Is-limiter The world fastest limiting and switching device

Is-limiter
The world's fastest switching device

Reduces substation cost Solves short-circuit problems in new substations and substation extensions Optimum solution for interconnection of switchboards and substations In most cases the only technical solution Reliability and function proofed in thousands of installations since 1960 In service worldwide The peak short-circuit current will never be reached The short-circuit current is limited at the very first current rise

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Short-circuit currents too high?

perm

Single line diagram of a bus tie for a system with Ik = 31.5 kA and with an I S-limiter

without IS-limiter

Current i = i1 + i2 at the fault location

with IS-limiter

Current i = i1 + i2 at the fault location

The IS-limiter, a switching device with extremely short operating time, solves the problem. A short-circuit downstream from an outgoing feeder breaker is assumed. The oscillogram shown below indicates the course of the short-circuit currents in the first half wave. A short-circuit current of 31.5 kA can flow to the fault location through each transformer. This would result in a total short-circuit current of 63 kA, which is twice as much as the switchgear capability.

The course of the current through the IS-limiter in such an event is shown below as current i 2. It can be seen that the IS-limiter is operating so rapidly, that there is no contribution via the transformer T 2, to the total peak short-circuit current (i1 + i2). Therefore, a switchgear with a rating of 31.5 kA is suitable for this application.

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Is-limiter
Questions and answers regarding the IS-limiter

Due to the peak short-circuit current the electrical system is subjected to the maximum mechanical stress created by magnetic forces.

1
peak

Ik

Ik

Ik

Ik

Due to the AC short-circuit current duration the system is subjected to thermal stress.

1. What is the peak short-circuit current? The peak short-circuit current ipeak is the maximum instantaneous value of the current after the short-circuit occurs.

3. How can switchboards which are only dimensioned for 2 x IK be operated with four transformers infeeds and a total short-circuit current of 4 x IK without any risk of overload and without losses? By installing an IS-limiter between the busbar sections 1 - 2 and 3 - 4. (This is only one of the many possibilities for the use of an I S-limiter (see page 15 for further examples).

2. Why the peak short-circuit current have to be limited? Because otherwise insufciently dimensioned switchboards, switches, current trans formers, cables, etc. would be destroyed due to the magnetic forces caused by the current.

4. How does the I S-limiter work? The I S-limiter consists of two parallel conductors. The main conductor carries the high rated normal current (up to 5.000 A). After tripping, the parallel fuse limits the short-circuit current during the first current rise (in less than 1 ms).

1 x Ik

2 x Ik

3 x Ik

4 x Ik

Ik

4 3 2 1 1 t 1+2 1+2+3 1+2+3 +4

Transformers:

4 | IS-limiter

4 1 3 2
1. Current transformer (detects the short-circuit current) 2. Measuring and tripping device (measures the current and provides the triggering energy) 3. Pulse transformer (converts the tripping pulse to busbar potential) 4. Insert holder with insert (carries the rated normal current and limits the short-circuit current)

5. How is the main conductor opened in less than a thousandth of a second? Switching devices with mechanical mechanisms and this high rating are not able to open the main current path in such a short time. For this reason we use an electronically triggered charge as switching mechanism.

7. Can IS-limiter inserts be refurbished after interruption of a short-circuit? Yes! They can be refurbished at the manufac t urers works. The costs are low. The opened main conductor, the parallel fuse and the charge will be replaced. All other parts can be re-used.

6. What overvoltages occurs as a result of the sudden interruption of the current? The main conductor is suddenly opened, but not the entire current path. With the opening of the main current path the current commutates to the parallel fuse, which interrupts the current. The overvoltage occuring at the interruption by the fuse is considerably below the permissible levels stated in the IEC / VDE standards, e.g. IEC 60282-1 / VDE 0670 part 4.

8. Does the IS-limiter trip on every short-circuit? No! The I S-limiter only trips when the system is at risk. Small short-circuit currents are interrupted by the circuit-breakers.

