Introduction

In the global power distribution and transmission system, an outdoor vacuum circuit breaker (also known as a vacuum outdoor circuit breaker, high voltage vacuum circuit breaker) is the core electrical equipment to ensure the safe, stable, and efficient operation of the power grid. As a professional vacuum circuit breaker manufacturer with advanced research and production capabilities, Chuanli has been deeply engaged in the field of high and low voltage electrical equipment, and the high-performance outdoor vacuum circuit breaker developed by it conforms to international standards such as IEC, and is widely used in overhead distribution lines, pole-mounted distribution systems, substations, industrial parks, and rural power grids.

The use of vacuum circuit breakers is closely related to its installation location. Different application scenarios give it completely different core functions, from basic circuit on-off control, short-circuit fault protection, to intelligent monitoring and predictive maintenance in modern smart grids; the functional dimension is constantly extended.

Understanding Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breakers

• What is a vacuum circuit breaker?

Vacuum circuit breaker is an electrical switch device that uses vacuum as the arc extinguishing medium. It uses the high insulation performance of the vacuum environment to quickly extinguish the arc generated during the circuit breaking process, thus realizing the control of the on-off of the power circuit. The vacuum interrupter switch is the core component of the vacuum circuit breaker, which determines the opening and closing ability and service life of the whole equipment. The outdoor vacuum circuit breaker of Chuanli adopts a high-precision vacuum interrupter, covers a voltage range from 10kV to 220kV, and is equipped with silicon-coated insulators that can withstand 70kV impact voltage, suitable for harsh outdoor working environments such as high temperature, high humidity, and dust.

• The core performance advantages of the Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker

As a leading manufacturer of vacuum circuit breakers in China, the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker of Chuanli integrates modular design, intelligent monitoring, and high reliability into one, and its core performance fully meets the requirements of modern power grids. The key advantages are as shown in the table below:

Functions of Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breakers in Different Positions

As the core component of the vacuum circuit breaker switch cabinet, Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker shows different core functions in different installation positions of the power grid, and realizes customized adaptability according to the characteristics of each distribution link. The following is a detailed analysis of its role in typical installation locations:

In Overhead Distribution Lines

The overhead distribution line is the main body of the medium-voltage power grid in urban and rural areas, with the characteristics of long distance, wide coverage, and being easily affected by the natural environment. The high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker installed at this location is mainly used in conjunction with overhead line protection devices, and its core function is:

• Section control: Divide the long-distance overhead line into several sections, realize the independence of each section, avoid the failure of a single point leading to the power outage of the whole line, and improve the reliability of line power supply by more than 80%.
• Lightning protection and fault protection: cooperate with the lightning arrester to resist lightning overvoltage shock, quickly cut off the fault circuit when the line is struck by lightning and short-circuited, and protect the line transformer and other equipment.
• Remote operation: Support remote control of the SCADA system, realize remote opening and closing of circuit breaker, and reduce the workload of operation and maintenance personnel in the field of complex terrain.
• Environmental adaptability: The IP65 waterproof and windproof shell can operate stably in the temperature range of -40 ℃ to + 70 ℃, and can adapt to the temperature changes of overhead lines in different regions and seasons.

In Pole-Mounted Distribution Systems

The overhead distribution system is an important link connecting the medium-voltage power grid and the low-voltage user side, which is often used in urban communities, rural villages, and other densely populated areas. The outdoor vacuum circuit breaker installed on the distribution pole has the characteristics of compact structure and convenient installation, and its core function is:

• User-side power supply control: To realize the independent power supply control of the low-voltage user group connected to the distribution pole, and to cut off the power supply of the corresponding area in time during maintenance or fault handling, without affecting other users.
• Low-voltage side fault isolation: When a fault, such as a short circuit,t occurs on the low-voltage side, the medium-voltage circuit connected to the distribution transformer is quickly cut off to protect the distribution transformer from being damaged by the fault current.
• Small size and space-saving: With a modular compact design, it fits the limited installation space on the distribution pole, and can be combined with the compact substation of Chuanli to form a miniaturized distribution unit.
• Easy maintenance: Modular accessories reduce the difficulty of on-site maintenance, and the maintenance downtime is reduced by 50% compared with traditional products.

