S&C IntelliRupter PulseCloser - · PDF fileponents are contained in the IntelliRupter base for easy, ... Conventional reclosers stress the circuit with fault cur- ... IntelliRupter

S&C IntelliRupter® PulseCloserOutdoor Distribution14.4 kV and 25 kV

Descriptive Bulletin 766-30February 7, 2006

New Publication ©2006

S & C E L E C T R I C C O M P A N Y

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IntelliRupter® PulseCloser — Tomorrow’s Technology Available Now

Current versus Time—Conventional Reclosing—Fault from Phase Wire to Grounded Neutral

Current versus Time—PulseCloser—Fault from Phase Wire to Grounded Neutral

S&C’s IntelliRupter PulseCloser is a breakthrough in overhead distribution system protection. Using S&C’s revolutionary PulseClosing™ Technology, IntelliRupter finds and isolates faults without the disruptive effects associated with conventional reclosing—reducing stress on your system and improving power quality.

Embedded three-phase voltage and current sensors eliminate the cost, clutter, and complexity of separately mounted sensors. Since IntelliRupter is line-powered, external transformers are unnecessary. All system com-ponents are contained in the IntelliRupter base for easy, one-lift installation.

IntelliRupter addresses a variety of application needs. It can be applied as a standalone fault interrupter . . . It can be applied in non-communicating loop restoration schemes . . . Or it can be applied in advanced multiple-source distribution systems. A wide range of commu-nication options lets IntelliRupter interface with any SCADA system. And S&C SpeedNet™ Radios offer the speed and bandwidth required for S&C’s innovative IntelliTEAM III™ Automatic Protection and Restoration System, which provides fully coordinated protection regardless of the number of line segments or complexity of circuit ties.

IntelliRupter provides outstanding protection for 60-Hz distribution systems from 11.43 kV through 27 kV, and 50-Hz systems from 10 kV through 24 kV. It has a generous continuous-current rating of 800 amperes and a fault-interrupting rating of 12,500 amperes symmetri-cal. Models are available accommodating most over-head line configurations, with or without an integrated, interlocked disconnect for visible air-gap isolation. All

switching is performed internally, for reliable all-weather operation.

Fault Testing With a PULSE . . . Instead of a BANG!Conventional reclosers stress the circuit with fault cur-rent every time they reclose on a fault. In contrast, after interrupting a fault, IntelliRupter injects a non-disruptive current pulse into the line. The oscillograms in Figure 1 show the remarkable difference in fault testing of a line with a conventional recloser and S&C’s revolutionary IntelliRupter.

IntelliRupter PulseCloser detects faults with less than 2% of the total let-through ampere2-seconds of conven-tional reclosers, as shown in Figure 2.

Fault Testing—The Old WayAfter a conventional recloser clears a fault, it simply closes the interrupters to test for continued presence of the fault. If the recloser relay still detects the fault, the interrupters trip again, then—after a time delay—the interrupters close again. Even the fastest reclosers feed a significant amount of energy into the fault, resulting in system-damaging stress and voltage sags.

Figure 3 shows a conventional recloser operation for a permanent single-phase-to-ground fault. Note that the uncontrolled closing of a conventional recloser often results in asymmetric fault currents—which sig-nificantly increase energy into the fault. And the three-phase reclosing sequence also applies voltage to the unfaulted phase(s) that many customers downstream of the recloser see as a “surge” . . . often causing com-plaints and expensive claims.

Figure 1. PulseClosing Technology tests for faults with a non-disruptive 5-millisecond current pulse.


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Fault Testing—The “PulseClosing” WayAfter IntelliRupter clears a fault, it tests for continued presence of the fault using S&C’s advanced magnetic actuator design—coupled with unique PulseClosingTechnology—to intelligently close at a precise point on the voltage wave. The result is a typical current pulse of 5 milliseconds, as shown in Figure 4.

With IntelliRupter, your transformers, connectors, lines, and cables experience overcurrent stress only from the initial fault—not from every reclosing opera-tion. Component life is extended, eliminating costly premature replacement. One of the main causes of pre-mature aging of substation transformers is cumulative damage from through-faults. PulseClosing dramatically reduces through-faults, extending the life of one of your highest-value assets! And power quality is improved too . . . PulseClosing doesn’t disturb source-side custom-ers with voltage sags and blinks, thus reducing costly complaints!

