What Is a Vacuum Circuit Breaker?

A vacuum circuit breaker is an electrical switchgear used in power systems. It can quickly cut off the current in case of a circuit fault, thereby protecting the circuit and equipment from damage. Are you familiar with vacuum circuit breakers? This article will delve into the working principle, design features, and their important role in modern power systems. Let's explore it together!

Introduction to Vacuum Circuit Breaker

A vacuum circuit breaker is a type of circuit breaker with a vacuum interrupter. It is also known as a circuit breaker where arc extinction occurs in a vacuum medium. The performance of breaking or making contact and interrupting the mesh arc current fits the vacuum interrupter in the breaker, which is called a vacuum interrupter. Here, we will discuss the working principle of vacuum circuit breakers.

However, the medium for operating arc extinction within the breaker called vacuum makes it a vacuum circuit breaker, as vacuum provides the high insulation strength required for upper-level AC quenching characteristics. Due to vacuum technology, this is more applicable at better voltage levels, and the standard voltage is improved in a better manner.

Working Principle of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

The main working principle of a vacuum circuit breaker is to remove the arc energy in the breaker's contacts (moving and fixed contacts). Whenever the contacts of the breaker open within the vacuum, an arc is generated in the contacts with the help of metal vapor ionization inside the contacts. However, the arc is easily extinguished because ions, metal vapors, and electrons can condense directly on the contact surface, thereby rapidly increasing the dielectric strength.

An important characteristic of a vacuum is that when an arc is generated inside the vacuum, it can be easily and quickly quenched due to the rapid advance rate within the vacuum dielectric strength. Generally, vacuum circuit breakers are used in high-voltage electronic equipment systems to complete the pairing function of breakers within indoor electronic equipment panels.

Characteristics of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

In circuit breakers, vacuum circuit breakers have better maximum arc-extinguishing capability with an insulating medium. This breaker consists of an excellent dielectric medium, which can be contrasted with other alternative insulating media used in circuit breakers. Vacuum circuit breakers are considered the best and can be compared with air circuit breakers and SF6.

The initial current can be cut off at zero only after the contact is kept in a vacuum and the separate arc is unlocked. If the arc interference is distinguished from some other types of breakers, the strength of the dielectric can be increased by thousands of times. These characteristics make the breaker efficient, low-cost, lightweight, and even not requiring any special or costly maintenance.

The important parts of a vacuum circuit breaker are the pull rod, flexible connection, terminal, vacuum indicator, operating rod, locking cam, breaker spring, main connection, load spring, and support insulator, etc.

Where are Vacuum Circuit Breakers Used?

Vacuum circuit breakers are considered circuit breakers that utilize vacuum contacts as an arc-extinguishing medium. Vacuum circuit breakers are used in voltage ranges from 11kV to 33kV. In the process of vacuum circuit breakers, the contacts of the breaker remain surrounded by a completely sealed vacuum cylinder.

Since the vacuum is located inside the contacts, the contacts are separated in a place where no arc is generated. The greatest advantage of vacuum circuit breakers is that they require very little maintenance, do not emit gases into the atmosphere, have a long lifespan, produce minimal noise, and pose fewer fire hazards, making them suitable for indoor applications.

With continuous technological advancements, the design and functionality of vacuum circuit breakers are also constantly being optimized. We can foresee that with the rise of smart grids and renewable energy, vacuum circuit breakers will play an increasingly crucial role in achieving more efficient energy management, enhancing grid stability, and promoting sustainable development.

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