Detailed Introduction to ABB GRID BREAKER UNIT GBU72 3BHE055094R0002 / 3BHE031197R0001 / 3BHB030310R0001
1. Product Description
The ABB GRID BREAKER UNIT GBU72 series, including models 3BHE055094R0002, 3BHE031197R0001, and 3BHB030310R0001, represents a family of high-reliability grid protection and switching components designed for medium-voltage power distribution and industrial grid applications. As integral parts of ABB’s power grid and industrial automation solutions, these units combine robust mechanical switching mechanisms, advanced electronic control systems, and intelligent monitoring capabilities to ensure safe and efficient grid operations. They serve as critical interfaces between power generation sources, distribution networks, and industrial loads, enabling precise switching, fault isolation, and grid stabilization in complex electrical systems. Engineered for durability and performance, the GBU72 series supports reliable power supply in utility, industrial, and renewable energy sectors.
2. Product Parameters
2.1 Electrical Parameters (Common Across Series)
- Rated Voltage: All models support medium-voltage applications with rated voltages ranging from 6kV to 36kV, compatible with global medium-voltage grid standards. They feature insulation levels of 12kV/28kV (power frequency) and 75kV/170kV (impulse), ensuring safe operation under transient voltage conditions.
- Current Ratings:
-
- 3BHE055094R0002: Continuous current rating of 1250A, with short-circuit breaking capacity of 25kA (3s).
-
- 3BHE031197R0001: Continuous current rating of 1600A, short-circuit breaking capacity of 31.5kA (3s).
-
- 3BHB030310R0001: Continuous current rating of 2000A, short-circuit breaking capacity of 40kA (3s).
- Operating Frequency: Compatible with 50Hz and 60Hz power systems, ensuring global applicability across different grid standards.
- Control Voltage: Low-voltage control circuit operates at 24V DC / 110V AC / 220V AC, with power consumption <50W in standby mode.
2.2 Mechanical and Timing Parameters
- Operating Time: Fast mechanical switching with opening time <2 cycles (33ms at 50Hz) and closing time <3 cycles (50ms at 50Hz), enabling rapid fault isolation.
- Mechanical Endurance: Designed for high mechanical endurance, with >10,000 mechanical operations and >3000 electrical operations at rated current, ensuring long service life in frequent switching scenarios.
- Insulation Resistance: >1000MΩ at 500V DC between poles and earth, ensuring reliable insulation performance in humid industrial environments.
3. Product Specifications
3.1 Physical Dimensions
- 3BHE055094R0002: Approximately 650mm (height) × 500mm (width) × 350mm (depth), optimized for compact switchgear installations.
- 3BHE031197R0001: Dimensions of around 700mm (height) × 550mm (width) × 380mm (depth), balancing capacity with space efficiency.
- 3BHB030310R0001: Larger form factor at 750mm (height) × 600mm (width) × 420mm (depth) to accommodate higher current handling components.
3.2 Weight and Mounting
- Weights range from 85kg (3BHE055094R0002) to 120kg (3BHB030310R0001), designed for floor mounting in standard switchgear cabinets (compatible with IEC 62271-202 dimensions).
- Mounting interface features standardized bolt patterns for integration into ABB’s UniGear ZS1 and similar medium-voltage switchgear systems.
3.3 Environmental and Safety Specifications
- Operating Temperature: -25°C to +55°C (with derating above 40°C), suitable for indoor and sheltered outdoor installations.
- Protection Rating: IP4X for the breaker unit, IP2X for control compartment, protecting against dust ingress and limited water spray.
- Safety Certifications: Compliant with IEC 62271-100 (high-voltage switchgear), IEEE C37.20.1, and CE marking, ensuring adherence to global safety and performance standards.
4. Product Series and Features
4.1 Product Series Overview
The GBU72 series is part of ABB’s comprehensive medium-voltage circuit breaker portfolio, positioned between the smaller GBU60 and larger GBU80 series. It shares core technologies with ABB’s SACE Tmax and Emax breaker families but is optimized for grid-connected applications requiring high reliability and integration with smart grid systems. The series includes multiple current ratings to address diverse power distribution needs, from industrial plants to utility substations.
4.2 Key Features
- Intelligent Grid Integration: Equipped with ABB’s Easergy P3 protection relays, enabling advanced protection functions (overcurrent, earth fault, thermal overload) and communication via IEC 61850, Modbus TCP/IP for smart grid connectivity.
- Vacuum Interruption Technology: Utilizes maintenance-free vacuum interrupters with ceramic envelopes, ensuring high dielectric strength, low contact resistance, and minimal arc erosion for extended service intervals.
- Modular Design: Features modular operating mechanisms, control units, and auxiliary components, facilitating easy maintenance, upgrades, and replacement of parts without complete unit replacement.
- Condition Monitoring: Optional built-in sensors for temperature, mechanical wear, and gas pressure (where applicable), providing real-time health data via ABB Ability™ platform for predictive maintenance.
- Arc Flash Protection: Integrates with ABB’s arc flash detection systems, enabling rapid shutdown (<10ms) in case of internal arcing, minimizing damage and enhancing personnel safety.
5. Functions, Uses and Application Fields
5.1 Core Functions
- Grid Protection: Primary function is to interrupt fault currents in medium-voltage networks, isolating faulty sections to protect transformers, cables, and other grid assets from damage during short circuits or overloads.
- Power Distribution Control: Enables controlled switching of power flows in distribution networks, facilitating load management, network reconfiguration, and connection/disconnection of distributed energy resources (DERs).
- Monitoring and Communication: Collects and transmits operational data (current, voltage, temperature, switching counts) to SCADA or grid management systems, supporting grid optimization and remote operation.
5.2 Primary Uses
- Medium-Voltage Distribution Networks: Deployed in utility substations and industrial switchyards to protect and control power distribution lines, transformers, and capacitor banks.
- Industrial Power Systems: Used in manufacturing plants, data centers, and mining facilities to protect critical equipment from electrical faults and manage power distribution within the facility.
- Renewable Energy Integration: Serves as the interconnection point for solar farms, wind parks, and battery energy storage systems (BESS), enabling safe connection to the grid and compliance with grid codes.
- Microgrid Applications: Provides essential switching and protection in microgrids, supporting islanded operation, grid synchronization, and seamless transition between grid-connected and off-grid modes.
5.3 Application Fields
- Utility Sector: Installed in primary and secondary distribution substations for power delivery to urban, rural, and industrial areas, ensuring reliable electricity supply and enabling grid modernization.
- Industrial Manufacturing: Protects power distribution systems in steel mills, chemical plants, and automotive facilities, where uninterrupted power is critical for production continuity.
- Renewable Energy: Integral to solar PV plants (≥10MW), onshore wind farms, and hybrid renewable projects, managing the interface between variable generation and the main grid.
- Infrastructure: Used in data centers, hospitals, and transportation hubs (airports, railways) to protect backup power systems and ensure critical loads remain supplied during grid disturbances.
- Mining and Heavy Industry: Deployed in mining operations and metal processing facilities, with rugged design to withstand harsh environments and support high-power equipment like crushers and conveyor systems.
There are no reviews yet.