method to detect problems on high voltage circuit breakers and tap changers using vibro-acoustic analysis.

Category: CB

Improved vibration analysis on circuit breakers (pdf). This paper deals with the successful application of vibration analysis for circuit-breaker (CB) diagnostic testing with the aim of detecting mechanical anomalies in CB drive mechanisms and other moving parts in the interrupting chamber.

Category: CB

Acoustic diagnosis of high voltage circuit breakers. A non-invasive technique for assessing the condition of circuit-breakers by considering the acoustic signals generated during non-energized switching is described.

Category: CB

Vibration analysis for diagnostic testing of circuit breakers. In order to assess the feasibility of vibration analysis for diagnostic testing of high-voltage circuit-breakers a comprehensive field test program had been carried out. Vibration patterns from 31 breakers have been analyzed.

Category: CB

Continuous Monitoring of Circuit breakers Using Vibration Analysis. This paper reports the results from three years of continuous condition monitoring of high-voltage circuit breakers (CBs) using vibration analysis. More than 1000 vibration patterns have been analyzed.

Category: CB

A thorough examination of Circuit Breaker Health. The philosophy behind maintaining circuit breakers focuses on preventive maintenance to maximize the longevity of the electrical apparatus. The transmission division of Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie (Québec, Canada) divides activities in this field into three categories: corrective, conditional and systematic. Moreover, maintenance is an integrated part of a continuous improvement process of practices, methods and tools done in collaboration with the manufacturers of circuit breakers and test instruments.

Category: OLTC

Condition Analysis and Assessment of On Load Tap Changer Acoustic Monitoring Principles and Techniques. This paper details the process involved in the collection of the audible waveforms created as an high voltage transformers' On Load Tap Changers (OLTC) switches between taps using non-intrusive acoustic monitoring equipment, followed by the subsequent development and testing of time and frequency domain analysis techniques.

Category: OLTC

The vibro-acoustic method as fast diagnostic tool on load tap changers through the simultaneous analysis of vibration, dynamic resistance and high speed camera recordings. Classic testing techniques give very little information on mechanical problems occurring inside an on load tap changer (OLTC) while in service. The vibro-acoustic method is based on the principle that all mechanical operations produce a vibro-acoustic pattern while operating. This pattern is recorded by an accelerometer and converted into a vibro-acoustic signature that is unique for each tap changer, and stable in time in the case of a healthy mechanism.

Category: OLTC

Zensol new instrument for OLTC testing (published in the magazine Reliable Power testing SE 2021 Volume 34 No. 1 of Electricity Today). The TAP-4-PLUS with TAP-DRM accessory can perform dynamic resistance, vibration, and motor current recordings at the same time; and doing so, will allow you to easily understand the vibration impacts.

Category: CB

Electrical contacts in MV & HV Power Circuit breakers. In the present article you will find a summarized description of the different types of electrical contacts used in power circuit breakers, the major risks to their proper operation and the principal tests used to verify their condition.

Category: CB

Maintenance of MV & HV Power Circuit Breakers. This article sheds light on the maintenance practices applied to power circuit breakers. Its main purpose is to present various circuit breaker tests and to help us understand the condition of the breaker being tested thus helping to choose the proper corrective actions. This helps to minimize maintenance spending and increases the network reliability, hence leading to efficient network management.

Category: CB

Monitoramento De Disjuntores De At Por Medição De Vibração: Conceitos E Casos Práticos. O artigo apresenta uma nova visão e prática para manutenção preditiva e manutenção de disjuntores, com resultados satisfatórios no que se refere a maior exatidão do diagnóstico, e principalmente, propiciando maior disponibilidade e menores custos para o sistema elétrico. Um novo patamar para a gestão desses ativos será alcançado, incluindo uma melhor compreensão e maior aprendizado sobre o comportamento e desempenho dos disjuntores de alta tensão.

Category: Other

Precision Recloser Testing. In this article, the Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) method is presented. RCM is a method for developing maintenance strategy based on safety, operational, and economical considerations. To efficiently apply this method on recloser control cabinets, one of the necessary requirements is the recording and analysis of key data in order to evaluate their degradation over time. With this information, it is possible to predict the failure of a recloser, to establish a maintenance schedule that specifies what to do and when to do it, to decide to remove the recloser from service, and to help the manufacturer to improve and correct its designs.

Category: OLTC

RL Circuit Analysis Applied to Transformers with Tap Changers. This presentation's content is as follows: - RL circuit theory - Response of an RL circuit to a voltage transient - Adding/removing an RL branch from the circuit - Adding a resistor to circuit - Applications on OLTCs

Category: CB

Ce document d'Hydro-Québec, se concentre sur les diagnostics vibro-acoustiques des disjoncteurs à haute tension. Les défaillances mécaniques, notamment celles du mécanisme d'opération, sont les plus fréquentes (44% des majeures, 39% des mineures). Le texte explique que les accéléromètres piézoélectriques servent de capteurs pour ces diagnostics. Le logiciel DVA est présenté comme un outil essentiel, offrant des fonctions de synchronisation, de réduction du bruit et d'analyse des écarts. Des seuils d'alarme aident à identifier les anomalies. Des études de cas démontrent la capacité du système à détecter des problèmes comme des contacts dévissés, des engrenages déformés ou des niveaux d'huile bas, pouvant mener à des fuites de SF6.