Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Overview of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

A vacuum circuit breaker is a special circuit breaker with higher electrical performance and longer service life than traditional air circuit breakers. Its core feature is that the contacts operate in a vacuum-sealed container. This design gives the vacuum circuit breaker many unique advantages in circuit protection. Vacuum circuit breakers open very quickly. Since the arc between the contacts is eliminated, the vacuum circuit breaker can soon disconnect the circuit when the current surpases a predetermined value, effectively protecting circuits and systems from damage by overcurrent.

The working principle of vacuum circuit breakers mainly depends on the insulation and arc extinguishing ability of the vacuum. When the circuit breaker is opened, the insulation effect of the vacuum prevents the generation of arcs, thereby avoiding damage to the equipment caused by arcs when breaking the current. Meanwhile, due to the characteristics of a vacuum, the current can quickly extinguish when disconnected, which helps to reduce thermal shock to the equipment and extend its service life.

Functional Principle of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Vacuum arc extinguishing: The arc extinguishing medium of the vacuum circuit breaker and the insulation medium of the contact gap are both high vacuum. This vacuum state prevents the contact from generating an arc when breaking the current, thereby avoiding the thermal impact and erosion of the arc on the equipment and extending its service life.

Quick breaking: Due to the contact of the vacuum circuit breaker breaking the current in a vacuum without any other medium obstruction, it can quickly break large currents without generating overvoltage.

High insulation performance: Vacuum has high insulation performance, so vacuum circuit breakers have high insulation strength and can withstand higher voltages.

Miniaturization design: Due to the unique working principle of vacuum circuit breakers, their structure is relatively simple, their volume is small, and their weight is light, which is conducive to the compact design and installation of equipment.

Suitable for frequent operation: Vacuum circuit breakers are ideal for routine operation because their arc extinguishing and insulation performance will not significantly decrease due to regular operation.

Performance Advantages of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

High arc extinguishing performance: Since the contacts are disconnected in a vacuum environment, the arc generated is fragile, which helps to extinguish the arc and achieve rapid current cutting quickly.

Low maintenance costs: Due to their high reliability and long life, vacuum circuit breakers have relatively low maintenance costs.

High safety: It can quickly cut off excessive current, protect circuits and systems effectively, and reduce safety risks such as fire.

Wide range of applications: Vacuum circuit breakers are widely used in many fields, such as power, energy, transportation, etc., especially when high reliability and safety are required.

Application Fields of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Power System: Vacuum circuit breakers play a vital role in power systems. They are used in switchgear, substations, distribution systems, etc., to guarantee the reliability and safety of power supply. In power systems, vacuum circuit breakers are mainly used to control and protect circuits to prevent overloads, short circuits, and other faults from causing damage to the system.

(Application of vacuum circuit breakers)

Industrial automation: In industrial automation, vacuum circuit breakers are widely used in power control and protection in various mechanical equipment, production lines, and control systems. They need to have the characteristics of high reliability, fast response, and long life to ensure the regular operation of industrial equipment and the stability of production lines.

(Application of vacuum circuit breakers)

Transportation field: In transportation fields such as rail transit, ships, and airplanes, vacuum circuit breakers control and protect power circuits. These fields have extremely high requirements for the reliability and safety of equipment, and vacuum circuit breakers can provide stable and reliable power control and protection functions.

(Vacuum circuit breakers)

New energy field: With the continuous development of new energy technology, vacuum circuit breakers are increasingly used in new energy fields such as solar and wind. In these fields, vacuum circuit breakers are mainly used to control and protect the power circuits of solar panels, wind power systems, and other equipment.

(Vacuum circuit breakers)

Data centers and communication networks: In data centers and communication networks, vacuum circuit breakers are used to ensure the reliability and safety of power supplies. Equipment in these fields has exceptionally high requirements for power supply stability, and vacuum circuit breakers can provide fast response and high-reliability power control and protection functions.