Short-ciruit current limited by the fuse element

I S-limiter | 5

di The rate of current rise () dt is high with high short-circuit currents is low with low short-circuit currents

9. How does the ISlimiter distinguish between minor and serious short-circuits? The measuring and tripping device of the I Slimiter detects the instantaneous current level and the rate of current rise. The I Slimiter only trips when both set response values are reached.

11. How often does an IS-limiter trip? Experience shows that an IS-limiter trips once every four years on average (based on a statistic with approximately 3000 IS-limiters in service).

10. What experience is available with the operation of IS-limiters? Since the invention of the I S-limiter by ABB Calor Emag in 1955, several thousand devices have been successfully used in DC, AC and particularly in three phase systems. We have over 50 years of good operating experience worldwide. More and more customers are selecting the IS-limiter when they need high short-circuit currents to be safely limited and electrical systems and distribution networks to be economically built or expanded.

12. Which short-circuit current the IS-limiter can interrupt?

Tests at KEMA to date have demonstrated 12 kV up to 210 kA RMS 17.5 kV up to 210 kA RMS 24 kV up to 140 kA RMS 36/40.5 kV up to 140 kA RMS

The function and applications of the IS-limiter are explained in the following pages with various examples. Discuss your short-circuit problems with us. We always nd a commercially interesting and technically elegant solution with the IS-limiter.

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Is-limiter
The function of the IS-limiter

IS-limiter connected in parallel with a reactor fixed mounted

The rising demand for energy world-wide requires more powerful or additional transformers and generators, and an increasing interconnection of the individual supply networks. This can lead to the permissible short-circuit currents for the equipment being exceeded and thus parts of the equipment being dynamically or thermally destroyed. The replacement of existing switchgear and cable connections by new equipment with higher short-circuit strength is often technically impossible or uneconomical for the user. The use of IS-limiters reduces the short-circuit current in new systems and expansions to existing systems, thus saving cost. Circuit-breakers cannot provide any protection against unduly high peak short-circuit currents, as they are too slow. Only the IS-limiter is capable of detecting and limiting a short-circuit

current at the first rise, i.e. in less than 1 ms. The maximum instantaneous current occurring remains well below the level of the peak short-circuit current. In comparison with complex conventional solutions, the IS-limiter has both technical and economic advantages when used in trans former or generator feeders, in switchgear sectionalizing and connected in parallel with reactors. The IS-limiter is in every regard the ideal switching device to solve the short-circuit problems for switchgear in power stations, in heavy industry and at utilities.

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Is-limiter
Design

1 2 3

4 5

9 10 11 4 12

Figure 1: IS-limiter insert holder with insert for 12 kV, 2000 A 1 Base plate 2 Insulator 3 Pole head with clamping device 4 Fuse 5 Telescopic contact 6 Insulator with pulse transformer

Figure 2:

ISlimiter insert 4 Fuse 7 Fuse indicator 8 Insulating tube 9 Bursting bridge 10 Charge 11 Main conductor indicator 12 Fuse element

ISlimiters for three-phase systems basically consist of: three I S-limiter insert holders, three I S-limiter inserts, three tripping current transformers, a measuring and tripping device. I Slimiter insert holders The IS-limiter insert holder comprises: base plate 1, insulator 2, insulator with pulse transformer 6 and telescopic contact 5, pole heads with clamping device 3 for the reception of the IS-limiter insert. The operation of the clamping device will be done with two levers. Only for insert holders Ir 2500 A and 12 kV/17.5 kV the inserts are fixed with two bolts.

Pulse transformer The location of the pulse transformer depends on the rated voltage: for 17.5 kV, in the lower insulator 6 only for 24 / 36 kV, in the upper and lower insulators. The pulse transformer transmits the tripping pulse from the tripping device (Figure 3) to the charge 10 in the IS-limiter insert, and at the same time ensures electrical isolation of the tripping device from the charge which is at system potential. I Slimiter insert The IS-limiter insert is the switching element. In a sturdy insulating tube 8, the insert contains the main conductor, designed as a bursting bridge 9, which encloses a charge 10. On tripping, this charge is triggered and the main conductor opens at the rupture point.

