The lowest lifecycle

cost with up to 20,000

CO no-load operations

High Voltage Products

Generator circuit-breakers
HECS for 80-130 kA
Table of contents

004 Increasing operational availability,

safety and flexibility

005 Key features

006  Customer benefits

007 Technical data

008 Standards, quality and tests

009 Generator circuit-breaker system

018 Monitoring system

020 Dimension drawings

4 | H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E

Increasing operational availability,

safety and flexibility
At Hitachi Energy we use leading open digital platforms to bring our grids into the age of
the sustainable energy future. We are contributing pioneering solutions that are making
the world’s power grids stronger, smarter and greener.

Hitachi Energy is a leader in the design and manufacturing The generator circuit-breaker system HECS is a complete
of generator circuit-breakers (GCBs) since 1954 with more than three phase system available with a wide range of ratings:
8,000 deliveries in over 100 countries. We offer the widest and • From 80 to 130 kA rated system-source short-circuit current
most modern portfolio of GCBs in SF6 and vacuum technology • Up to 25.3 kV rated voltage
with a range of short-circuit current ratings from 50 kA to • Up to 23,500 A rated normal current at 50 Hz/ 60 Hz
300 kA and nominal currents from 3,150 A to over 50,000 A • Full 180° out-of-phase current switching capability
to meet the demand of all types of power plants around
the globe. The interrupting chamber of HECS is fully type tested
according to IEEE C37.013 and designed to meet the
GCBs protect the important assets in power plants such as requirements of IEC/ IEEE 62271-37-013.
generators and transformers by clearing potential harmful
short-circuit faults in tens of milliseconds preventing severe
damages and possibly lengthy plant downtime.
 H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E | 5

Key features

MARKET PIONEER
DIGITALLY INTEGRATED WITH GMS600

• Largest installed base worldwide

• Enabling remote monitoring and
• Global sales and service network
asset management
• First to provide real time contact
erosion measurement

WORLD LEADER WITH COMPACT DESIGN

STATE-OF-ART TECHNOLOGY
• Advanced natural cooling system
• Type tested for 180° out-of-phase current patented by Hitachi Energy
• Type tested up to 130% degree of asymmetry • Container solution for transportation

Market pioneer Digitally integrated with GMS600

The wide range of ratings with short-circuit currents from 80 to HECS is fully integrated with Hitachi Energy GCB digital
130 kA makes HECS the most used GCB in the world suitable monitoring system, GMS600. The GMS600 can perform many
for power plants with a unit power of up to 800 MW. With small functions: data logging, disturbance recording, drive supervi-
and standardized dimensions HECS is easy to install and highly sion, temperature and SF6 density monitoring. In addition, HECS
suitable for replacements and retrofits in existing power plants. supports integration of GMS600-A, a breakthrough solution
HECS has very low lifecycle cost with up to 20,000 close-open which measures online the contact overlapping time and gives
(CO) no-load operations or 20 years between main overhauls. indication of the ablation without the need to go out of opera-
tion. Data logged through GMS600 can be connected via the
World leader with state-of-art technology clouds to Digital Enterprise Connect platform.
HECS products are type tested according to IEEE C37.013 and
in certain aspects even exceed the minimum requirements of Compact design
IEC/ IEEE 62271-37-013, including switching of fault currents HECS products are fully assembled and factory tested to
with full phase opposition (180° out-of-phase). It is also type bring substantial cost and time savings in installation and
tested to interrupt generator-source short-circuit current commissioning at site. Its compact design fits into standard
exhibiting delayed current zeros with up to 130% degree containers for easy transportation, handling and storage.
of asymmetry.
6 | H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E

Customer benefits

WIDEST PORTFOLIO
We offer a wide and modern range of HECS products. The modular design
allows the flexibility of having customized solutions suitable for a wide
range of power plants within one common platform.

PROACTIVE AND PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE

A quick and effective maintenance service is offered worldwide with the
support of local experts. GMS600 supports power plant operators and
maintenance engineers for a proactive and cost efficient maintenance pro-
gram, while improving diagnostic capability through the recorded data and
threshold levels.

REDUCED FOOTPRINT
The HECS products have a standardized compact design which reduces
the space requirement and allows a simplified transportation through
container solutions. The whole range of HECS are designed to have a low
environmental impact with a small footprint and a low SF6 leakage rate.