Company Profile

PDDN Photoelectron Technology Co., Ltd. (sales@pddn.com) focuses on the R&D, production, and sales of electronic components, high and low-voltage capacitors, switching power supplies, and other products. As a company with many years of industry experience, PDDN has been committed to providing customers with high-quality products and services. In the high-voltage main power transformer field, PDDN has rich experience and expertise. At the same time, PDDN also focuses on cooperation with well-known domestic and foreign enterprises and research institutions to introduce advanced production technology and processes to improve product quality and competitiveness. PDDN's high-voltage main power transformer products are widely used in electric power, energy, transportation, communications, and other fields.

If you want a high-quality vacuum circuit breaker supplier, we invite you to contact us or inquire about related products.

Payment Methods for Vacuum Circuit Breakers

L/C, T/T, Western Union, Paypal, Credit Card etc.

Shipping of Vacuum Circuit Breakers

Once payment is received, by sea, air, or express as soon as possible.

FAQ

Q1:

What is the difference between vacuum circuit breakers and traditional air circuit breakers?

Re: The main difference between vacuum circuit breakers and traditional air circuit breakers is that vacuum circuit breakers use vacuum as the insulation and extinguishing medium. In contrast, air circuit breakers use air as the insulation and extinguishing medium. Vacuum circuit breakers have higher insulation performance and longer service life, and due to their compact structure, small size, and lightweight, they are easy to install and maintain.

Q2:

What is the service life of vacuum circuit breakers?

Re: Due to the advanced contact material and structural design of vacuum circuit breakers, as well as the insulation and arc extinguishing effects of vacuum, their service life is relatively long, usually up to 20-30 years. Under normal operating conditions, the lifespan of vacuum circuit breakers is mainly affected by the contact material. Therefore, selecting high-quality contact materials is the key to improving the lifespan of vacuum circuit breakers.

Q3:

How do you maintain and upkeep vacuum circuit breakers?

Re: In order to ensure the regular operation and service life of vacuum circuit breakers, routine maintenance and upkeep are required. Firstly, the appearance and fasteners of the vacuum circuit breaker should be regularly inspected to ensure that there is no looseness or rust. Secondly, periodically review and measure the wear of the contacts and replace them promptly if severe wear is found. In addition, regular testing of breaking current and insulation resistance should be conducted to ensure that their performance meets the requirements. During maintenance, equipment should be kept clean and dry to avoid moisture and contamination.

Q4:

Why does a vacuum circuit breaker not generate an arc when breaking current?

Re: The main reason why vacuum circuit breakers do not generate arcs when breaking current is that they use vacuum as the insulation and arc extinguishing medium. In a vacuum, due to the lack of medium to support the conduction of current, the current rapidly decreases until it disappears. Thus, no arc is generated. In addition, the contact design of vacuum circuit breakers also helps to extinguish arcs, such as using unique metal materials and shapes to increase the separation speed of contacts and reduce the contact area of contacts, thereby further reducing the possibility of arc generation.

Q5:

What is the arc-extinguishing ability of a vacuum circuit breaker?

Re: The vacuum circuit breaker has a strong arc extinguishing ability, which can quickly extinguish the current and avoid the generation of arcs. This is because the conduction of current in a vacuum is limited, and the medium between the contacts lacks sufficient conductivity, making it difficult to maintain the current. In addition, the contact design of vacuum circuit breakers also helps to extinguish arcs, such as using unique metal materials and shapes to increase the separation speed of contacts and reduce the contact area of contacts. These design measures can significantly reduce the generation and diffusion of arcs and improve the arc-extinguishing ability of vacuum circuit breakers.

Q6:

What is the rated current and voltage of a vacuum circuit breaker?

Re: The rated current and voltage of vacuum circuit breakers vary depending on specific models and usage scenarios. Generally speaking, the rated current of vacuum circuit breakers can reach 1000A or above, and the rated voltage can reach 380kV. When selecting a vacuum circuit breaker, the appropriate current and voltage values should be determined based on actual needs and circuit parameters. Meanwhile, in order to ensure safe use, attention should also be paid to selecting qualified products that comply with relevant standards and certifications.