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H D W

Width Heigth Depth

(W) : 600 mm (H) : 1450 mm (D) : 300 mm : 100 kg

Weight Figure 3: Measuring and tripping device

The current commutates to the parallel high rupture capacity (HRC) fuse 4. The fuse element 12 in the HRC fuse melts, thus limiting the further current rise. The current is interrupt ed at the next voltage zero passage. Tripping current transformer The tripping current transformers are used to measure the current flowing through the IS-limiter. They are located directly in series with the I S-limiter. The I S-limiter current transformer is externally identical to a conventional current transformer and is designed as a post or bushing type current trans f ormer. Its remarkable features are: an extremely high overcurrent factor, an iron core with air gap to keep the remanent induction low, a low impedance shield between the primary and secondary winding. Measuring and tripping device The measuring and tripping device is accommodated in a sheet steel control cabinet (Figure 3) or in the low voltage compartment of the I S-limiter panel.

The functional groups within the control cabinet or low voltage compartment are combined such as to form replaceable units and are partly mounted on hinged frames. The measuring and tripping device includes: a power unit to provide the necessary auxiliary DC voltages, a main switch which allows the tripping system to be switched on and off at any time, and additionally a monitoring module, one tripping unit for each phase, which monitors the current flowing in the relevant phase and on tripping provides the energy for triggering of the charge in the corresponding IS-limiter insert, an indication unit with five flag indicator relays: one relay per phase for trip signalling, one relay for monitoring of readiness for operation, one relay for monitoring of the supply voltages, an anti-interference unit to protect the measuring and tripping assemblies from interference pulses from the outside, which could possibly cause malfunction. The connecting wires from the measuring and tripping device to the current transformers, to the I S-limiter insert holders and to the AC voltage supplies are routed via the anti-interference unit.

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Is-limiter
Function of the IS-limiter

+150 V

Power unit
G1

Tripping unit phase L1

Tripping unit phase L2

Tripping unit phase L3

H 106

H 116
IS-limiter not ready

H 1L1
Phase L1 tripped

H 1L2
Phase L2 tripped

H 1L3
Phase L3 tripped

A4

Anti-inteference unit A 3

F 116 U L1 Q 6 L 1 T1 L1 L2 Q 6 L 2 T1 L2 L3 Q 6 L 3 T1 L3

G1 Power unit A2 Tripping units A3 Anti-interference unit A4 Indication unit F116 Miniature circuit-breaker for supply voltage Q6 I S-limiter (insert holder and insert) T1 I S-limiter tripping transformer

Figure 4: Schematic diagram of the I S-limiter equipment

The IS-limiter consists in principle of an extremely fast switch, able to carry a high rated current but having a low switching capacity, and a high rupturing capacity (HRC) fuse arranged in parallel. In order to achieve the desired short opening time, a small charge is used as the energy store for opening of the switch (main conductor). When the main conductor is opened, the current continues to flow through the parallel fuse, where it is limited within 0.5 ms and then finally interrupted at the next voltage zero passage. The current flowing through the I S-limiter is monitored by an electronic measuring and tripping device. At the very first rise of a short-circuit current, this device decides whether tripping of the I S-limiter is necessary. In order to reach this decision, the instantaneous current and rate of current rise at the I S-limiter are constantly measured and evaluated. When the setpoints are simultaneously reached or exceeded, the I S-limiter trips. The three phases are operated independently of one another.

The loss-free conduction of a high operating current on the one hand and the limitation of the short-circuit current at the first current rise on the other hand are made possible by distributing these two functions of the IS-limiter between two conductors. In comparison with reactors, the IS-limiter avoids voltage drops and does not contribute to the peak shortcircuit current. Power unit A DC voltage of 150 V generated in the power unit is used as the charging voltage for the tripping capacitors and at the same time as the supply voltage for the electronics. As far as necessary, the supply voltage is divided and stabilized within the individual assemblies. A watchdog module in the power unit constantly monitors the most important functions of the three tripping units.

