ABB Prepares for 380 kV Breaker Launch with Spring Drive
With the expansion of EHV grids around the world, the demand for higher performance in a more compact footprint remains.
Houston, TX - ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, is preparing to launch the type 362PMG-B gang operated, dead tank gas circuit breaker in the third quarter of 2012. This design is built off the hugely successful launch of the 362PMI-B independent pole operated breaker in early 2011. The 362PMG-B provides a universal solution for those users requiring only 3-phase tripping and closing functionality.
The 362PMG-B integrates a few new features which drive the already minimal total life cycle costs even lower. The main feature of this product is the consolidation of the three poles onto a common frame which optimizes transportation and installation schedule and costs.
The breaker will be the first DTB (dead tank breaker) equipped with the high-energy BLG 1002 spring drive used on LTB's (live tank breakers) across the world for over 20 years. The installation process is simplified to installing the sub frame, lifting the 3-pole assembly and mounting it to the sub-frame, rotating the center phase (tilted to allow for assembled shipment), sliding the control cubicle into position and coupling the BLG. The entire process from truck to pad is expected to take less than 1 eight hour day with a crew of 2-3 people.
The breaker will carry similar ratings to that of the 362PMI-B which has lead the industry by eliminating the need for line-to-ground capacitors on line applications, high TRV ratings, 4000 A current, high altitude performance, M2 (10,000 operations mechanical endurance) and C2 capacitor switching ratings. In future developments, a closing resistor switch will be added to the 362PMI-B variant thus completing ABB's lineup of 345 kV to 420 kV DTB's.
The breaker is being initially launched with production in ABB's modern production facility in Mt. Pleasant, PA, beginning in the first quarter of 2013 or earlier.
The 362PMG-B will be on display at both the ABB Automation & Power World show in Houston, as well as the IEEE PES exposition in Orlando in May.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people. The company's North American operations, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, employ about 20,000 people in multiple manufacturing, service and other major facilities.
For more information, please contact:
Bill Rose
Manager, Media Relations
ABB Inc.
940 Main Campus Drive
27606 Raleigh, North Carolina, UNITED STATES
Phone: +1 919 807 5743
Mobile: +1 919 244 4879
email: bill.rose@us.abb.com
www.abb.us