System Integration Optimizes PerformanceAll IntelliRupter components are factory-assembled on a single base. No field assembly or external cabling is required. The unified system is factory-tested to confirm current- and voltage-sensing tolerances, and assure con-sistently fast and accurate interrupter operation.

Because performance is so accurate and predictable, more IntelliRupters can be coordinated in series than is possible with conventional reclosers. The coordinating time interval between IntelliRupters can be less than half the smallest-typical CTI needed for conventional reclosers.

SpeedNet™ Radios Enhance Peer-to-Peer Network CommunicationIntelliRupter can be furnished with S&C’s unique SpeedNet Radio, which provides a wealth of automation and ease-of-use features unavailable with conventional radios. Transmissions from an IntelliRupter to its team-mates take less than 100 milliseconds, including two repeater hops—making communication-enhanced coor-dination a practical reality.

SpeedNet Radios comprise a network-aware system. All units are fully addressable, so high-speed, peer-to-peer communication is possible between multiple IntelliRupters in a team—not just between single pairs. IntelliRupter PulseClosers equipped with SpeedNet Radios make possible the next major advancement in distribution automation: IntelliTEAM III.

Figure 2. Relative let-through energy for a typical 8-kA fault.

Figure 3. Conventional reclosing—permanent fault.

Figure 4. PulseClosing Technology—permanent fault.

Pulse


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Introducing the IntelliTEAM III™ Automatic Restoration SystemIntelliTEAM III builds on the field-proven IntelliTEAM II® Automatic Restoration System with exclusive new features that significantly enhance reliability and let you get the most out of your existing distribution system.

IntelliTEAM III takes advantage of a unique combina-tion of interrupter speed, sensing and control accuracy, and rapid communication to ensure virtually perfect coordination—no matter how many IntelliRupters are in series or the complexity of the circuit.

Advanced Adaptive ProtectionTypical distribution system circuit design is severely constrained because only a few protective devices can be coordinated in series. And protective devices and their settings must be very carefully selected to ensure the sys-tem remains coordinated after circuit reconfiguration. Furthermore, the use of more than one or two alternate sources is impractical because coordination planning becomes extremely complex.

But IntelliTEAM III’s exclusive Advanced Adaptive Protection feature automatically updates IntelliRupter time-overcurrent settings whenever the circuit is reconfigured. And it can adjust for multiple alternate sources. Utility planners and engineers are no longer constrained by trying to manually protect a dynamic system, and can instead focus on optimizing distribu-tion system design to meet increasing customer require-ments . . . now and into the future.

Automatic Protection SetupWith IntelliTEAM III, selection of IntelliRupter protec-tion settings can be performed automatically. Just enter data for the substation breaker and the slowest protec-tive device to be coordinated. S&C’s advanced Precision Curve Fitting algorithm automatically develops a protec-tion curve that fits tightly against the breaker’s minimum response curve and above the maximum clearing curves of downstream protective devices. IntelliRupters com-municate with each other to do the rest. IntelliRupter protection curves are set to optimize protection, allow-ing more series devices to be time-current coordinated than otherwise possible.

Automatic Protection Setup enhances system coordi-nation—and saves time for the protection engineer.

Communication-Enhanced CoordinationIntelliRupters also provide communication-enhanced coordination, using the ultra-fast SpeedNet Radio sys-tem. There’s no sacrifice in overall protection coordi-nation—even when circuit reconfiguration puts many IntelliRupters in series.

Benefits of IntelliTEAM III:With IntelliTEAM III, you’ll realize a number of impor-tant benefits:

• No matter how complex the reconfigured system, all IntelliRupters remain coordinated.

• With more segmentation, fewer customers are affected by a service interruption to a given segment, enhanc-ing reliability and customer satisfaction.

• Unreliable system segments can be readily isolated, enhancing reliability of the rest of the system.

