G & W Electric
ISO 9001: 2000 and 14001 Certified
Overview
Padmount Switchgear
Vault Switchgear
Overhead Switchgear
Reclosers
Automation Products
Current Limiting System Protection
Cable Accessories
Junction Bars
   
     

Three Position Rotary Puffer Contact Principle

 

A. The stationary contacts and the multi-chamber rotor (an assembly of interlocking parts which form a rotational framework including moving contacts) are housed in a clear cylindrical shell. The stationary contacts are supported independent of the cable entrance bushings, eliminating possible misalignment resulting from tank deflections. Tank deflections are caused by normal tank pressure variance due to ambient temperature fluctuations. Each rotating contact simultaneously disengages from two stationary contacts, providing two break points per phase. This provides improved interrupting capability as compared to single break contact systems.

B. As the rotor tube assembly turns to disengage the moving contact from the stationary contacts, dielectric media (SF6 gas) is compressed between the impeller and stator. The shell, phase barrier and rotor tube also act to confine the gas for proper compression and flow. The compressed SF6 gas is directed through the nozzle into the arc zone. The SF6 flows across the contacts and around the arc established by the separating contacts, cooling the arc over the length of the nozzle. The cooling action is increased by the higher pressure (due to compression) and the flow of gas which constantly provides a supply of cool SF6 into the arc zone.

C. At current zero, the temperature of the arc is reduced to the point of deionization. The SF6 gas rapidly recovers dielectric strength withstanding the system recovery voltage and preventing re-ignition of current across the contacts.

D. As the rotor tube assembly turns to engage the moving contact with the stationary contacts, the impeller induces a flow of SF6 gas between the contacts to minimize prestrike.

 

 
Site Map