retrofit circuit breakers 1

[DangerousDave]

Hiya
Anyone know if anyone has designed a vacuum retrofit for the old GEC BVP22 ocb

 

[ScottyUK]

I was looking a few years ago and there wasn't a fully-rated equivalent available. Schneider have a 2000A VMX replacement for the BVP22, or at least Areva did in 2007, but some BVP22's went to 2400A with forced cooling (and maybe higher) so that might be the easiest answer if you don't need the full capability. Schneider (and Areva) VMX trucks have had a few spectacular burn-downs following bottle failure and a few PD-related and mechanical problems too, so it is not a product line with an impecable record. If you have access to the NeDERs database run by the ENA it is worth a look. ;-)

A handful of UK companies had expressed an opinion that an ABB VD4 VCB had potential to form the basis of a retrofit truck with thermal rating to 2500A and breaking capacity up to 31.5kA. I am fairly sure that most BVP gear was 250MVA breaking capacity, but some went up to 500MVA or about 26kA at 11kV. From my rough notes at the time both Igranic and Slater Electrical both had done some preliminary work on a BVP22 solution but neither had completed type testing due to lack of demand. The BVP22 was a relatively low volume line compared with the BVP17 which is found everywhere.

 

[111R]

Is there a North American database equivalent to NeDERs? I've used Doble's database which is helpful, but I was curious if there is another resource for equipment reviews and reports of common issues.

Thanks

 

[DangerousDave]

Thanks ScottyUK,

I thought that P & B were into that and can achieve 31.5kA using the VD4, I understand they have quite a range and I also believe are ENA assessed is that correct do you know
From photos I have seen it seems the BVP22 has a different primary bushing arrangement to the standard BVP17 hasn't it so am surprised anyone can come up with the expensive tooling to match that. It looks very undoable and as you say I suppose the demand isn't there.

 

[ScottyUK]

At the time I was looking P+B didn't have a BVP22 design. Their BVP17 offering is based on a small VD4 (or maybe a V-Max?) breaker.

The BVP22 is physically much bigger than the BVP17 and they don't appear to have much in the way of common components. It could be a good niche market for anyone willing to take the plunge, but the tooling costs would likely be significant.

The VMX replacement to the BVP17 retails for about £16k or so for a bare VCB truck. There are changes needed to the auxiliary wiring to provide power for the charging motor, and the on-truck auxiliary switches do not necessarily match those of the BVP17. There may have been wiring variants over the years, but we nearly got caught out by the latter.

 

[RaimundS]

@ DangerousDave:
Schneider Electric is offering retrofit solutions for the BV range including the 2000amp up to 25kA.
The SE service team in the UK has much experience with the BVP and VMX /retrofitting. I am sure they can help you.