ABB has released a new 145-kV high-voltage circuit breaker.
The 145PM63-B high-voltage circuit breaker uses a new high-performance interrupter to serve 121-145 kV applications at 40-, 50-, and 63-kA ratings without need for shunt capacitors to meet ANSI standards for short line fault interrupting performance. The breaker footprint and overall dimensions are identical to earlier 145PM designs. The breaker retains the advantages of spring-hydraulic drive technology with the HMB-2 operating mechanism, a more powerful version of the type HMB-1 unit used by its predecessor. Key features of the new breaker include:
- Lower engineering, acquisition, installation, and maintenance costs by eliminating the need for shunt capacitors for applications where short line fault interrupting capability is required
- Simplified SF6 gas system, eliminating potential leak points
- Elimination of breaker-mounted capacitors, lowering total weight and reducing foundation costs
- Easy replacement of current transformers in the field without removing the bushings, significantly reducing maintenance or modification expense
- Modularized high-performance interrupter platform, enabling the one-piece units to be easily removed and replaced in the field during maintenance. This cuts maintenance cycle time on an interrupter to approximately 1 day or less. A factory exchange program can further reduce replacement expenses through use of pre-tested units which require no field adjustments.
- Composite bushings with silicone rubber insulators that offer a pollution resistant, lighter-weight construction (porcelain bushings optionally available).
