subject: Real Time Breaker Condition Monitoring [print this page] Circuit breakers are an important part of any power management system. Even though they are primarily used for a purpose which is as easy as to turn equipment on and off, circuit breakers need to be extremely reliable. An error in circuit breaker operation, not resulting in the switching ON and OFF of a circuit can result in major problems pertaining to the normal functioning of power systems.
Importance of Real Time Breaker Condition Based Monitoring
Most industries today choose to employ Transformer remote monitoring systems as a part of their breaker condition based monitoring exercise to assess the status of a breaker. Using cues such as voltage levels on circuit breaker contacts, these tools provide engineers valuable data on the final status of circuit breakers.
While this data is significant in breaker monitoring, there are a number of variables,including time control signals, control and yard DC voltages,and X & Y coil currents that cannot be accounted for. This data is crucial for engineers who wish to implement protection and maintenance initiatives.
The market also offers more robust breaker condition monitor swhich facilitate real time monitoring and analysis with the help of top-notch features and integrated software.
New Age Breaker Condition Monitors
Based on comprehensive data acquisition, new age Breaker Condition Monitors can be permanently connected to substation circuit breakers (CB). These systems are designed to gather holistic information about each CB operation in real time. Irrespective of the nature of the operation, all manual and automated electrical processes are logged and stored for the benefit of the protection of control engineers. This information is typically transmitted using wireless systems into a centralizedserver, where it is used to perform an automated analysis which can be referred to by condition monitoring and quality control engineers.
Benefits of Integrated Breaker Monitors
Breaker monitors offer a better understanding of the operating performance and condition of every individual breaker in a power system. By analysing and monitoring a wider set of digital and analog systems, these systems aid engineers in making better decisions and taking preventive stepsthus helping them avoid any mishaps. This knowledge based approach, along with advanced signal processing algorithms integrated in the analysis software, significantly enhances the consistency and reliability of the entire system.
These more efficient and low cost Circuit Breaker Condition Monitoring devices facilitate paper-less, accurate, convenient and real time monitoring capabilities for power utility houses and industries around the world.