10 | IS-limiter

Test socket connector

Measuring Trigger element 1 pulse emitter

Measuring element 2

T1 I S-limiter tripping transformer T2 Intermediate transformer of the tripping unit T3 Pulse transformer L1 Measuring inductance R1... R6 Setting resistors C1 Tripping capacitor Discharge resistor R S R Z Charge

Figure 5: Schematic diagram of a measuring and tripping unit

Tripping unit The current supplied by the tripping transformers for the corresponding phases is monitored in the tripping units. The three tripping units work independently of each other. Both the rate of current rise and the instantaneous current value are used as criteria for tripping. Both variables are converted into proportional voltages and supplied via logical gates to an electronic measuring element. The latter provides an output signal when the rate of current rise and the instantaneous current value have both simultaneously reached the response value of the measuring element. The output signal from the measuring element then activates a thyristor, which discharges a cap a c i tor via the pulse transformer in the IS-limiter insert holder to the charge. At the same time, this discharge excites the corres p onding flag indicator relay IS-limiter tripped in the indication unit.

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Is-limiter
Testing the IS-limiter

H D W

Width Heigth Depth

(W) : 400 mm (H) : 215 mm (D) : 320 mm : 11 kg

Weight Figure 6: 1 I S-limiter insert holder with test insert | 2 Test plug | 3 Test equipment

As with every other protective device, IS-limiters should also be checked at regular intervals. There are special testing sets available for those tests which can be performed by the operator or by ABB AG. These test sets consist of a test equipment and a test insert or a test plug and a test insert. The test plug is used to check the voltages and the functions of the tripping system. The user friendly test equipment facilitates further tests such as determination of the response voltages of the measuring elements, and testing and setting of the modules of the measuring circuits. During testing, the IS-limiter insert is replaced by the test insert. The test insert contains a neon lamp as an indicator, which lights up when a tripping pulse is received.

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Is-limiter
The range

H D W

Width Heigth Depth

(W) : 600 mm (H) : 1450 mm (D) : 300 mm : 100 kg

Weight

A. ISlimiter as loose equipment supply In this case the insert holders, the inserts and the tripping current transformers are installed in an already existing panel.

The equip ment supply generally comprises: three insert holders, t hree inserts, t hree tripping current transformers, one measuring and tripping device (Figure 3).

Technical data Rated voltage Rated current V A

1 750 1250 2000 3000 4500

2 12000 1250 2000

3 12000 2500 3000 4000

4 17500 1250 2000

5 17500 2500 3000 4000

6 24000 1250 1600 2000 3000

7 36000 / 40500 1250 2000 2500 1)

5000 1) Rated power-frequency withstand voltage Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage Interrupting current kA RMS IS-limiter insert holder IS-limiter insert IS-limiter insert holder with insert
1)

kV kV

3 up to 140 10.5 17.0 148 554 384

28 75 up to 210 23 / 27.5 12 / 12.5 180 637 / 651 503 / 510

28 75 up to 210 65 15.5 180 951 509

38 95 up to 210 23 / 27.5 14 / 14.5 180 637 / 651 503 / 510

38 95 up to 210 65 17.5 180 951 509

50 125 up to 140 27 / 31.5 / 33 19 / 19.5 / 24 180 740 / 754 / 837 553 / 560 / 560

75 200 up to 140 60 42 240 1016 695

kg kg Width W mm Height Depth H D mm mm

With cooling fan

Frequency: 50/60 Hz. For higher rated currents, insert holders with inserts are connected in parallel.

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Is-limiter

B. Truck mounted IS-limiter in a switchgear panel The I S-limiters can also be installed in a metal-clad switchgear panel. The withdrawable truck with the three I S-limiter insert holders and inserts has the function of a disconnector. The three tripping current transformers are fixed mounted in the panel and the measuring and tripping device is mounted in the low voltage compartment. C. Fixed mounted ISlimiter in a switchgear panel The IS-limiters for low voltage, 12 kV, 17.5 kV and 24 kV are also available as xed mounted equipment in a metal enclosed switchgear panel. The three IS-limiter insert holders with the IS-limiter inserts and the three tripping current transformers are xed mounted in the panel. The measuring and tripping device is mounted in the low voltage compartment. The I S-limiter (fixed mounted) for 36 kV/40.5 kV is available in a metal-enclosed switchgear panel. Same as for loose equipment supply, the measuring and tripping device is installed in a separate sheet steel cabinet (Figure 3). For all fixed mounted IS-limiters the electrical data are the same as for loose equipment supply. Dimensions and weights on request.

