Siemens launches vacuum recloser for the medium voltage system market
Erlangen, Germany, May 30, 2008
Siemens Energy has launched a recloser that operates with vacuum interrupters and integrated controller aimed at the market in countries with extensive medium voltage overhead systems. Installed in an overhead line route or at the transformer substation, this circuit-beaker has the function of selectively disconnecting the system in case of a fault. If the fault is temporary, the system is automatically connected back to load shortly afterwards. Siemens has been delivering its first series-produced reclosers since March 2008.
“Our new vacuum recloser expands our globally successful portfolio of circuit-breakers for medium voltage overhead systems. The outstanding performance of this circuit-breaker is based on modern vacuum interrupters combined with our internationally leading protection and control technology,” said Ralf Christian, CEO of the Power Distribution division in the Siemens Energy sector. The Siemens recloser can be used as an efficient way to manage system faults in single-phase and three-phase medium voltage systems. It is generally installed on an overhead line tower, but it can also be used in a transformer substation. These circuit-breakers have been developed for operating currents up to 800 A and rated voltages of 15.5 kV to 38 kV, with short-circuit currents of between 12.5 kA and 16 kA.
In addition to the circuit-breaker, the recloser also comprises integrated sensors and the controller, which is a protection and control device. The controller measures overcurrents, times and voltages and controls the circuit-breaker switching processes on the basis of this data.
The special function which has given the recloser its name is the repeated automatic reclosing after temporary faults in the overhead line system. The controller also has additional remote supervision and measurement functions as well as its comprehensive protection functions. This includes in particular the functions for measuring system reliability indices. The Siemens circuit-breaker is also equipped with load management functions to increase supply reliability and to minimize failures. The controller is accommodated in a separate control cabinet which also contains the uninterruptible power supply, the drive electronics and a number of communications interfaces.
The Siemens Energy Sector is the world’s leading supplier of a complete spectrum of products, services and solutions for the generation, transmission and distribution of power and for the extraction, conversion and transport of oil and gas. In fiscal 2007 (ended September 30, based on IFRS), the Energy Sector had revenues of approximately EUR20 billion and received new orders totaling around EUR28 billion and posted a profit of EUR1.8 billion. The Energy Sector had a work force of 73,500 at the beginning of fiscal 2008. Further information is available at: www.siemens.com/energy.
All figures represent the sum of the non-consolidated figures for the Power Generation and Power Transmission and Distribution Groups and for the Oil and Gas activities of the Industrial Solutions and Services Group.
Reference Number: EPD200805.036 e