In Substation Incoming and Outgoing Feeders

• The substation is the core hub for voltage transformation and distribution in the power grid, and the incoming and outgoing line feeder cabinets are the key channels for power input and output. The high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker installed in this position is the core of the vacuum circuit breaker switch cabinet of the substation, and its core function is:
• Power grid coordination control: To realize the control of the on and off of the electricity entering and leaving the substation, to connect or disconnect the substation with the upper-level power grid and the lower-level distribution network, and to meet the needs of adjusting the operation mode of the substation.
• Large capacity fault opening: With 25kA short-circuit current opening capacity, it can quickly cut off the large capacity fault current in the substation feeder cabinet, and protect the substation transformer, 0.2s class current transformer, and other high-precision equipment.
• Coordinate with the protection system: Cooperate with the microcomputer protection device of Chuanli to realize the precise and rapid protection of the feeder cabinet, and improve the efficiency of fault handling in substations.
• Intelligent monitoring and coordination: Integrate with the intelligent monitoring system of the substation, realize the real-time monitoring of parameters such as temperature and current of circuit breaker, and realize the coordinated operation with other switch cabinets in the substation.

In Industrial Power Distribution Systems

The industrial distribution system has the characteristics of large load, high reliability of power supply, and complex load types (such as motors, heavy machinery, etc.). The core function of the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker installed in industrial parks, factories, and other industrial distribution systems is as follows:

• Heavy load on-off control: Withstand the large current impact caused by the start-up and operation of industrial heavy load equipment, realize the stable on-off of industrial circuits, and avoid circuit faults caused by load impact.
• Rapid fault disconnection: For faults such as short circuits that are prone to occur in industrial circuits due to complex loads, the fault circuit can be quickly cut off within 50ms to reduce the damage to industrial production equipment caused by faults.
• Continuous operation guarantee: With high mechanical reliability and long service life ofthe  vacuum interrupter tube, it meets the 24-hour continuous operation requirements of industrial production.
• Customized configuration: The configuration can be customized according to the characteristics of industrial load, such as forming a multi-level protection system with high-voltage fuses (100kA fault current, 1ms cut-off) to meet the personalized distribution requirements of different industries.

In Rural Power Grids

The rural power grid has the characteristics of wide distribution, scattered users, complex terrain, and relatively backward original equipment. As a key piece of equipment for the transformation of the rural power network, the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker of Chuanli has the following core functions in this position:

• Improve the reliability of power supply: Solve the problem of frequent power outages and poor power supply stability in the original agricultural network, realize the segment protection of the agricultural network, and reduce the scope and time of power outages caused by faults.
• Compatible with complex terrain: With a plug-and-play design, it is easy to install and debug in complex terrain such as rural mountains, hills, etc., which reduces the difficulty and construction period of on-site construction.
• Low maintenance cost: Modular design and high reliability components reduce the frequency and cost of daily maintenance in rural networks, and adapt to the actual situation of insufficient rural operation and maintenance personnel.
• Compatible with new energy sources such as photovoltaics: Compatible with new energy distribution equipment such as the KYN28A12 series photovoltaic transformer cabinet, to realize the grid connection and utilization of rural photovoltaic and other new energy sources, and promote the green development of the rural power grid.

In Intelligent Power Distribution Systems

The intelligent distribution system is the development direction of the modern power grid, with functions such as real-time monitoring, remote control, and predictive maintenance. The core sensing and control node of the intelligent distribution system is the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker of Chuanli, which has the following core functions:

• Real-time data collection: Relying on integrated IoT sensors, collect real-time data such as the operating temperature of circuit breakers, load current, mechanical state, etc., and transmit them to the smart grid control center through communication modules.
• Remote intelligent control: Supports remote opening and closing of the SCADA system, parameter adjustment, realizes unattended operation ofthe power distribution system, and improves the operation efficiency of the power grid.
• Predictive maintenance: Based on the collected operation data, analyze the health status of the circuit breaker, predict potential faults (such as overheating, insulation aging), send maintenance reminders in advance, and avoid sudden equipment failures.
• Power grid dispatching linkage: In conjunction with the intelligent dispatching system of the power grid, it realizes the linkage operation with other distribution equipment according to the changes of the power grid load, optimizes the distribution scheme, and improves the energy utilization efficiency of the power grid.

In Outdoor Switchgear Assemblies

The outdoor switchgear assembly is an integrated device of various switch devices, integrating components such as circuit breakers, isolation switches, and transformers, and is widely used in urban and rural power distribution nodes. As the core of the vacuum circuit breaker cabinet in the outdoor switchgear assembly, the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker has the following core functions:

• Integrated on-off and protection: Realize the centralized on-off control and fault protection of the switch cabinet assembly, and form a complete distribution protection system with current transformer, voltage transformer, and other components.
• Modular interchangeability: In line with the IEC 62 271 standard, it can achieve seamless interchange with other modular switch cabinets in the combination body, making it convenient to replace and maintain the equipment.
• Space-saving: The compact design reduces the installation area of the switchgear assembly by 30% compared with the traditional scheme, and adapts to the limited installation space of outdoor distribution nodes.
• Unified intelligent monitoring: Integrated with the intelligent monitoring system of the switchgear assembly, it realizes unified monitoring and management of the circuit breaker and other equipment, and improves the intelligent level of the entire assembly.

