BPM — online monitor for high-voltage circuit breakers, including SF6 breakers
BPM (Breaker Performance Monitor) is a continuous online monitoring system for substation high-voltage circuit breakers, both SF6 and those without gas insulation. During each operation the monitor records high-frequency oscillograms and diagnoses the mechanical and electrical parts of the breaker. The data helps move from cyclic maintenance to condition-based overhauls and to meet NERC requirements.
- Drive versions
- G — common drive (4 boards); I — pole-operated drive IPO (9 boards)
- Housing
- 4 or 9 slots
- Power supply
- 110–240 V AC (50–60 Hz), 110–250 V DC
- Protocols
- DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
The monitor combines offline and online test methods. The Smart Capture function automatically overlays each new oscillogram on the reference record of the first opening, so deviations are visible directly on the graph. This is how opening and closing times, the operation of the latch and bearings, lubrication, auxiliary contacts and short-circuit current are assessed. The BPM also monitors the energy storage system of the drive, so a fault becomes visible before the breaker receives a command. Microprocessor relay recorders do not provide this information.
Multi-parameter sensors measure density, temperature and humidity of insulating gas, SF6 or dry air. The monitor alarms on leak rate, forecasts time to lockout and totals the cumulative gas loss, which is used for mandatory greenhouse gas reporting. Coil integrity is monitored with one, two or three trip coils and detects changes in circuit resistance. The accumulated I²t integral allows interrupter inspections to be scheduled according to actual wear rather than the calendar. The current and voltage of cabinet heaters, ambient temperature, the cabinet and the SF6 gas are monitored separately.
For cold climates, the drive is monitored: the spring-charging motor or the hydraulic and pneumatic drive, that is, the number of starts, current and running time. The system takes into account the change of hydraulic fluid viscosity with temperature, while in pneumatics it tracks excess moisture and pressure, which indicate freezing of the air lines.
The design is modular, with a housing for 4 or 9 slots. A version with four pre-installed boards is supplied for breakers with a common drive (type G). A nine-board version is intended for breakers with pole-operated IPO drives (type I), of which seven are installed in advance and two are chosen by the customer. Relay output and DC analogue signal boards are available, as well as three RTD inputs with four current inputs, 13 digital inputs, five Form C relays, six current inputs, and three current and three voltage inputs. Power 110–240 V AC 50–60 Hz or 110–250 V DC. Communication over DNP3, Modbus or IEC 61850 via copper and optical Ethernet, with an optional optical serial port, RS-485 and RS-232.
For each operation the monitor records which coil initiated the trip, the coil current and the trip time, and produces graphs and tables for reports under NERC requirements. The Desktop version of the manufacturer's software is included and gives engineering access to the monitor. The Fleet version collects data from all monitors in the fleet, including transformer and third-party ones.
Technical specifications
| Drive versions | G — common drive (4 boards); I — pole-operated drive IPO (9 boards) |
|---|---|
| Housing | 4 or 9 slots |
| Power supply | 110–240 V AC (50–60 Hz), 110–250 V DC |
| Protocols | DNP3, Modbus, IEC 61850 |
| Interfaces | Ethernet (optical and copper); optional optical serial port, RS-485, RS-232 |
| Gas monitoring | breaker without SF6 or SF6 breaker with 1, 2 or 3 gas systems |
| Trip coil integrity monitoring | 1, 2 or 3 coils |
| Expansion boards | relay, 3 RTD + 4 CT, 13 digital inputs, 5 Form C relays, 6 CT, 3 CT + 3 VT |
Request a price and lead time
BPM — online monitor for high-voltage circuit breakers, including SF6 breakers. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Questions and answers
How do the common-drive and pole-drive versions of the BPM differ?
Type G for a common drive has 4 pre-installed boards. Type I for a pole-operated IPO drive has 9 boards, of which seven are installed in advance and two are chosen by the customer.
Which insulating gas parameters does the BPM monitor?
The sensors measure density, temperature and humidity of SF6 or dry air for breakers with 1, 2 or 3 gas systems. The monitor alarms on leak rate and forecasts time to lockout.
Which communication protocols does the BPM support?
DNP3, Modbus and IEC 61850 over copper and optical Ethernet. An optical serial port, RS-485 and RS-232 are available as options.
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