Abstract :
A standard well-known circuit-breaker switchgear combines two main components with different responsibilities: one circuit-breaker to make and break the current, and one disconnector to reach isolating distance when the circuit-breaker has opened the circuit. The operating sequence of these two components is allowed or avoided by interlocks. Currently the functionality of the network is changing. The irruption of smart grid concepts includes new applications: distributed generation, new quality standard requirements, etc. All these new requirements will be fulfilled thanks to a new generation of smart components able to manage a lot of information and to operate, even remotely, the network in different situations according to local and external information. But, what about the switchgear? Is it currently able to achieve the expected functionality? Will a new generation of devices be necessary? A circuit-breaker function equipped with an improved load break switch instead of a disconnector increases the features for a new generation of smart grid applications.
