HV Switchgear
HV Switchgear
(OP)
Hello again guys,
I'm evaluating an ABB Unigear 6.6kV HV switchgear (well our client considers the 6.6kV as a high voltage) and I'm quite a bit puzzled by their offer. ABB is offering a 2-tier double level switchgear, meaning the upper and lower panels of the switchgear compartment can be occupied by 2 outgoing circuit breakers.
As per my understanding and pls. correct me if I'm wrong, the switchgear compartment should only be occupied by a single incoming/outgoing breakers.
If this is an MCC (LV) I also understand that 2 breakers can occupy the upper and lower panels of the compartment.
Am I already living in the dark ages?
Already browse a lot of material but can't seem to find the right direction.
Can somebody point me to a reference or standards (IEC, IEEE etc)wherein I can say (with proof)to the vendor that their offer is not acceptable and have to propose another. Specs, design basis, etc doesn't say anything about the compartment set-up except for a single or double tier switchgear.
Appreciate for any advise and help you can contribute.
Ciao.
I'm evaluating an ABB Unigear 6.6kV HV switchgear (well our client considers the 6.6kV as a high voltage) and I'm quite a bit puzzled by their offer. ABB is offering a 2-tier double level switchgear, meaning the upper and lower panels of the switchgear compartment can be occupied by 2 outgoing circuit breakers.
As per my understanding and pls. correct me if I'm wrong, the switchgear compartment should only be occupied by a single incoming/outgoing breakers.
If this is an MCC (LV) I also understand that 2 breakers can occupy the upper and lower panels of the compartment.
Am I already living in the dark ages?
Already browse a lot of material but can't seem to find the right direction.
Can somebody point me to a reference or standards (IEC, IEEE etc)wherein I can say (with proof)to the vendor that their offer is not acceptable and have to propose another. Specs, design basis, etc doesn't say anything about the compartment set-up except for a single or double tier switchgear.
Appreciate for any advise and help you can contribute.
Ciao.






RE: HV Switchgear
----------------------------------
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: HV Switchgear
What Scotty saied.
It's typical constraction for the MV MCC, for example, and not of ABB only.
Best Regards.
Slava
RE: HV Switchgear
Thanks for the advise.
Anyway just starting the evaluation and I haven't seen yet a 2 VCB's in a single compartment. Mostly are single CB per compartment.
I guess I've to ask them about the installation, maintenance and safety aspects of the equipment since its going to be a bit crowded.
Thanks guys. Appreciate the help!!!
Ciao.
RE: HV Switchgear
Your spec must have been fairly loose if that is what ABB are proposing. If you are in a competitive tender situation with a loose spec, they are bound to offer you the most "cost effective" solution.
Personally, I don't like this format, they are way too "compact" for my liking, particularly for higher voltage levels.
RE: HV Switchgear
Personally too, I don't like the setup. Installation, maintenanace and safety aspects is a bit questionable becoz of too tight a space.
Appreciate your help.
RE: HV Switchgear
RE: HV Switchgear
Basically, out here for an HV switchgear, the vertical panel (w/c is compose of 2 or 3 section or cubicle)are called compartment.
You're right it is two separate compartment and a metering and instrumentation compartment/cubicle between them.
So the setup is 1-VCB in the upper cubicle, metering/instrumentations in the middle and 1-VCB in the lower cubicle.
Hope I didn'tconfuse this time.
Thanks.
RE: HV Switchgear
RE: HV Switchgear
One problem we ran into is insufficient room on the single center section for control switches, meters, protection relays, lockout relays and indicating lights. Wiring room is also limited for auxiliary contacts and control cables. The solution is to use the programmable relays' software keys and other functions to operate and monitor the breakers and use a data link to provide remote control. That eliminates the wiring issues.
RE: HV Switchgear
Seldom do I see a proposal like this, some client prefers a single breaker configuration (for HV). Mostly I saw are on LV switchgears and MCC.
rcwilson,
Thats what Iam afraid of, compartments getting crowded. It will be up to the client to decide since there were a few loopholes.
thanks for the comments and help guys.
cheers!!!!!
RE: HV Switchgear