Live tank circuit breaker

More and more electricity grid operators are taking action against climate change and setting ambitious targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a major network original equipment manufacturer, GE is best positioned to support them as they move closer to meeting their carbon reduction goals by building the transmission infrastructure necessary to connect and transport renewable energy, while avoiding adding tons of CO2 equivalent to their grid . To help achieve this goal, GE is developing a range of SF₆-free products using its Green Gas for Grid, g³.

GE’s g³ technology is a breakthrough alternative to sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) as an insulating and switching medium in high-voltage equipment. g³ products feature the same high performance and reliability as SF₆ devices, but with a significantly reduced environmental impact over their lifetime. The CO2 equivalent of g³ gas in the equipment is reduced by 99% compared to SF₆. According to life cycle assessments (LCA), since g³ products have the same compact dimensions as SF₆ products, there is no increase in emissions during the product manufacturing process due to the additional material.

GL 309g F1/4031 and GL 309g F3/4031 live tank circuit breakers are part of the Grid Solutions g³ portfolio for use in networks with rated voltages of 72.5, 100, 123 and 145 kV. They are intended for outdoor installation. They occupy the same area as SF₆ solutions, which means they can be installed instead of SF₆ circuit breakers. Their composite insulators provide higher dielectric strength in contaminated conditions and provide greater safety for substation workers. The GL 309g F1/4031 and GL 309g F3/4031 feature the latest dual motion interrupt technology and 3-pole or single-pole spring mechanisms, while benefiting from GE’s latest developments in SF₆-free solutions. In addition, the same monitoring solutions are used as for SF₆ circuit breakers.

Components

GL 309g automatic column switches ensure high reliability, based on high-quality components:

• Connection chamber with self-exhaust system and reliable “double motion” technology
• Reliable spring mechanism with a position indicator clearly visible from the outside
• Pressure relief system for passive protection of substation and personnel
• Reliable, temperature-compensated density meter with two-stage signaling and three-color indicator
• Easy access to the g³ filling valve (DILO type)
• Non-return (“control”) valve g³ on each pole
• Opening and closing spring in the drive
• The steel structure of the supporting frame prevents corrosion and ensures high employee safety and high protection against
• penetration of environmental factors
• Optimally designed kinematic system between the mechanism and the switching chamber to increase the efficiency of mechanical energy and the reliability of mechanical moving parts

Options

• Phase distance: 1750 mm as standard. Other distances available on request
• CBWatch monitoring system

Installation and maintenance

• Spring mechanism pre-set – no adjustment required during installation and commissioning
• G³ switch pre-filled before shipment
• Similar filling and refilling procedures as for SF circuit breaker₆
• G³ specific fill valve design ensuring proper use of g³

gas

• Special tools for leak detection and on-site gas quality control
• Easy access to molecular sieves and simple inspections
• Two-stage density meters with indication are within easy reach on the front of the breaker for periodic/regular checks

Good choice for temperatures down to -30 °C

Even in extreme conditions and climates or in areas with high seismic activity, customers can rely on GE live tank circuit breakers. Like SF₆ circuit breakers, GL 309g F1/4031 and GL 309g F3/4031 using g³ are designed for operation at temperatures down to -30°C and up to 40°C .

Testing

Our live tank circuit breakers meet the requirements of national and international standards. This has been confirmed by comprehensive type tests in accordance with the latest IEC standards.

Quality

All procedures for the development and production of our live tank circuit breakers are fully compliant with the latest quality standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. This ensures the high quality of our products and services, which is confirmed by regular audits.