Work

An Approach to Enhance the Controlled Switching of Circuit Breakers Equipped with Preinsertion Resistors for Power Capacitor Banks

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The controlled switching of capacitor banks when properly parameterized brings significant benefits to the bank, circuit breaker, and adjacent equipment by significantly reducing the levels of inrush currents. This article explores and analyzes the waveforms from a circuit breaker equipped with both preinsertion resistors (PIR) and a controlled switching device (CSD), proposing a dynamic approach to determine the better closing times for both the PIR and the main contact of the circuit breaker, thereby reducing inrush current levels and improving system performance and reliability. The study employs a computational tool to identify the circuit breaker’s contacts insertion points, presenting important information such as the best closing instant for the main contact, the determination of preinsertion time, and maximum inrush current peak. The waveforms used in the study originate from both a real power shunt capacitor bank from a Brazilian substation and simulations modeled using the Alternative Transient Program (ATP). This dynamic approach not only reduces inrush current levels, but also contributes to increasing the useful life of the capacitor bank elements, the circuit breaker itself, and neighboring equipment.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18164356

Authors: Ricardo T. Lima, Aurélio L. M. Coelho, Giovani B. Vitor, Philippe A. V. D. Liz

Institution: Universidade Federal de Itajubá

Language: English

Topic: Power Quality and Harmonics

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137