A novel vacuum circuit breaker with multiple breaks based on fiber-controlled vacuum interrupter modules

Interest in the application of vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) with multiple breaks arises from technical and economic considerations. Based on the introduction of a novel VCB with multiple breaks based on the fiber-controlled vacuum interrupter modules is proposed in this contribution. A fiber-controlled vacuum interrupter module is composed of its own outer insulation, vacuum interrupter, permanent magnetic actuator with its controller and power supply. In order to make a VCB with multiple breaks that can be used in higher voltage grades, the fiber-controlled vaccum interrupter module can be placed in series just like the building blocks. The fiber-controlled technology is used to control the modules at the low voltage area while permanent magnetic actuator operates at the high voltage area. The application of fiber-controlled technology can achieve the aim of separation between high voltage area and low voltage area. The new-style power supply individually provides the energy needed for operating the vacuum interrupter inside the module. The experimental results show that the deviation of operation time in the fiber-controlled module is less than 1ms. Compared with conventional VCBs with multiple breaks, it has a significant reduction in size, weight and cost as well as simpler control and better operating synchronization among its breaks.