Tuesday, September 23, 2008
In the event of an electrical fault on consumer power lines (which branch from the main feeder line), a high-voltage fuse device is needed cut the circuit and prevent system damage. Blown fuses mean long-term power outages (and a maintenance call) or power blips which could damage information systems. Ideally, recloser functionality should be available at an existing fuse location on the distribution power grid, but current examples are filled with oil and weigh 150 lbs. or more.
The S&C TripSaver Dropout Recloser, from researchers at S&C Electric Co., Chicago, Ill., is a significant improvement, weighing just 20 lbs. The TripSaver saves bulk by exploiting the fault current itself to provide motive and power control through a solenoid which incorporates a secondary winding for control power and a primary winding for motive power. The device also combines vacuum fault interrupters and permanent magnet latches to exploit the short stroke solenoid. Finally, all batteries are eliminated by tuning the clock rate of the microprocessor to minimize power consumption. All the TripSaver needs are capacitors.
Because the recloser will help solve a problem common to more than 90% of the faults that affect customers, the TripSaver should significantly improve grid performance.
S&C Electric Co.
