PCS-8300 — high-voltage hybrid DC circuit breaker
NR PCS-8300 is a high-voltage hybrid DC circuit breaker with an interruption time of less than 3 ms and a breaking current of more than 25 kA. It quickly interrupts the fault current on the DC side, and the rest of the grid keeps operating. It is used in multi-terminal grids and in voltage source converter transmissions.
- Topology
- hybrid: main branch (valves + fast mechanical switch), interruption branch, energy absorption branch (MOV)
- Interruption time
- less than 3 ms
- Breaking current
- above 25 kA
- Example version
- 535 kV, rated current 3 kA, breaking current 25 kA, ≤3 ms (type tests confirmed with DNV GL)
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
Fully tested breakers of this range have been supplied for the ±500 kV Zhangbei DC grid, the first commercial VSC transmission with DC breakers. Type tests of the 535 kV breaker were carried out with the participation of DNV GL. In a grid with several converter stations, a fault on one DC line without such a breaker stops the whole system, whereas with it only the faulty section is switched off.
The breaker has three parallel branches: the main current branch, the interruption branch and the energy absorption branch built on nonlinear MOV surge arresters. In normal operation the current flows through the main branch with low losses. When a fault occurs on the DC side, the valve groups of the main branch first turn on and the current is forced to commutate to the interruption branch. At the same time the fast mechanical switch of the main branch opens, and its contacts separate without an arc. After that the valves of the interruption branch turn on, a transient overvoltage arises, and the energy goes into the MOV branch. There it is absorbed, and the fault current is interrupted.
The topology is hybrid, of the bridge rectifier type. The interruption branch uses bridge commutation and unidirectional blocking devices. The current is interrupted in both directions, and considerably fewer fully controlled semiconductor switches are needed. As a result the interruption circuit is cheaper and has fewer elements that can fail.
Operating losses are low, the interruption takes less than 3 ms, and the breaking current is more than 25 kA. The 535 kV version is rated for a rated current of 3 kA and a breaking current of 25 kA. The breaker is capable of auto-reclosing and double interruption, so after a temporary fault the line can be quickly returned to service.
The design is unified, and breakers for different voltages and currents are built from standard blocks. The integrated valve tower is compact and seismic resistant, and easy to install. The IGBTs are replaced directly in the tower without dismantling the breaker, which simplifies servicing and repair. The breaker is used in multi-terminal transmissions and DC grids, for the evacuation of wind and solar power plant output, and in medium-power VSC transmissions.
Technical specifications
| Topology | hybrid: main branch (valves + fast mechanical switch), interruption branch, energy absorption branch (MOV) |
|---|---|
| Interruption time | less than 3 ms |
| Breaking current | above 25 kA |
| Example version | 535 kV, rated current 3 kA, breaking current 25 kA, ≤3 ms (type tests confirmed with DNV GL) |
| Features | bridge commutation, bidirectional interruption with fewer fully controlled switches |
| Functions | auto-reclosing and double interruption |
| Design | integrated valve tower, IGBT replacement in the tower |
Request a price and lead time
PCS-8300 — high-voltage hybrid DC circuit breaker. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Customs codes
| UKTZED (Ukraine) | 8535 29 00 00 |
|---|---|
| HS, 6 digits | 8535 29 |
| CN (EU) | 8535 29 00 |
| HTSUS (USA) | 8535 29 00 80 |
| China customs tariff | 8535 29 00 00 |
Codes are for reference: the final code is determined at declaration for the specific model.
Questions and answers
What are the ratings of the 535 kV version of the PCS-8300?
Rated current 3 kA, breaking current 25 kA, interruption time not more than 3 ms. Type tests were carried out with the participation of DNV GL.
Where have DC breakers of this range already been used?
In the ±500 kV Zhangbei DC grid, the first commercial VSC transmission with such breakers.
Does the PCS-8300 interrupt current in both directions?
Yes, the bridge commutation in the interruption branch provides bidirectional interruption. It needs fewer switches for this than a conventional circuit.
Similar equipment from other manufacturers
