Testing high-speed DC breakers in rail networks

By Stefaan Volkaert

Problems that arise when testing ultra high-speed DC breakers are currently of great concern to those involved in the construction of rail networks. They are particularly concerned about the difference between having at their disposal complete test equipment giving satisfactory results on site, compared to the testing bench of manufacturers.

“In order to carry out these modifications and consequently ensure a durable exploitation of the equipment, the need for testing equipment is essential.”
-Stefan Volkaert

In the past those test equipments were most of the time floor standing - of either artisanal or industrial built - very heavy and cumbersome. Displacement from or to standing installations, like traction substations, was difficult. The same problem arises for the ultra high-speed DC breakers in rolling stock. In those cases the ultra high-speed DC breakers had to be dismounted and brought to a facility where the test equipment was available. This procedure took time and was very demanding.    

STEVO Electric has the key points to bring the solution to these needs.

Solutions

STEVO Electric provides a mobile high-current generator - which has been on the market since 2004 - for adequately testing high-speed DC breakers in the transport sector, i.e. trains, subways, trams and trolleys, concerning not just infrastructure but traction substations and rolling stock too. Since 2004, STEVO Electric has been marketing the BALTO 6.000A system - up to 13.000A of capacity in a master/slave version - worldwide in several traction domains (traction substations and rolling stock) to which high-speed DC breakers are applied. Moreover, STEVO Electric maintains long-term contacts with manufacturers of high-speed DC breakers, which are essential for homologations used for testing the equipment in question.

Nowadays the railway networks - whether a tram or a train network - are in a period of full growth. The networks have deployed a number of innovative techniques that deliver more powerful performance increases that take into account the crucial character of the fast circuit breakers, giving the ultimate protection. This ultimate protection must be provided alongside routine maintenance and test runs - among which are tests of release (threshold IDS). Often the owners have to modify the IDS threshold or to replace the system of release with another range of adjustment. In order to carry out these modifications and consequently ensure a durable exploitation of the equipment, the need for testing equipment is essential.

What the future holds

Relative to the current design of the BALTO system, the market requires more performances in the fields of transport, efficiency and usefulness. To match those requirements, identified during multiple demonstrations and discussions not only with the manufacturers but in particular with the managers and owners of rail networks, STEVO Electric took the decision to develop an innovative new system - BALTO 30.000A - based on a list of demands.

For this development STEVO Electric invests not only in the building of a new fabrication facility, but also in the creation of new jobs and positions, in order to manage all aspects of a division organized solely for this new product.

The objective is to have a crew specially trained in this domain, not only able to offer a set of test products but also able to procure a maintenance service in the field of ultra high-speed DC breakers testing.

It is hoped that the new system will be available for the exhibition of Innotrans Berlin 2010 Commercialization is targeted end of 2010.

Biography:

Stefaan Volkaert, general manger who has founded STEVO Electric at the end of 1999 with the first intention to distribute test equipment for the energy sector - high and low voltage - in the Benelux.

The contacts in the transport sector showed a need for mobile test equipment for testing high-speed DC breakers used in infrastructure - substations and in rolling stock applications as well.

The second core business with a world-wide outlook for that part of railway applications was a fact.    

STEVO Electric has an explicit idea of the future.

In the first place the development has been concentrated test equipment for high speed DC breakers; further efforts shall be done for test benches suitable for all kind of electromagnetic circuit breakers.

Test equipment for AC Vacuum Circuit Breaker 50Hz and 16Hz2/3 for traction vehicles can be part as well.

In the sector of energy STEVO Electric has also a development activity for resulting problems at static and dynamic resistances measuring on OLTC'S off power transformers.        

To find out more about how STEVO Electric can help you please visit www.STEVOELECTRIC.BE or contact us:

Email: stefaan.volkaert@stevoelectric.be  

Tel: +32.11.34.10.01

GSM: +32.475.82.39.54