• Critical customers or clusters of customers can be grouped to deliver very-high-reliability service.

• System assets can be better used, deferring capital expenditures.

IntelliRupter is Fully Compatible withExisting IntelliTEAM II™ Automatic RestorationSystems TooIntelliRupters can provide IntelliTEAM II functional-ity when installed in distribution systems comprised of S&C switching devices such as Scada-Mate® Switches, Automated Omni-Rupter® Switches, Remote Supervisory Pad-Mounted Gear, and Remote Supervisory Vista® Switchgear.

IntelliRupter puts fault protection and PulseClosing Technology on the line to minimize momentary inter-ruptions. IntelliTEAM II provides automatic service restoration once IntelliRupter has isolated a fault. This powerful combination makes full use of multiple sources to restore unfaulted line segments under multiple contin-gencies, minimizes the number of customers experienc-ing an extended power interruption, and tremendously improves your System Average Interruption Duration Index.

There’s no need to modify your existing 5800 Series Automatic Switch Controls using IntelliTEAM II Software Version 2.39, or higher, to accommodate IntelliRupters, or change an existing UtiliNet® WanGate Radio system.

Enhanced Loop RestorationIntelliRupter can significantly enhance the performance of a conventional recloser loop restoration scheme by eliminating the need to subject the alternate circuit in the loop to a fault when closing the tie. Just apply an IntelliRupter in the tie position to take advantage of PulseClosing Technology!

Even greater benefits can be achieved in loop schemes where all protection points utilize an IntelliRupter. Its fast interrupters and accurate sensing and control enable significant reductions in protection margins. Combined


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Open/close lever

Hotline tag lever

Surge arrestor

Integrated power module

Hookstick-removable integrated control unit and power module

AntennaOpen/close indicator

Vacuum interrupter

Integrated sensor

interrupterinterrupter

Surge arrestor

Integrated power module

Open/close Open/close

with PulseClosing’s negligible effect on source-side cus-tomers, the system can be segmented as needed—with-out sacrificing protection.

With IntelliRupter protecting the loop, customers will appreciate not experiencing sags on their good circuit during testing of a faulted circuit! Complaints and costly claims will be greatly reduced.

Radial Circuit ProtectionOn a radial circuit using IntelliRupters, the control units can be configured so that when an IntelliRupter opens to isolate a fault, those downstream of it open on loss of power and send SCADA exception reports indicating status and the reason for opening. When power returns, each IntelliRupter uses PulseClosing Technology to verify that its line segment is unfaulted, then recloses to restore service; it will never close into a fault. Cold-load inrush is mitigated because only one line segment is energized with each reclose. No communication system is required to take advantage of inrush mitigation.

Easy Up—Easy OnAs shown in Figure 5, IntelliRupter is totally self-con-tained, complete with sensors, integrated control unit,

and power module. Surge arresters, as well as the integrated disconnect on models so equipped, are also mounted to the base . . . so IntelliRupter can be installed in one lift.

Configuration can be performed either before instal-lation or after the IntelliRupter has been mounted on the utility pole, using a laptop PC with wireless network capability. Simply establish the secure WiFi connection, enter your password, and you’re ready to go.

A memory module, installed in the base, backs up configuration data and site-specific information such as the device identifier, sensor calibration data, and operation counter reading. The modular control unit can be removed with a hookstick, so replacement is easy . . . the new control unit is automatically configured by the memory module when it’s inserted into the base. See Figure 6.

The radio and battery (required in certain applica-tions) are also modular and hookstick-removable, so the very minimal maintenance required for IntelliRupters can be performed by a line person without assistance from a SCADA technician.

Figure 5. All components are mounted to the IntelliRupter base—for one-lift mounting and easy installation.


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Easy OperationShould local operation be required, the secure WiFi con-nection gives laptop-computer-equipped personnel safe and easy access to the integrated control unit for all operational tasks—from simple open/close operation, to setting hot-line tags, to changing protection profiles.

The secure WiFi connection is used for software upgrades as well. Detailed logs, oscillography data, and other operational information can be accessed and transferred quickly and easily over the WiFi link. If a lap-top PC is not available, IntelliRupter can be opened and closed and hot-line tags set using a hookstick, operated from the ground or a bucket truck.

