Full tests of the breaker in 45 Kv substation

The commissioning team performed the full site validation tests (SAT tests) of several breakers in a critical 45 Kv substation as it supplies the largest data center (cloud) in Spain.

The most relevant tests of the Breaker using the CIBANO 500 have been:

• Timing Tests: Verification of the main contacts timing is assessed by measuring the time from the test initiation to the change of state of the main contacts. The test can detect incorrect mechanical adjustments or wear phenomena of a circuit breaker.
• Static and Dynamic Contact Resistance Tests: The static test checks a low resistance path of the main contacts of the circuit breaker ensuring a load current with low losses. The dynamic test records the contact resistance during circuit breaker actuation, providing information on problems about to wear related problems with main and arcing contacts.
• Motor Current Analysis: This test records the current spectrum curve of the command coils during circuit breaker operation. Deviations show electrical or mechanical defects of the tripping or closing components.
• Motion Travel Test: Using a motion transducer, this test checks the complete operating mechanism and mechanical linkage of the circuit breaker. The results might indicate potential mechanical wear of the breaker.
• Undervoltage Conditions Test: Using the CIBANO 500's adjustable power supply makes it easy to test the behaviour of the circuit breaker during undervoltage conditions. The power supply delivers an exact undervoltage of the nominal value and the CIBANO 500 measures the performance of the circuit breaker during this state.
• Minimum Pick-up Test: The minimum voltage required to trip and close a circuit breaker is determined. It makes sure that a circuit breaker can also be reliably operated in the event of a low DC supply.

In addition to the tests described above, further tests were logically carried out to complete the SAT test protocol and thus ensure correct operation of the circuit breaker.