OUTSTANDING RELIABILITY
The outstanding reliability of the HECS-platform is based on its robust and
streamlined design and on its modular construction which allows the use of
well proven components for all breaker types. The extraordinary reliability
has been confirmed by the more than 2000 installed breakers of the
HECS-family since 2003.

SAFE OPERATIONS
HECS has been tested beyond the highest possible requirements of
the standards in order to assure a safe operation of the breaker in all
conditions.

ON-SITE AND REMOTE FAT

Customers are welcome to attend the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) at
our factory where we will complete all the test procedures and issue the
relevant test protocols. If customers are not able to join us in the factory,
through our Remote Factory Acceptance Test (RFAT) they can witness the
testing of their GCB in our factory without actually leaving their office living
a real-time customer event experience.
 H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E | 7

Technical data

Generator circuit-breakers system type HECS HECS-80 HECS-100 HECS-130

General

Rated maximum voltage kV 23.0 25.3 25.3

Rated frequency Hz 50/ 60 50/ 60 50/ 60
Rated normal current 50 Hz HECS-S A rms up to 8500 - -
with IPB temperature 90°C/ 70°C
HECS-M A rms up to 10500 up to 10500 -
HECS-L A rms - up to 13400 up to 13400
HECS-Lplus A rms - up to 14500 up to 14500
HECS-XLp A rms - up to 18200 up to 18200
HECS-XXLp A rms - - up to 23500
Rated normal current 60 Hz HECS-S A rms up to 8000 - -
with IPB temperature 105°C/ 80°C
HECS-M A rms up to 10000 up to 10000 -
HECS-L A rms - up to 12000 up to 12000
HECS-Lplus A rms - up to 13700 up to 13700
HECS-XLp A rms - up to 17300 up to 17300
HECS-XXLp A rms - - up to 22200

Rated insultation level

Rated power frequency withstand voltage

to earth and across circuit-breakers contacts kV rms 60 (80) 60 (80) 60 (80)
across isolating distance of disconnector kV rms 70 (88) 70 (88) 70 (88)
Rated lightning impulse withstand voltage
to earth and across circuit-breakers contacts kV peak 125 (150) 125 (150) 125 (150)
across isolating distance of disconnector kV peak 145 (165) 145 (165) 145 (165)

Circuit-breaker

Rated peak withstand current kA peak 220 300 360

Rated short-time withstand current kA, 3s 80 100 130
Rated short-circuit making current kA peak 220 300 360
Rated short-circuit breaking current kA peak 80 100 130
Rated operating sequence CO-30min-CO
Opening time ms 34 ± 5 34 ± 5 34 ± 5
Rated interrupting time ms 68 68 68
Mechanical endurance life CO 20000 20000 20000

Disconnector

Rated peak withstand current kA peak 220 300 360

Rated short-time current kA, 3s 80 100 130
Operating time s 2 2 2

Earthing switch

Rated peak withstand current kA peak 220 300 360

Rated short-time current kA, 1s 80 100 130
Operating time s 2 2 2
8 | H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E

Standards, quality
and tests

Standards and quality Further tests such as temperature rise, extended mechanical
endurance, low temperature, high temperature, sound level,
The generator circuit-breaker system type HECS fulfils the degree of protection and reaction force tests were carried out
requirements of all relevant standards, i.e. IEEE C37.013, with all the related components within the system to verify the
IEC/ IEEE 62271-37-013, IEC 62271-1, IEC 62271-102, liability and compliance with the requirements of the relevant
IEC 61869-2, IEC 61869-3, IEC 60358, IEC 60099-4, standards.
IEC 62271-300, IEC 60480 and IEC 60529. The HECS system
is tested according to the standard that were valid at the time Routine and factory acceptance tests
of testing. Prior to dispatch, the generator circuit-breaker system is sub-
jected to an extensive test program defined in accordance with
The production of generator circuit-breakers in Switzerland is the standards IEC/ IEEE 62271-37-013:2015 and
continuously endeavored to improve its quality systems and is IEC 62271-102:2018, including:
awarded by Bureau Veritas for management system with the • Power frequency withstand voltage tests on major insulation
certificate for ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and components and insulation of enclosures (HV tests)
ISO 45001:2018. • Electrical resistance of current path across circuit-breaker
and the disconnecting switch
• Mechanical timing test on generator circuit-breaker
Tests • Mechanical test on other components
• Tests on auxiliary and control circuits
Type tests
• Tightness test
The generator circuit-breaker type HECS has been designed to
• Design and visual checks
meet the requirements of IEC/ IEEE 62271-37-013 and in some
respects, its performance even exceeds the minimum require-
ments of this standard. The interrupting capability of the HECS
generator circuit-breaker system was fully type tested by the
High-Power Laboratory of KEMA/ Netherlands in accordance
to the standard IEEE C37.013.
 H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E | 9