Truck mounted IS-limiter in a switchgear panel

Rated voltage kV 12

Rated current A 1250 2000 2500 3000 1)

Rated power-frequency withstand voltage kV 28

Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage kV 75

Dimensions Height mm 2500 Width mm 1000 Depth mm 1300

Weight including IS-limiter truck kg approx. 1200

3000

1350 1350 38 95 2200 1000 1300 approx. 1200

4000 1) 17.5 1250 2000 3000 1)

3000

1350 1350 50 125 2325 1000 1500 approx. 1300

4000 1) 24 1250 1600 2000 2500 1)

With cooling fan

For higher currents, insert holders with inserts are connected in parallel.

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Is-limiter
Applications

Figure 9: IS-limiter in a bus section

ISlimiters in system interconnections IS-limiters are frequently used in interconnections between systems or in bus sections which would not be adequately short-circuit proof when connected by a circuit-breaker. Each partial system should have at least one incoming feeder, so that power supply to each partial system can be maintained on tripping of the IS-limiter (Figure 9). There is a large number of advantages for the operation under normal conditions of bus sections connected by IS-limiters: Reduction of the series network impedance. The voltage drops caused by load surges (e.g. of starting of motors) can be significantly reduced. Improvement of the current distribution at the feeder transformers. The load dependent losses of the feeder transformers are reduced. Increased reliability of the power supply. On failure of one feeder trans former, the load is taken over by the other feeder transformers without current interruption. The cost for an otherwise required new switchboard with higher short-circuit capacity will be saved.

If a short-circuit occurs within a system or in an outgoing feeder, the IS-limiter trips at the first rise of the short-circuit current and divides the busbar system into two sections before the instantaneous current reaches an inadmissible high level. After tripping of the IS-limiter, the short-circuit is only fed by the transformer in the part of the system affected by the shortcircuit. The short-circuit current is now selectively interrupted by the circuit-breaker. A remarkable advantage of the use of an IS-limiter is that the voltage in the part of the system not affected by the shortcircuit only drops for a fraction of a millisecond so that even sensitive loads (e.g. computers) remain protected from drops in the system voltage. For this reason the IS-limiter can also excellently be used as a reliable switchgear suitable between an unprotected and a protected switchboard or section of a switchboard.

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Is-limiter

I" kT = 15 kA 10 kV 3 ~ 50 Hz I"k perm = 16 kA IS ~ I" k perm = 25 kA I" kG = 3 kA

Figure 10: I S-limiter in connecting point with a public supply network

Figure 11: I S-limiter in parallel with a reactor in a generator feeder

IS-limiters used as a link between public networks and consumer owned power supply systems. The decentralization of power supply leads to systems with their own power generating facilities being interconnected with public supply networks. The additional short-circuit current from generators leads to the permissible short-circuit current in the utility network being exceeded. The most appropriate technical solution and mostly the only one is the installation of an IS-limiter in the interconnection with the public utility network (Figure 10). If necessary, the IS-limiter can be provided with a directional tripping criterion. This requires three addi t ional current transformers in the neutral connections of the generators. The IS-limiter then only trips on short-circuits in the public supply network if a generator is in operation.

ISlimiter in parallel with a reactor The I S-limiter can also be connected in parallel with a reactor (Figure 11). If a short-circuit occurs behind the reactor, the IS-limiter trips and the current commutates at the first current rise to the parallel reactor, which then limits the short-circuit current to the permissible level. For normal operation, the IS-limiter bridges the reactor coil. This avoids: Current dependent copper losses and the associated operating costs of the reactor. Current dependent voltage drop at the reactor, which frequently causes major difficulties on start-up of big motors. Control problems with the generator.