An integrated Global Positioning System receiver pro-vides precision time synchronization, allowing event logs from your IntelliRupters to be easily matched for accu-rate system analysis. The GPS receiver also provides accurate geographic information to help you maintain your utility’s Graphical Information System.

In control units equipped with a SpeedNet Radio, all system operation checks, diagnostics, downloads of logs and oscillography data, and even uploads of new system software can be accomplished over the radio—all but eliminating costly field visits to the IntelliRupter after it has been installed.

Easy ConfigurationS&C’s completely revamped IntelliLINK® Remote Setup Software has many new features that make configura-tion even easier.

• New navigation buttons dramatically speed access to configuration parameters.

• A new graphical operations screen allows local opera-tion of IntelliRupter via the WiFi link. Phase arrange-ment is clearly indicated.

• Many operation- and status-related labels can be user-configured to conform to your utility’s designations, for clarity.

• The integrated WiFi connection screen ensures secure communication to the correct IntelliRupter, every time!

• And only IntelliLINK detects the WiFi signature of an IntelliRupter—providing an extra layer of access security.

Figure 6. Hookstick-removable integrated control unit and radio modules. They’re designed for line-technician-friendly handling, to greatly simplify replacement should it ever be necessary. The memory module makes control replacement truly “plug-n-play”—no need to reconfigure . . . just wait for the status light to flash and go!


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Upright-Compact—Disconnect Style Upright-Compact—Non-Disconnect Style

Upright-Crossarm—Disconnect Style Tiered-Outboard—Disconnect Style

A Style to Meet YOUR Needs!IntelliRupter comes in a style to fit your line configuration. Upright-Compact models are ideal for congested spaces or when replacing a conventional recloser. Upright-Crossarm models fit typical open-wire line spacing and provide a clean, uncluttered appearance on the pole. And for phase-over-phase lines, Tiered-Outboard models are a perfect fit . . . no need to roll the construction to fit the IntelliRupter!

Since everything required is integrated in one package, installation takes a fraction of the time of separate reclosers, sensors, power trans-formers, disconnects, lightning arresters, controls, and control cables.

IntelliRupter is also available in Upright-Crossarm and Tiered-Outboard—Non-Disconnect Styles.


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Integrated voltage and current sensors—molded into interrupter housings. Voltage sensors on both sides of IntelliRupter provide highly accurate sensing across the entire temperature range. Current sensors provide extremely flat response, from low-level load currents through fault current levels, ensuring reliable measurements critical for system analysis

Integrated disconnect on Disconnect Style models provides visible air gap. Operable with a hookstick, from a bucket or the ground. Disconnect is mechanically interlocked with the interrupters; an auxiliary switch allows remote indication of disconnect position.

Visible air gap provides isolation for dead-line work, as well as facilitates operational testing. IntelliRupter can be fully operated with the disconnect open—without disrupting customers—when power can be routed to both sides of IntelliRupter independently

Integrated pole-mounting bracket is designed for easy installation; prevents IntelliRupter from tilting

Stainless-steel base is coated with S&C’s patented Ultradur® Finishing System for outstanding corrosion resistance, even in the harshest environments. Provides long-lasting, attractive, non-glare finish and a touch of aesthetic appeal

IntelliRupter Construction

Integrated power module fed from one side of IntelliRupter or, optionally, both sides to maximize availability of control power. Eliminates cost and complexity of separately mounted control power transformers

Tight integration of sensors and control unit—with virtually no interconnecting wiring—ensures outstanding system accuracy of ±2% across the entire temperature range. And with the memory module, the sensors and control are factory-calibrated. There’s no need to enter and maintain calibration values, even in the unlikely event the control unit needs to be replaced

The Cypoxy® advantage: Long-life vacuum interrupt-ers are potted in a one-piece Cypoxy housing to ensure proper thermal characteristics and reliable, trouble-free operation. Integrated power module is encapsulated in Cypoxy too.