Generator circuit-breaker system

Hitachi Energy generator circuit-breaker systems are the generator circuit-breaker systems are available with earthing
three-phase systems with a SF6 circuit-breaker and a discon- switch, starting switch, short-circuiting connection, current and
nector in single-phase enclosures, supplied fully assembled on voltage transformers, surge capacitor and surge arrester. The
a common frame, with operating mechanisms and control single line diagram of a generator circuit-breaker system type
equipment. In addition to the circuit-breaker and disconnector, HECS is depicted in figure 01.

1 Circuit-breaker

2 Disconnector

7 3 Earthing switch

9 4 Starting switch

5 Manually mounted short-circuiting connection

8
6 (requires dismantling of the cover)
T

3
T
6 Surge capacitor
2

7 Current transformer
5

1 Voltage transformer
8
10
4 Surge arrester
9
6
G

10 Earthing switch optionally with motor operated

9 short-circuiting connection

8
G Generator side

T Transformer side

01 Typical single line diagram of a generator circuit-breaker system type HECS

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Interrupting chamber
Within the interrupting chamber SF6 gas is used for both arc
extinguishing and internal insulation. The external insulation
is air. For current interruption the self-blast principle is used,
which represents an optimized design to achieve a significant
reduction in operating energy.

The main advantages of employing SF6 gas as interrupting 02 Interrupting chamber

medium with self-blast principle can be summarized as follows:

• The arc-voltage of the circuit-breaker is high enough to ensure
current zeros in case of fault currents with delayed current The design of the interrupting chamber consists of two separate
zeros without the need of delaying the tripping contact systems, one for current carrying (main contact system)
• The pressure of SF6 which is needed for interruption, depends and one for arc interruption (arcing contact system), as depicted
on the current and not on the contact movement in the diagram below.
• An efficient operation can be achieved with a smaller operat-
ing mechanism due to lower energy consumption during Both main and arcing contacts of the circuit-breaker are fully
contact movement in SF6 for safe and reliable power plant operation. During the
• A gentle interruption of small inductive currents can be interruption process, the current commutates from the main
obtained, thus reducing the risk of chopping the arc due to contact system to the arcing contact system. This avoids wear
its instability and generating subsequent over-voltages and erosion of the current carrying contacts and ensures trou-
• SF6 gas can be monitored ble-free current carrying even after many operations. During a
breaking operation, the main contacts open first, while the
The interrupting chamber of the generator circuit-breaker arcing contact system remains in the closed position to allow
type HECS is depicted in figure 2. On the left side, the terminal current to commutate. When the arcing contacts open, an arc
is visible. The contacts are operated by a shaft passing through is established between them, and it is extinguished at current
the vertical support insulator. zero.

7 6 8 3 1

5 4 2

Closed Main contacts opening, Arcing contacts opening Open

arcing contacts closed

1 Terminals 5 Fixed main contact

2 Cylindrical coil 6 Moving main contact

3 Fixed arcing contact 7 Puffer

4 Moving arcing contact 8 Heating volume 03 Contact systems of an SF6

generator circuit-breaker and
description of the current
interruption process
 H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E | 11

Hydraulic spring operating mechanism

The hydraulic spring operating mechanism combines the For the opening operation, the piston head side is isolated
advantages of a hydraulic operating mechanism with those from the high-pressure and simultaneously connected to the
of a spring energy storage system (figure 04(a)). Energy low-pressure oil volume.
storage is accomplished with the aid of a disk spring assembly,
with the advantages of high long-term stability, reliability and The charging state of the spring disk assembly is controlled by
non-influence of temperature changes. switching elements, actuating the pump motor to immediately
maintain the oil pressure. A non-return valve between pump and
Tripping of the operating mechanism and energy output are high-pressure oil volume prevents pressure loss in the event of
based on proven design elements of the hydraulic operating a pump outage. The hydraulic system is hermetically sealed
technique, such as control valves and hydraulic cylinders. against atmosphere. The mechanically operated position indi-
The operating mechanism is based on the so-called differential cator provides reliable indication of the circuit- breaker position.
piston principle. For the closing operation, the piston head side
is isolated from the low pressure and simultaneously connected The drive operates all three circuit-breaker poles simultaneously
to the high-pressure oil volume. As long as the pressure is by mechanical linkages, thus keeping the switching time differ-
maintained, the piston remains in the “closed” position. ence between the poles to a minimum.
A pressure controlled mechanical interlock prevents movement
of the piston to the “open” position in case of a pressure drop.

