ABB's GridShield outdoor vacuum recloser was released in 2011 for 15 kV - 27 kV feeder and substation applications to meet the growing need for increased automation in electricity distribution networks, higher service reliability and lower network maintenance and management costs. Rated for up to 10,000 operations and with modular pole assembly, the GridShield offers the flexibility to function as a recloser, sectionalizer, or automated load break switch.
ABB has now expanded the GridShield® recloser portfolio with the launch of the 38kV rating.
The GridShield recloser enhances grid reliability and efficiency by providing an automatic response to system disturbances. Reclosers combine a circuit-breaking function with the ability to restore the power automatically and quickly, so that temporary faults are less likely to result in prolonged power outages for utility customers.
The GridShield recloser is intended for use on distribution feeders or in substations, and incorporates a number of design features aimed at maximising long-term reliability and minimising routine maintenance needs.
The GridShield recloser has also been designed to meet the challenges of enhanced grid automation. It offers the capability to perform as recloser, breaker, automated switch or sectionalizer, or even to connect distributed generation to the grid or to communicate GOOSE (Generic Object Oriented Substation Event) messaging utilizing the IEC 61850 data model.
RER620 relay – part of ABB’s new Relion® family of IEDs
The GridShield recloser is controlled by the RER620 relay, which is part of ABB’s new generation Relion® family of intelligent electronic devices (IEDs). The RER620 provides extensive protection and automation capabilities based on full native implementation of the core values of the IEC 61850 standard. In addition to IEC 61850, the relay also supports the industry standard DNP3.0, IEC 60870-5-101, IEC 60870-5-104 and Modbus® protocols ensuring easy incorporation within existing systems with the flexibility to migrate easily to IEC 61850.
When integrated with ABB’s
COM600 station automation device, the RER620 can be used to perform network-level control and system management functions. In applications using smart peer-to-peer GOOSE communications, the RER620 delivers enhanced fault detection, isolation and restoration schemes, re-routing loads while maintaining protection coordination to provide power for the healthy portion of the feeder swiftly and effectively.
High impedance fault detection – sensing a downed conductor – is one of the advanced integral protection features of the GridShield recloser and RER620 combination. The GridShield recloser also provides advanced time synchronization capabilities that eliminate the inaccuracy issues related to the time stamping of disturbances and other events.
New generation insulation material and other important features
The use of hydrophobic cycloaliphatic epoxy (HCEP) as insulation material reduces the likelihood of flashovers and insulator erosion.
The creepage performance of these HCEP insulators is the best in the industry, and far exceeds the requirements of ANSI standards. In addition, it exceeds IEC Level IV requirements for equipment operating in polluted environments.
The magnetic actuators and vacuum interrupters are rated at 10,000 full-load operations. The actuators require no routine lubrication, maintenance or adjustments; and the bi-stable technology means no power is required to maintain an open or closed position.
No electronics are housed in the interruption compartment, reducing unit down time and eliminating the costs of line switching when servicing the unit controls.
Single or triple-phase applications
Because there are three independent actuators fitted in the cabinet, the GridShield recloser can be used in single or triple-phase tripping applications. The single phase tripping capability reduces the number of momentary interruptions caused by one phase to ground temporary faults.
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