SGP Case Study On ABCB
Uploaded by
Ashray KambleSGP Case Study On ABCB
Uploaded by
Ashray KambleCase Study on the Failure of an Air Blast Circuit Breaker at Ramagundam Super Thermal Power
Station (2011)
2. Introduction
Air blast circuit breakers (ABCBs) are vital in high-voltage power systems for their fast response in
protecting circuits against overloads, short circuits, and faults. Using compressed air as a medium for
arc extinguishing, they are highly effective but require stringent maintenance.
This case study focuses on the failure of an air blast circuit breaker at the Ramagundam Super
Thermal Power Station, Telangana, in March 2011, which disrupted power generation. The incident
underscores the critical need for regular inspections and modernization of aging equipment.
3. Background
Ramagundam Super Thermal Power Station:
o One of India's largest thermal power plants, located in Telangana.
o Operational capacity: ~2600 MW, serving a major portion of the southern grid.
System Overview:
o The station relied on ABCBs for protection in its high-voltage grid.
o Load characteristics: Heavy industrial loads and grid supply stabilization.
Circuit Breaker Technology:
o Air blast circuit breakers use high-pressure air to extinguish arcs by cooling and
deionizing arc plasma.
o Chosen for their rapid arc extinction in high-voltage applications.
4. Description of the Failure
Incident Details:
o Date: March 10, 2011, at 2:30 PM.
o A malfunction in the ABCB caused a unit trip, disrupting operations.
Preceding Symptoms:
o Possible air pressure drop in the breaker system.
o Audible noise or minor arcing reported in prior maintenance checks.
Impact:
o Tripping of a generating unit led to power outages.
o Highlighted vulnerabilities in older ABCB systems.
5. Root Cause Analysis
Mechanical Failures:
o Wear and tear in pneumatic components (valves, pistons).
o Seal failures causing air leakage and reduced arc-extinguishing capability.
Electrical Failures:
o Relay misoperations due to transient conditions in the grid.
o Contact erosion from prolonged operation.
Environmental Factors:
o Dust accumulation or high ambient temperatures affecting breaker performance.
Aging Infrastructure:
o Older systems not upgraded to meet modern reliability standards.
6. Investigation and Testing
Inspection:
o Examination of seals, contacts, and air pressure systems revealed wear and reduced
efficiency.
Diagnostic Tools:
o Infrared thermography identified overheating in specific components.
o Continuity testing verified electrical connections.
Simulated Testing:
o Recreated fault conditions validated the failure due to air pressure drops and
mechanical wear.
7. Corrective Measures
Immediate Actions:
o Isolation of the faulty unit.
o Replacement of worn pneumatic components.
Long-Term Solutions:
o Upgrading to SF₆ or vacuum circuit breakers for better reliability.
o Implementation of condition monitoring systems to detect early warning signs.
o Revising maintenance schedules to address aging components proactively.
8. Lessons Learned
Importance of regular inspections for aging equipment.
Need for modernization of protection systems in large power plants.
Significance of training personnel for advanced diagnostics.
9. Conclusion
The failure of the air blast circuit breaker at Ramagundam Super Thermal Power Station highlights
the risks of relying on outdated technology without adequate maintenance. Proactive monitoring,
timely upgrades, and modernization are essential to ensure the reliability and safety of electrical
systems.
10. References
H. Anders, H. Maciejewski, B. Jesus and F. Remtulla, "Analysis of failure rates of air blast
breakers as a function of age and usage," 2003 IEEE Bologna Power Tech Conference
Proceedings,, Bologna, Italy, 2003, pp. 8 pp. Vol.4-, doi: 10.1109/PTC.2003.1304730.
keywords: {Failure analysis;Circuit breakers;Manufacturing;Cost
function;Demography;Voltage;Investments;Equipment failure;Timing;Reliability engineering},
R. B. Shores, J. W. Beatty, "A New 138-Kv 10,000-Mva Air-Blast Circuit Breaker", Transactions
of the American Institute of Electrical Engineers. Part III: Power Apparatus and Systems,
vol.76, no.3, pp.178-187, 1957