1 1

O I

M M

2 2

High pressure 1 Breaker operating rod

Low pressure 2 Energy storage device

04(a) Hydro-mechanical spring operating mechanism 04(b) Schematic diagram

12 | H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E

Cooling system for HECS-XLp/ XXLp

For higher rated normal current requirements, HECS (types Without any need for external power, the vapor rises automati-
HECS-XLp and HECS-XXLp) is equipped with a fully passive cally through the insulating section ( 2 ) to the cooler ( 3 ).
cooling system based on natural convection. The device is a There, the vapor condensates and the heat is released toward
heat pipe cooling system optimized for high efficiency heat the ambient by a state-of-the-art natural convection heat
removal while minimizing size and weight. Heat pipes represent exchanger. Following the condensation process, gravity causes
one particularly interesting approach to two-phase cooling the liquid to return to the evaporator, where the cycle starts
because they are entirely passive, simple and highly reliable. anew. An outstanding property of this type of cooling system is
that it is driven only by the heat that is being transferred and by
Principle of operation the gravity that returns the liquid, making it a purely passive
The heat pipe is a two-phase cooling system that makes use of device. This system has enhanced cooling capabilities, enabling
the effect that a liquid absorbs heat when it is evaporated and high current ratings in full natural convection operation.
that this heat can subsequently be released somewhere else
during the condensation process. The system is composed of
three major components:
•1 An evaporator section which is attached to the GCB
conductor ( a ) (heat source)
3
•2 A transfer section b

•3 A cooler section located in the cool environment outside 2

the enclosure ( b )

During operation, the cooling fluid circulates inside the closed

loop system. Inside the evaporator ( 1 ), the heat of the conduc- 1
a
tor causes the cooling fluid to change its state from liquid to
vapor. Just like sweat evaporating on the skin, this phase
change removes heat from the conductor ( a ).

06 Operating principle of the heat pipes

Cooling fluid
The latest development allows to implement an even greener
cooling system by means of a new generation cooling fluid
having a very low global warming potential. The thermodynamic
and transport properties of the new generation, low-GWP cool-
ing fluid are very good and lead to a high cooling efficiency and
a low amount of cooling media. The system is hermetically
sealed and maintenance free. The cooling media is a dielectric
fluid that guarantees electrical insulation over and beyond the
ratings of the generator circuit-breaker.

05 Heat pipe front view

 H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E | 13

SF6-gas density monitoring system

The breaking capacity of an SF6 circuit-breaker and the dielec- circuit-breaker chamber is compared with the density of the gas
tric withstand level across its open contacts is dependent upon in a sealed reference gas volume. When the gas density drops
the density of the SF6 gas. Under the condition of constant below the specified value, the density monitor signals the loss
volume, the gas density is independent of the gas temperature, of SF6 gas in several steps.
while the pressure varies with the temperature.
If the gas volumes of the three circuit-breaker poles are
It is, therefore, more practical to measure and use the gas connected via the refilling pipe, only one SF6 gas density
density rather than the pressure for circuit-breaker supervision monitor per circuit-breaker is required to supervise the gas
purposes. The density monitor operates according to the refer- density.
ence-volume-density principle. The density of the gas in the

Disconnector
The switchgear concept provides a disconnector fitted in series distance can be clearly seen through an inspection window.
with the main contacts of the circuit-breaker to provide safe and The moving contact is motor driven. A locking feature prevents
visible isolation between the step-up transformer and the gen- motor operation while the disconnector is being manually oper-
erator circuit-breaker. It is placed on the transformer-side of the ated. Mechanically driven position indicator is provided in a
circuit-breaker and within the same enclosure. visible position and a crank handle is provided for manual
operation. The view of a disconnector being in the open
The disconnector is a tubular telescopic unit, and it is equipped position is depicted in figure 07.
with a drive that operates through a mechanical linkage all three
poles. This layout provides easy access and simplifies mainte-
nance. In the open position of the disconnector, the isolating air

