Testing DC high speed electrical circuit breakers.

Megger has acquired the BALTO product line from STEVO Electric bvba (Belgium). Dr Andrew Dodds, Group Director commented, “The acquisition continues Megger’s growth ambitions and strengthens the support we are able to give customers in network protection test”.

 

The BALTO products, continually developed since their launch in 2003, are used to test the operation of DC high-speed electrical circuit breakers.  These circuit breakers provide protection to equipment and are frequently found in DC traction, rail and underground transportation where their reliable operation is critical to maintaining safe operation of DC protection schemes.  There also further applications in photovoltaic, mining, marine vessels and heavy industry.

 

The BALTO products extend Megger’s solution offering to the rail and Metro industry, which is transitioning to more electrification, digital communication and control.  It compliments Megger’s portfolio of solutions in electrical test, measurement and diagnostics enabling condition monitoring of electrical assets within the electrical supply utilities and throughout industry.

@MeggerUK #TandM #Transportation #Electrical

Low voltage breaker.

Launched to the market earlier this year, the Masterpact MTZ is the smartest-ever generation of circuit breakers, combining Schneider Electric’s  performance and reliability with new digital capabilities. Masterpact MTZ is being made available in the Ireland, Britain, Spain, Belgium, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, available from local distributors.

Schneider Electric has been regarded as the benchmark for air circuit breakers (ACB) in electrical distribution for three decades - first with the Masterpact M, followed by the Masterpact NT/NW.

Key benefits of the Masterpact MTZ include:

• Embedded Class 1 metering, saving project time and energy usage
• Improved mechanical and electrical performance, even in harsh environments
• Ability to monitor and control circuit breaker safely with a smart phone as main human machine interface (HMI), even in power outage
• Stay notified of any event and prevent overloads through real-time remote monitoring capabilities
• Ability to customise circuit breaker with digital modules for ultra flexibility and operational efficiency without downtime
• Integrate Masterpact seamlessly in smart panels thanks to the embedded ethernet connection
• Same footprint allowing easier upgrades and replacements without any need for re-certification

“The future ready Masterpact MTZ is a game-changer when it comes to power distribution, so it’s great news that our UK customers are amongst the first in the world to start taking advantage of it,” commented Gary Buckingham, product segment marketing manager, Schneider Electric. “End users, specifiers, panel builders and contractors alike can expect significant benefits thanks to the new Masterpact’s superior connectivity, digital capabilities and ability to seamlessly integrate into our EcoStruxure architecture.”

@SchneiderElec #PAuto

100 year puzzle solved

Development of a DC breaker for high voltage transmission will help shape the grid of the future

ABB has made a breakthrough in the ability to interrupt direct current, solving a 100-year-old electrical engineering puzzle and paving the way for a more efficient and reliable electricity supply system.

After years of research, the company has developed the world’s first circuit breaker for high voltage direct current (HVDC). It combines very fast mechanics with power electronics, and will be capable of ‘interrupting’ power flows equivalent to the output of a large power station within 5milliseconds- that is thirty times faster than the blink of a human eye.

The breakthrough removes a 100-year-old barrier to the development of DC transmission grids, which will enable the efficient integration and exchange of renewable energy. DC grids will also improve grid reliability and enhance the capability of existing AC (alternating current) networks. ABB is in discussions with power utilities to identify pilot projects for the new development.

“ABB has written a new chapter in the history of electrical engineering,” said Joe Hogan, CEO of ABB. “This historical breakthrough will make it possible to build the grid of the future. Overlay DC grids will be able to interconnect countries and continents, balance loads and reinforce the existing AC transmission networks. “

The Hybrid HVDC breaker development has been a flagship research project for ABB, which invests over $1 billion annually in R&D activities. The breadth of ABB’s portfolio and unique combination of in-house manufacturing capability for power semiconductors, converters and high voltage cables (key components of HVDC systems) were distinct advantages in the new development.

HVDC technology is needed to facilitate the long distance transfer of power from hydropower plants, the integration of offshore wind power, the development of visionary solar projects, and the interconnection of different power networks. ABB pioneered HVDC nearly 60 years ago and continues to be a technology driver and market leader with many innovations and developments. With over 70 HVDC projects, ABB accounts for around half the global installed base, representing an installed capacity of more than 60,000 megawatts (MW).

Deployment of HVDC has led to an increasing number of point-to-point connections in different parts of the world. The logical next step is to connect the lines and optimize the network. ABB is already working on the construction of multi-terminal systems and the latest DC breaker innovation is a major step in the evolution of HVDC grids. In parallel to the new hybrid breaker development, ABB has an established HVDC grid simulation center developing solutions for future DC overlay grid operations.