Patent GB-547277-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to electrical switching devices with interruption of power and subsequent voltage disconnection for the protection of the polyphase systems
IPC: H01H79/00
Filed: 1941-05-30
Abstract: 547,277. Gas-blast switches. AKT.-GES. BROWN, BOVERI, & CIE. May 30, 1941, No. 6944. Convention date, May 6, 1940. [Class 38 (v)] In a switching arrangement with power interruption and subsequent voltage disconnection for protection of polyphase systems, the switching device for each phase is provided with an earthing device which earths the disturbed line in dependence upon the power-interrupting operation. The disturbed line remains earthed for only a short interval of time and the earthing device is so constructed that it can interrupt the'capacitive residual current flowing through it. The voltage disconnecting point may be built to act simultaneously as an earthing contact point and the earthing device may be operated by a pneumatic device so constructed that the earthing device is actuated when the power operation is initiated. As applied to a pneumatically-operated gas circuit-breaker, an insulator b' carrying the circuit-breaker c and an insulator b<SP>2</SP> containing the earthing device e are mounted on an air container a, switches d', d<SP>2</SP> being mounted on the insulators which are also provided with protective arc gaps f<SP>1</SP>, f<SP>2</SP>. Compressed gas from the container a is passed through a valve g and an insulating pipe g<SP>1</SP> to the arcing contacts of the breaker c, to the operating pistons of the switches d', d<SP>2</SP> and also through a pipe m to the device e. An exhaust valve z operated by gas from a pipe h is located at the end of an insulating pipe n on which are mounted contacts k', k<SP>2</SP>, the fixed contacts k' being tubular and in communication with the tube n and the movable contacts k<SP>2</SP> being pistons which slide in guide cylinders fixed, and connected, to the pipe n. The contacts k<SP>2</SP> are subjected at both ends to compressed gas and are normally kept open by springs. When a disturbance occurs in the line l, the valve g operates and opens the contacts of the breaker c, the blades d<SP>1</SP>, d<SP>2</SP> of the voltage isolating switch remaining closed and the blast for extinguishing the arc released. Gas also passes over the piston of the valve g and through the pipe h to the upper side of the piston of the valve i. The tube n and the space surrounding the contacts k<SP>2</SP> are relieved. of gas pressure and the contacts close so that the conductor l is earthed through the metallic elements at the bottom and top of the insulator b<SP>2</SP>, but only for a short period. In a modification, Fig. 2, one of the electrodes of the spark gap f<SP>2</SP> is fixed to a switch arm o which is operated pneumatically, in dependence of the operation of the breaker c, by a piston p. To improve the extinguishing effect when the contacts k', k<SP>2</SP> are opened and the residual current interrupted, the stationary electrode of the spark gap may be located in a switch chamber made of a gas-emitting material or may be subjected to a blast of gas as shown in Fig. 3 in which the electrode is located inside an insulating nozzle q to which compressed gas is supplied through a tube r when the arm o reaches the open position.