07 Disconnector
14 | H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E

Earthing switch Voltage transformer

The earthing switch can be provided on either one or both sides Single-phase voltage transformers can be provided on either
of the system. The switch and its connections are designed for one or both sides of the circuit-breaker system. Up to three
protective earthing purposes, i.e., it is rated for the full fault cur- voltage transformers can be fitted at each side, and each
rent but has no current making or continuous carrying capacity. voltage transformer can be supplied with one or two secondary
The design is of blade type, as depicted in figure 08. The earth- windings, depending on the class and output power required
ing connection is made via the system enclosure. The moving (figure 09). The secondary windings are permanently wired back
contact is motor driven. to terminal blocks in the control cubicle.

08 Earthing switch 09 Voltage transformer

Starting switch Current transformer

The starting switch can be provided on the generator-side of the A ring core current transformer can be provided on either one or
system. It is designed for being employed for the start-up of the both sides of the circuit-breaker system (figure 10). Depending
machine from the static frequency converter (SFC). The moving on the class up to three cores per current transformer can be
contact is motor-driven. accommodated. The secondary windings are permanently
wired back to terminal blocks in the control cubicle.

Short-circuiting
connection
The short-circuiting connection helps expedite the testing and
adjustment of the power plant protection system. It can be pro-
vided manually mounted for the use between the circuit-breaker
and the disconnector of the system or motor- operated. In the
former case, the cover of each phase enclosure has to be re-
moved to allow the fitting of the short-circuiting bar. In the latter
case, the short-circuiting link is used in conjunction with the
earthing switch installed on the generator-side of the cir-
cuit-breaker.

10 Current transformer
 H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E | 15

Ferrosonance damping device

In order to prevent the occurrence of ferroresonance, Hitachi inductive element resulting from, e.g., switching operation or
Energy's generator circuit-breaker systems are equipped with other type of event resulting in a transient over-voltage in the
a damping device installed in the open delta formed by the system. The insertion of a ferroresonance damping device in the
tertiary winding of the three voltage transformers on the trans- open delta of the residual voltage windings (tertiary windings) of
former-side of the generator circuit-breaker (see figure 11 and a set of voltage transformers is a very efficient solution for the
figure 12). Ferroresonance is characterized by a periodic damping of second subharmonic relaxation oscillations. This
displacement of the potential of the system neutral in a three- device basically consists of a saturable coil (damping coil)
phase system with an isolated neutral. These so-called relax- paralleled by a group of resistors with a relatively high resis-
ation oscillations are caused by discharging and recharging tance. For power frequency voltages, i.e., in case of persistent
the capacitances to ground via magnetizing inductances of, single-phase-to-ground faults, the saturable inductance works
e.g., single-pole insulated voltage transformers and the periodic in the linear range of the magnetizing characteristic and carries
repetition of this process. The magnetic core is temporarily only a small current, thus avoiding any thermal overloading of
subjected to saturation during transient network phenomena. the voltage transformer as well as of the inductance itself.
As a consequence of saturation, high currents are flowing For second subharmonic voltages, however, the inductance
through the primary windings of the voltage transformers that saturates and absorbs active power sufficient to damp out
heat up these windings and often lead to the destruction of the the relaxation oscillations. This power is dissipated in the
voltage transformer. In practice, the ferroresonant oscillations resistance associated with the damping coil.
may be initiated by momentary saturation of the core of the

R S T

Y-connection of the
primary windings
R S T

Y-connection of the Y-connection of the

primary windings secondary windings

Open delta connection of the Open delta connection of the

secondary windings secondary windings

DE6 DE6

Earth fault Earth fault

protection relay protection relay

11 Insertion of a ferroresonance damping device (DE6) in the open delta of the residual 12 Insertion of a ferroresonance damping device (DE6) in the open delta of the residual
voltage windings of a set of voltage transformers (voltage transformer with one voltage windings (tertiary windings) of a set of voltage transformers (voltage transformer
secondary winding) with two secondary windings)
16 | H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E