Cypoxy is a uniquely formulated cycloaliphatic epoxy resin especially tailored to provide exceptional electrical- and mechanical-strength characteristics

Optional factory-installed and wired surge arresters on both sides of IntelliRupter. Simplifies installation

Integrated control unit. See Figure 6


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Open/close lever for manual opening and electrical closing of IntelliRupter

Hotline tag operator lever for hookstick setting and releasing of tags for energized line work.

Open/close indicator for each phase of IntelliRupter. It’s large and utilizes reflective materials for easy viewing day or night. And, it’s attached directly to the operating rod—no complicated linkages to break.

IntelliRupter Features to Meet Your Operational Requirements

Optional wildlife protection—available on Upright-Crossarm and Upright-Compact Styles—reduces wildlife-related nuisance outages. It’s pre-assembled to simplify instal-lation; there are no small fasteners to lose

IntelliRupter comes with a wealth of features to meet the needs of the most demanding line technician for ease of installation, access, and use.

Blade coverTap cover

Phase-to-ground barrier


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IntelliRupter and IntelliTEAM III will completely change the way you think about designing distribution systems for reliability and optimum functionality. But under-standing how to make the most of these new tools can take some time. S&C’s team of automation, system planning, and engineering experts can help you get up to speed quickly—avoiding the time-consuming learn-ing curve that might otherwise be required. They have extensive experience helping customers apply S&C’s automation tools.

Working closely with the IntelliRupter / IntelliTEAM III development team, they’ve developed approaches for fully integrating distribution automation in even the most complex circuit configurations, ensuring your sys-tem works right—the first time.

Our experts can help you apply IntelliRupter and IntelliTEAM III to:

• Improve reliability

• Defer capital expenditures

• Reduce costs and headcount, and

• Manage aging assets.

Key considerations in the evaluation process include:

• Analysis of cost/benefit

• Review of load levels and transfer capacity

• Determination of critical customer needs

• Determination of geographic concerns, and

• Determination of reliability impacts.

S&C can also provide critical engineering and field service expertise to ensure successful implementation of your distribution automation solution, including:

Engineering Services• Coordination studies to evaluate protection settings

• End-to-end communication system design to make sure your system works right at the outset—and over the long run, and

• Testing on S&C’s IntelliTEAM III system simulator to ensure that the automation design performs as expected.

Field Services• Communication surveys

• SCADA integration

• Commissioning, and

• Training.

Maximize the Benefits of IntelliRupter and IntelliTEAM III


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Turnkey Installation Services• Project management and

• Construction management.

And S&C can provide services to monitor the health and evaluate the performance of your IntelliRupters and IntelliTEAM III system after commissioning, including:

• System inspection and data collection

• Remote monitoring for “system health reports”

• System event evaluation

• System communication evaluation, and

• Post-installation benefit analysis.

No other supplier offers the latest in distribution automation technology—plus assistance in applying and implementing this technology—so you’ll realize the max-imum return on your investment.

Contact your local S&C Sales Office today for more information.


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Ratings

Ratings

kV1 Amperes, RMS

Minimum Maximum BIL Cont.2 Interr. (Sym)

11.43 15.5 110 630 / 800 12 500

18.81 27 125 630 / 800 12 500

INTELLIRUPTER PULSECLOSER—60-Hz Applications

Ratings

kV1 Amperes, RMS

Minimum Maximum BIL Cont.2 Interr. (Sym)

10 17.5 110 630 / 800 12 500

20 24 125 630 / 800 12 500

INTELLIRUPTER PULSECLOSER—50-Hz Applications

1 Minimum and maximum ratings assure adequate power from the power module.

2 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft/sec.

1 Minimum and maximum ratings assure adequate power from the power module.

2 800 amperes with a minimum wind velocity of 2 ft/sec.

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U.S

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Offices Worldwide

www.sandc.com • Telephone: (773) 338-1000 • Fax: (773) 338-3657

S&C ELECTRIC COMPANYSpecialists in Electric Power Switching and Protection

Documents

S&C IntelliRupter PulseCloser - · PDF fileponents are contained in the IntelliRupter base for easy, ... Conventional reclosers stress the circuit with fault cur- ... IntelliRupter