6 kV switchgear from 1944
6 kV switchgear from 1944
(OP)
Last month we made relay protections maintenance tests on old power station. First unit have been energized in 1949 and worked until 1970-ies. But 6 kV switchgear delivered with this unit is still in operation! Switchgear is manufactured by Metrpolitan Vickers in 1944.
Attached is small archive of photos of this switchgear. It is very interesting construction, similar to modern SF6 switchgears, but of course oil-insulated. Even busbars are in oil, as can be seen on one of photos.
Another interesting point is that all labels are in Russian language, because the complete power plant have been intended for export to USSR. Relay protections scales are also in Russian language.
It is very interesting to see in one control room relays produced in 1940-s in UK, other from 1970-s and 80-s from EAW - East Germany and recent numerical Siemens relays. And almost all of them are still in operation!
Attached is small archive of photos of this switchgear. It is very interesting construction, similar to modern SF6 switchgears, but of course oil-insulated. Even busbars are in oil, as can be seen on one of photos.
Another interesting point is that all labels are in Russian language, because the complete power plant have been intended for export to USSR. Relay protections scales are also in Russian language.
It is very interesting to see in one control room relays produced in 1940-s in UK, other from 1970-s and 80-s from EAW - East Germany and recent numerical Siemens relays. And almost all of them are still in operation!
------------------------
It may be like this in theory and practice, but in real life it is completely different.
The favourite sentence of my army sergeant





RE: 6 kV switchgear from 1944
I sometimes wonder how the present-day 6.6kV switchgear will look in 60 years time? I doubt it has the mechanical build quality to survive that length of time.
----------------------------------
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: 6 kV switchgear from 1944
About busbars - sorry, I didn't ask olleagues from maintenance what is the exact construction. Compound is very possible, because there are not visible traces of oil leakages.
I also have serious doubths how many years our new equipment will survive. I have at least three substation which I commissioned in my early professional years which are now totally refurbrished. On the last project in 400 kV switcyard only steel structures remained, all primary and secondary equipment was totally replaced.
Modern relay protections definitely will be not possible to maintain after 20 years - who knos what OS will use computers then?
On the link you can see some photos of control room. Synchronizing column is still operational, but actually is not used. Operators switched it on just for the photo. Energy meters still work, but nobody reads them - there is a more modern system installed behind.
Best regards and happy New Year!
Plamen
www.triel.bg
------------------------
It may be like this in theory and practice, but in real life it is completely different.
The favourite sentence of my army sergeant
RE: 6 kV switchgear from 1944
It is an intersting history - I hadn't considered that it could have been supplied while Britain and Russia were allies in WW2. I love the photograph of the synchronising column. I have not seen one quite like that before. The metering panels look very familiar.
I think many of the old installations have an elegance of design which is missing from later ones, whether it be a turbine hall from the 1950s or a substation from the 1920s.
----------------------------------
If we learn from our mistakes I'm getting a great education!
RE: 6 kV switchgear from 1944
------------------------
It may be like this in theory and practice, but in real life it is completely different.
The favourite sentence of my army sergeant
RE: 6 kV switchgear from 1944
http://www.pittsburghtransit.info/incline.html
It takes some time till all photos are uploaded but it's pretty impressive.
RE: 6 kV switchgear from 1944
http://www.milfordpowerhouse.com
The serial #'s on the breakers are 1,2,3, and 4. 4600V Westinghouse switchgear, you can see it in the photos. The date on the gear is 3-30-28, I know this because the nameplate is sitting on my desk.