Surge capacitor Surge arrester

Surge capacitors are fitted on both sides of the generator A surge arrester can be fitted on the transformer- side, to
circuit-breaker system to provide additional protection against provide protection for the equipment connected to the genera-
over-voltages and to support arc extinction in the circuit-breaker tor busbar against over-voltages. Metal-oxide surge arresters
by transient recovery voltage limitation (figure 13). The surge with silicon housing are installed in Hitachi Energy's generator
capacitors are used to reduce the rate- of-rise of the transient circuit-breaker systems (figure 14). Metal-oxide resistors have
recovery voltage from the very high prospective values (and at a highly non-linear resistance characteristic. At service voltage,
the same time to increase the time delay from the very low a predominantly capacitive low current flow. Any voltage incre-
prospective values) to values the generator circuit-breaker can ases leads to a rapid increase of the current, thereby limiting
cope with. The capacitors are therefore to be considered as any further rise in the voltage. When the voltage decreases,
an integral part of the generator circuit-breaker. the condition reverts to its essential non-conducting state.

13 Surge capacitor 14 Metal-oxide surge arrester

Connecting zone
The connecting zone is designed to provide a detachable between terminals ensuring that dielectric strength require-
(bolted) connection between the generator circuit-breaker life ments are always met.
part and the conductor of the adjacent isolated phase bus or
busduct. The main components of the connecting zone are 3., 4. and 5. Flexible type employing laminates with pressure-
depicted in Figure 16. The flexible connections shall be de- welded contact ends designed and tested for high mechanical
signed for: stress.
1. Carrying the rated continuous current and the rated short
time withstand current without exceeding the maximum 6. Silver plated contact ends with high requirements on contact
permissible temperatures surface evenness and material properties.
2. Ensuring that the dielectric strength requirements are met
3. Compensating expansion and contraction of the conductor
due to temperature changes
4. Compensating vibrations and withstanding the stress caused
during switching operations
5. Withstanding the mechanical stress resulting from
electro-dynamic forces in case of short-circuit current
6. Providing a low resistance, safe and stable electrical
connection

Hitachi Energy recommended type and arrangement of flexible

copper straps respond to these requirements as follows:
1., 2. and 5. Fully type tested together with the generator
circuit-breaker to prove that the stringent requirements imposed 15 Connection between one pole of a generator circuit-breaker and
the associated phase bus
by the relevant IEC and IEEE standards with regard to dielectric
strength, hottest spot temperature and mechanical stress are
fully met. The special shape easily adapts to different distances
 H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E | 17

1 Flexible copper straps

2 Fastening and securing bolts and nuts

3 Terminal with silvered contact surfaces for welded

connection to the conductor of the IPB or busbar

1 4 Support ring for withstanding the mechanical

stress and to reduce the contraction of the
connectors resulting from electro-dynamic
forces in case of short-circuit currents

16 Main components of the connecting zone

Phase enclosure Control and supervision

The magnetic field in the neighborhood of the bus between All control and supervisory apparatuses are mounted in
generator and transformer may have adverse effects on equip- the control cubicle. An active mimic diagram is provided with
ment and building steel if the bus current exceeds a certain position indications and the integrated local control of the
value. The values of magnetic fields outside of the generator circuit-breaker and all other switching apparatuses. In the
circuit-breaker housing could induce voltages and currents, control cubicle, there is also installed equipment for local/
which in turn might produce undesired heating effects. For remote changeover facilities and counters for CO operations
this reason, and to avoid electromagnetic forces between the of the circuit-breaker and pump starts of the circuit-breaker
current-carrying busbars, the generator circuit-breaker system drive.
is designed for welded connections to the isolated phase bus
enclosures.

Each single-phase enclosure is made of aluminium and capable

of carrying the induced reverse current thus minimizing the im-
pact of the magnetic field on the external magnetic field and its
impact on the equipment are minimized. In order to avoid pollu-
tion due to ingress of dust and moisture, the generator switch-
gear enclosure is designed to allow air tightness and to with-
stand a slight internal overpressure.