16 | IS-limiter

Figure 12: Schematic diagram-I Slimiter with summation of currents

Use of more than one ISlimiter with selectivity In order to achieve selectivity in a switchboard or switchboards with more than one I S-limiter installed, additional tripping criteria as current summation or differences or comparison of current directions are required. If in case of two IS-limiters installed in a switchboard selective tripping is required, a measurement of the total current becomes necessary. The I S-limiter trips as follows: Short-circuit in section A: Only I S-limiter no. 1 trips. Short-circuit in section B: I S-limiter no. 1 and no. 2 trip. Short-circuit in section C: Only I S-limiter no. 2 trips. For measurement of the total current, transformer feeders must be additionally equipped with one CT set each. The total current I sum1 is equal to the current (IT1) of transformer T1 plus the current (IIs-1) flowing through the IS-limiter 1.

The total current Isum2 is equal to the current of transformer T2 plus the currents flowing through IS-limiter 1 and 2. The total current Isum3 is equal to the current of transformer T3 plus the current flowing through IS-limiter 2. The tripping criteria of the I S-limiters correspond to a logic and function. The I S-limiter 1 trips in case of short-circuits in section A, if the current of IS-limiter 1 and the total current Isum1 reach or exceed their response values simulaneously. The same is applicable for section C. In case of a short-circuit in section B IS-limiters 1 and 2 trip. The summation of the currents corresponds to the principle of the adding up of currents in a busbar protection system. The only difference is the non-requirement of current transformers in the outgoing feeders, i.e. the requirement of material is negligable. With this principle up to 5 transformers have so far been connected in parallel, using 4 I S-limiters only. The principle ensures that always only the I S-limiter or these IS-limiters trip, which are closest to the point of short-circuit.

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Is-limiter
Please send by mail or fax +49/2102/121922 to: Sender:

ABB AG Calor Emag Medium Voltage Products Postfach 10 12 20 D-40832 Ratingen

Questionnaire on the use of IS-limiters in medium and low voltage three-phase systems. We require the following data for a quotation and design of an I S-limiter: 1. Operating Voltage:

5. Which parts of the system should be protected? Please note that more than one IS-limiter can be installed in one system and we can realise selectivity between I S-limiters.

2. Rated Current:

3. Frequency: 6. Requirements for the installation: It must be possible to insulate the IS-limiter to that the IS-limiter insert can be replaced after tripping. There must be a circuit-breaker in series with the IS-limiter (except the IS-limiter is in parallel to a reactor).

4. In order to calculate the tripping and setting values we need: Single line diagram of the installation with the following data: Initial symmerical short-circuit current Ik" of generators, transformers, the grid, motor contribution and the permissible short-circuit current of the switchboard. Rated power of motors over 2 MW connected to the same voltage level the IS-limiter is installed: Rated capacity of capacitor banks and the inductance in series connected to the same voltage level the I S-limiter is installed. Rated power of the biggest transformer, energised from the same voltage level where the I S-limiter is located. Single Line Diagram.

18 | IS-limiter

7. We are able to deliver the IS-limiter in different designs. Which design do you need: IS-limiter as loose delivered components for installation in a cubicle of your own design Truck mounted IS-limiter in type tested switchgear type UniGear ZS-W (up to 24 kV) Truck mounted IS-limiter in type tested switchgear type UniGear ZS-V (up to 17.5 kV) Fixed mounted IS-limiter in type tested switchgear type ZS-F (up to 40.5 kV) Fixed mounted IS-limiter in type tested switchgear type ZS8.4 (up to 17.5 kV)

9. Remarks:

8. The IS-limiter tripping device needs three auxiliary voltage supplies: Two independent AC supplies (50 or 60 Hz, power consumption max. 40 VA). Main supply should be taken from the system to be protected via voltage transformer. Stand-by supply e.g. from lighting grid (independent from first!). One supply voltage (AC or DC) for annunciation purposes (power consumption max. 20 VA). Which AC voltages are available? As main supply: V Hz

As stand-by supply: V Hz

Which voltage for annunciation is available? V DC AC

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