Distribution system protection
Sectionalizers are (beside overcurrent relays, reclosers and fuses) one of the
most used for distribution system protection.
Sectionalisers as one of the most used for distribution system protection (on
photo: HO SCALE "Sectionalizer" Pole; credit: Vertryn Electric via Flickr)
A sectionalizer is a device that automatically isolates faulted sections of a
distribution circuit once an upstream breaker or recloser has interrupted the
fault current and is usually installed downstream of a recloser .
Since sectionalizers have no capacity to break fault current, they must be
used with a backup device that has fault current breaking capacity.
Sectionalisers count the number of operations of the recloser during fault
conditions. After a preselected number of recloser openings, and while the
recloser is open, the sectionalizer opens and isolates the faulty section of
line. This permits the recloser to close and re-establish supplies to those areas
free of faults. If the fault is temporary, the operating mechanism of the
sectionalizer is reset.
The ABB
AutoLink 3-phase sectionalizer – Isolating device that automatically isolates the faulted section
of the network when a permanent fault occurs.
Sectionalizers are constructed in single- or three-phase
arrangements with hydraulic or electronic operating mechanisms.
IMPORTANT! A sectionalizer does not have a current/time operating characteristic and
can be used between two protective devices whose operating curves are very close and where
an additional step in coordination is not practicable.
Typical
distribution network with ABB’s AutoLink sectionalizers
Hydraulic operating mechanisms
Sectionalizers with hydraulic operating mechanisms have an operating coil in
series with the line. Each time an overcurrent occurs, the coil drives a piston
that activates a counting mechanism when the circuit is opened and the current
is zero by the displacement of oil across the chambers of the sectionalizer.
After a pre-arranged number of circuit openings, the sectionalizer contacts are
opened by means of pre-tensioned springs. This type of sectionalizer can be
closed manually.
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Electronic operating mechanisms
Sectionalizers with electronic operating mechanisms are more flexible in
operation and easier to set. The load current is measured by means of CTs,
and the secondary current is fed to a control circuit that counts the number of
operations of the recloser or the associated interrupter and then sends a
tripping signal to the opening mechanism.
This type of sectionalizer is constructed with manual or motor closing.
Electronic Resettable Sectionalizer (CRS) – credit: HUBBELL
Factors to consider
The following four factors should be considered when (technically)
selecting a sectionalizer:
1. System voltage,
2. Maximum load current,
3. Maximum short-circuit level, and
4. Coordination with protection devices installed upstream and downstream.
The nominal voltage and current of a sectionalizer should be equal to or
greater than the maximum values of voltage or load at the point of installation.
The short-circuit capacity (momentary rating) of a sectionalizer should be
equal to or greater than the fault level at the point of installation. The maximum
clearance time of the associated interrupter should not be permitted to exceed
the short-circuit rating of the sectionalizer.
Coordination factors that need to be taken into account include the starting
current setting and the number of operations of the associated interrupter
before opening.
Sectionalizer with surge arrester protection
Sectionalizer with surge arrester protection (photo credit: [Link])