Inspection windows are provided in the phase enclosures

near to the disconnector, earthing switch and starting switch,
to allow visually checking of the position of each of them.
Occasionally, the busbars in power plants are not enclosed and
in general, effects of magnetic fields for small generator contin-
uous current is usually of no concern.
18 | H E C S G E N E R AT O R C I R C U I T- B R E A K E R H I G H E S T I N S TA L L E D B A S E W O R L D W I D E

Monitoring system

The GMS600 (see figure 17(a)) is a novel monitoring system for sample per second. This raw temperature data is processed by
GCBs that has been specifically developed to support power a temperature evaluation module every minute, and a warning
plant operators and maintenance engineers for a proactive and or alarm is generated in case the temperature deviation of the
cost-effective maintenance program, while improving diagnostic three sensors per phase exceeds the set limit or the tempera-
capability through the recorded data and threshold levels. ture reaches the maximum tolerated level. All information is
displayed to the GCB operator locally by local human machine
Built on the well-proven technology, it offers unique features interface as well as remotely by webserver and web client appli-
such as SF6 gas monitoring and trending (GMS600-G), cation. Data can be transmitted over the power plant network
temperature monitoring of primary conductors (GMS600-T) by the modern communication protocols IEC 61850 and
and ablation monitoring (GMS600-A). In addition, it is also able DNP3.
to provide operating mechanism supervision. GMS600 can be
integrated in new GCBs or retrofitted into existing GCB A recent advance in monitoring system led to the launch of the
applications. global first online contacts erosion monitoring system for GCBs.
Predominantly during opening operations, some material is ab-
The monitoring system provides precise indication of the GCB’s lated from the GCB arcing contact system resulting in reduced
remaining time-to- preventive maintenance based on cumulative overlapping times, i.e. the time elapsed between the opening of
current interruptions, total number of mechanical operations the main and the arcing contacts during switching operations.
and time from last overhaul. The wear on arcing contacts of GCBs can be better monitored
by measuring the overlapping time of the contacts. This time is
An important novel feature is temperature monitoring of the critical for the proper operation of a GCB, and overhaul be-
current-carrying path. At such high currents as those normally comes necessary if the overlapping time is shorter than a
carried by a GCB, even a slight increase of electrical resistance minimum acceptable value which does not allow the current to
in the current-carrying path can lead to a large temperature commutate from the main to the arcing contacts during an
increase. The GMS600 reads out the measured data of all opening operation.
temperature sensors at a rate of approximately one sensor

Analog signals

Digital outputs
MODBUS
(RS-485)

IEC 61850
SF6

Temperature
LAN Drive/ position
signals

Web interface Contacts ablation

17(a) GMS600 monitoring system and sensors

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The overlapping time is typically measured using the dynamic The presented innovative solution offers the possibility to per-
contact resistance measurement (DRM) technique, which evalu- form a direct contact erosion measurement with high accuracy
ates the contact resistance during an operation of the GCB. The and does not need the GCB to be taken out of service, thus
measurement consists in injecting a DC current in one phase of increasing the availability of the power plant. This enables new
the GCB and requires the GCB to be taken out of service and service concepts to be implemented, promoting the transition
isolated from the rest of the power plant. from the traditional reactive maintenance work to an optimized
maintenance planning based on residual lifetime prediction and
The innovative method to measure the contact overlapping supported by faster response, higher flexibility and simplified
time is based on a concept which transmits high-frequency inspections and overhauls.
signals across the GCB (see figure 17(b)). A test signal is gener-
ated by the phase module and is fed into the conductor via the The possibility to accurately measure the erosion of the GCB
capacitive voltage divider on the transformer side. The signal is contacts is of special importance in applications which involve
then received through a second capacitive voltage divider on a high number of switching operations such as in pumped stor-
the generator side. The amplitude of the received test signal age power plants. The use of a monitoring system to support
varies depending on the position of the GCB, i.e., closed, the maximization of the usage of equipment plays a key role in
main contacts open, or arcing contacts open. Evaluation of this optimizing system performance and reducing operating costs.
amplitude variation allows to calculate the overlapping time of
the two contact systems.

AMPLITUDE (a.u.)

1 2

3 4 5

6
3 4 5

7
G

3 4 5 8

TIME (a.u.)

Concept diagram Course of test signal during closing operation of GCB

1 Monitoring system 5 Transmitting capacitive voltage divider

2 Power supply and communication interface 6 Time at which the main contact system is closed

3 Receiving capacitive voltage divider 7 Time at which the arching contact system is closed

4 Phase module (electronic controller)

17(b) GMS600 concept diagram and test signal of closing operation

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Dimension drawings
HECS-S/ M
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HECS-L
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HECS-Lplus
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HECS-XLp/ XXLp
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Specifications subject to change without notice. 1HC0023255 EN / F24