Case Insight: Improving Rural Grid Stability with Chuanli Outdoor Vacuum Circuit Breakers

• Project Background

The rural area in Central China has a large area and scattered villages, and the original agricultural network uses traditional oil-immersed circuit breakers. Fuses are used for protection because the equipment has poor adaptability to the environment, frequent failures, and low breaking efficiency. The power grid has frequent power outages, large power outage areas, and long recovery times, seriously affecting the daily life of farmers and the development of rural characteristic industries (aquaculture, planting, etc.). In 2024, the local power supply department launched the rural network renovation project, selected Chuanli Electric as the core equipment supplier, and adopted multiple Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breakers and supporting switch cabinets.

• Project Implementation

According to the characteristics of the local agricultural network, Chuanli provides targeted distribution solutions:

The ZW series high-voltage vacuum circuit breaker of Chuanli is installed on the overhead distribution lines and distribution poles of the rural power network, so as to realize the segment control and fault protection of the power network.

Coupled with the wireless microcomputer protection device and the Internet of Things sensor, the basic intelligent monitoring system of the agricultural network can be built to realize the real-time monitoring of the operating state of the circuit breaker.

In conjunction with the replacement of the original old transformer by the compact substation of Chuanli, a miniaturized and integrated distribution unit is formed.

During the construction process, the technical team of Chuanli provided on-site installation guidance and operation training for local operation and maintenance personnel, covering the operation method of the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker and the maintenance points of the vacuum circuit breaker.

• Project Effectiveness

After the completion of the rural network transformation project, the application effect of the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker of Chuanli is remarkable:

The reliability of rural network power supply has been improved by more than 90%, the frequency of monthly power outages has been reduced from more than 10 times to less than 1 time, and the recovery time of power outages has been shortened from several hours to several minutes.

The intelligent monitoring system realizes the real-time grasp of the power grid operation state, and the predictive maintenance function reduces the failure rate of power grid equipment by 70%.

The compact design of the equipment saves 30% of the installation space, and the modular accessories reduce the daily maintenance cost of the power grid by 50%.

The matching of photovoltaic transformer cabinets provides conditions for rural photovoltaic power grid connection, and more than 20 rural photovoltaic projects have been connected to the grid successively, promoting the green development of local rural areas.

This case fully verifies the important role of the Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker in improving the stability and intelligence level of the rural power grid, and also reflects the strong adaptability and practical value of Chuanli products in the transformation of the rural power grid.

Conclusion

With the continuous development of the power industry towards intelligent, green, and highly reliable, the use of vacuum circuit breakers will become more and more extensive, and the functional requirements will become more and more diversified. Chuanli Electric will continue to focus on R&D innovation, optimize the performance and function of outdoor vacuum circuit breakers, develop more products suitable for different installation positions and application scenarios, and provide more reliable technical support and equipment support for the construction of the modern power grid. Whether it is the upgrading of urban power grids, the transformation of rural power grids, or the optimization of industrial distribution, the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker of Chuanli has always been a reliable choice for the power industry.

FAQs

Q1: What is the voltage coverage range of the Chuanli outdoor vacuum circuit breaker?
A1: The voltage range is 10kV-200kV, and different series can match various voltage levels of power grids, and can be used in various installation scenarios.

Q2: What are the key points for the maintenance of vacuum circuit breakers in Chuanli outdoor products?
A2: Key points: 1. Regularly clean the appearance and check for corrosion damage;2. Test the mechanical closing and opening performance;3. Detect electrical insulation and local discharge;4. Calibrate the intelligent sensor;5. Replace the vacuum interrupter tube and other wearable parts in a timely manner.

Q3. How to use the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker with the vacuum circuit breaker switch cabinet?
A3: It conforms to the IEC 62272 standard, modular design, can be seamlessly exchanged with various switch cabinets of Chuanli, and can be flexibly matched with components to form a complete distribution protection system.

Q4. How long is the delivery time for the outdoor vacuum circuit breaker from Chuani?
A4: Standard stock samples will be delivered within 7-15 days; After the custom product is approved by DFM, the delivery time is 20-30 days.

Q5. Why choose Chuanli as the manufacturer of vacuum circuit breakers for outdoor power grid equipment?
A5: The core reasons are as follows: 1. Advanced product performance and compliance with national and international standards;2. Scene adaptability is strong, and customization is supported;3. Quality control is perfect, after-sales service is professional, with rich experience in power grid projects, and can provide overall solutions.