Vacuum interrupter technology made its debut in 1960 and has been evolving continuously since then. Over the years, advancements in engineering have led to a reduction in the size of these interrupters from their original 1960s dimensions. While it’s been often used interchangeably with vacuum circuit breakers (VCB), both terms are quite different. In this blog, we will discuss everything about it. Let’s get started!
What is a Vacuum Interrupter?
The vacuum interrupter (VI) consists of two detachable contacts, known as primary contacts, enclosed within a vacuum-tight ceramic envelope. This envelope is equipped with metal end plates, which are brazed to each end, sealing and supporting the internal components. One of the contacts is stationary, while the other is movable through a bellows-type connection. Multiple shields within the envelope offer diverse forms of protection for the interrupter components. It’s important to emphasize that a vacuum fault interrupter is a specialized type of switchgear or circuit breaker that incorporates a vacuum interrupter specifically designed for fault protection.
How Does a Vacuum Interrupter Work?
When the contacts of a VI open, a metal vapor arc is generated. However, due to the vacuum environment, the arc is quickly extinguished. The electrical strength of the intercontact volume in the vacuum rises rapidly, helping to restore insulation and prevent the arc from burning. This process allows for proper current switching in a vacuum environment.
According to Extrapolate, the Global Vacuum Interrupter Market revenue is anticipated to reach $3.98 billion by 2030. This substantial valuation signifies the remarkable upward trajectory of the market. Key vacuum interrupter manufacturers including Siemens AG, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, ABB, Eaton, General Electric, and others, are contributing to this impressive growth through the development of innovative interrupter technologies.
Applications of Vacuum Interrupters
Now that we have a fair understanding of these interrupters, let’s look at their advantages:
- Circuit Breakers: These are utilized in circuit breakers for high-demand electrical circuit protection, effectively minimizing damage caused by electrical overloads or short circuits.
- Load Break Switches: They find applications in load break switches, wherein they facilitate the connection and disconnection of electrical load currents, offering limited load switch capacity.
- Reclosers: It is employed in reclosers, playing a crucial role in automatically opening and closing distribution circuits in response to transient overload and fault conditions.
- Contactors: In contactors, these interrupters are used for demanding applications that involve a high number of operations, enabling the switching of power circuits in electric motors, lighting systems, heating devices, and capacitor banks.
- Tap Changers: These interrupters are integrated into tap changers inside transformers, allowing for changes in winding connections to deliver the required voltage.
- Railway Circuit Breakers: Installed in the circuit breaker on top of special locomotives, these interrupters supply electrical energy to railway locomotives’ electric drive motors, ensuring efficient rail transport operations.
Understanding Vacuum Interrupter Circuit Breakers
A vacuum interrupter circuit breaker is a type of circuit breaker that utilizes a vacuum interrupter as its core component for interrupting the flow of electrical current. VI is a switch that uses electrical contacts in a vacuum environment to extinguish the metal vapor arc that forms when the contacts separate. This technology is commonly used in medium-voltage circuit breakers, high-voltage circuit breakers, and generator circuit breakers.
VI is enclosed in a vacuum-tight envelope, typically made of ceramic material. It consists of a pair of separable contacts that can withstand high currents and handle short-circuit currents. When the contacts open, the electrical strength of the vacuum rises rapidly, helping to restore the insulation properties.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Using Vacuum Interrupter
Advantages of using VI in circuit breakers include:
- Reliability: These interrupters have a longer service life compared to other types of circuit breakers. They are designed to withstand repetitive switching operations and provide reliable interruption of electrical current.
- Compact Size: It is compact, making it suitable for applications where space is limited. Their compact design allows for efficient installation and integration into electrical systems.
- Fire Safety: VI operates in a vacuum environment, eliminating the risk of fire hazards associated with other types of circuit breakers that use arc-suppression mediums such as oil or SF6.
- Environmental Friendliness: These are more environmentally friendly compared to circuit breakers that use SF6 gas.
- Fault Current Interruption: VI is capable of interrupting fault currents, providing protection against short circuits and overcurrents in electrical systems.
Disadvantages of using VI in circuit breakers include:
- Cost: VI can be more expensive compared to other types of circuit breakers. However, their longer service life and lower maintenance requirements can offset the initial cost over time.
- Limited Voltage Range: These interrupters are typically used in medium-voltage and high-voltage applications. They may not be suitable for very low-voltage or extremely high-voltage applications.
- Replacement: In the event of a VI failure, replacement may be required. This can involve additional downtime and cost for the replacement process.
Final Takeaway
A vacuum interrupter is a reliable and efficient component used in circuit breakers for interrupting electrical currents. They also contribute to environmental sustainability by eliminating the use of greenhouse gases. While there may be cost considerations and limitations in voltage range, these technological advancements continue to play a vital role in protecting electrical systems from faults and ensuring the safe and reliable operation of power transmission and distribution networks. With ongoing research and development, VI is likely to see further advancements and applications in the future.
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