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Distribution Switching |
www.hubbellpowersystems.com
Case History : BP3 3-Phase Switches
Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative
CHANCE® BP3 3-Phase Switches
Save Space and Improve Efficiency
for GVEC
By Richard Scott, Crew Foreman
Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC)
Gonzales, Texas
A A
8'-5"8'-5"
5-1/2"
5-1/2"
REF REF
45" 45"
45" 45"
5-1/2"5-1/2"
REF REF
3/8" THICK
PLATE
3/8" THICK
PLATE
GALVANIZED
GALVANIZED
STEELSTEEL
(3-PLACES)
(3-PLACES)
X 1/8"
WALL
4" X 4"
4" XX 4"
1/8"
WALL
GALVANIZED
STEEL
GALVANIZED
STEEL
TUBETUBE
10-7/8"
12-1/4"
12-1/4" 10-7/8"
NAMEPLATE
NAMEPLATE
SWITCH
TERMINAL
PADSPADS
SWITCH
TERMINAL
(TYPICAL
ALL ALL
PHASES)
(TYPICAL
PHASES)
29-3/8"
29-3/8"
7-9/16"
7-9/16"
15-1/8"
15-1/8"
LEFTLEFT
SWITCH
SWITCH
CENTER
SWITCH
CENTER
SWITCH
13-3/16"
13-3/16"
RIGHT
SWITCH
RIGHT
SWITCH
26-3/8"
26-3/8"
18-5/8"
18-5/8"
(TYP)(TYP)
23-3/8"
23-3/8"
TOPTOP
VIEW
VIEW
LIFTING
EYESEYES
LIFTING
(ON (ON
OUTSIDE
PHASES
ONLY)
OUTSIDE
PHASES
ONLY)
A A
ANDERSON
CAT NO
ANDERSON
CATCCLS-814-C
NO CCLS-814-C
TERMINAL
CONNECTOR
TERMINAL
CONNECTOR
AND AND
MOUNTING
HARDWARE
MOUNTING
HARDWARE
(TYPICAL
6-PLACES)
(TYPICAL
6-PLACES)
(NOT(NOT
ASSEMBLED
ON SWITCHES)
ASSEMBLED
ON SWITCHES)
29-3/8"
29-3/8"
4-3/16"
4-3/16"
5/8"5/8"
DIA DIA
THRU-BOLTS
THRU-BOLTS
(SUPPLIED
BY USER)
(SUPPLIED
BY USER)
6-3/4"
6-3/4"
14" 14"
90°
90°
10-7/8"
10-7/8"
FRONT
VIEW
FRONT
VIEW
25-1/4"
25-1/4"
22" 22"
(POLE
MOUNTING)
(POLE
MOUNTING)
SIDE
VIEW
SIDE
VIEW
(POLE(POLE
MOUNTING)
MOUNTING)
VIEW
A-AA-A
VIEW
“It is 3 a.m. and I get the call — a storm
took down a pole outside of a substation
and all three phases are on the ground.
We have a lot of members out of service
and want to make repairs quickly.
“Before we can make those repairs, we
need a visible opening on both sides
of the fault. At the substation, the line/
load switches are locked open, so we are
good there. Down-line is a set of three
electronic reclosers, but their contacts are
internal.
“So, how do we get our visible opening?”
The BP3 simplifies the isolation/by-pass-switch configuration for
three-phase reclosers and for three single-phase reclosers installations.
2
GVEC is in the early stages of applying Smart
Grid technologies and work practices. We
have just started installing electronic reclosers
at circuit tie-points, where we used to install
motorized air-break switches.
In the event of a fault, a sectionalizing
recloser lets us quickly break the feeder
in two. We can then supply power from
a different direction using the tie-point
recloser, keeping some of our members in
service while we fix the problem.
This arrangement is great from a systems
operation viewpoint because it gives us
options, but it can create some minor
problems in the field. Depending on fault
location, we may not be able to use the tiepoint recloser to isolate the fault.
In the past, our reclosers were always
attached to the primary line and opened by
internal contacts only. But, if we use them at
tie-points, we need a way to isolate/by-pass
the recloser—preferably, in a way that does
not entail removing the jumpers.
Finding The Ideal Switch Assembly
A few months ago, our only option would have been to send
a crew in a bucket truck out there to manually remove the
reclosers’ high-side jumpers. That would have taken some
time to accomplish, delaying repairs and taking additional
time to re-attach the jumpers when the repairs were
complete.
Today we are using Hubbell’s three-phase isolate/by-pass
switch: the BP3. In just seconds and without the need for
a bucket truck, a lineman can isolate the line by opening
the source and load switches that are part of the BP3 switch
assembly. We just saved time and money. It also means we will
get our members’ lights back on in a timely manner and do it
without compromising safety.
Smart Grid Improvements
The Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative (GVEC) has about
68,000 customers in a service territory of 3,500 square miles in
13 counties in South Central Texas. We have about 7,900 miles
of overhead distribution line.
3
One of the first ideas was to build an
isolation/by-pass assembly with nine of
Hubbell’s solid blade, hook-stick switches:
three to serve the left side of the pole, three
to serve the right side of the pole and three
to serve as the sectionalizer/by-pass switches.
To install all of that, we would have to use
two sets of double cross arms to mount
the three on the left and the three on the
right. And we would probably have to install
another set of double cross arms to hang the
other three switches underneath.
This design would have required a substantial
amount of labor and a total of nine hookstick switches, driving the cost of the project
for tie-points substantially higher.
Then I remembered something I had seen at
a conference a few years ago. Hubbell had a
single-phase isolate/by-pass switch assembly
that could be opened with a hookstick. I
started envisioning how we could use those
to improve our operation methods. Our
operations manager allowed us to get one
®
for demo and testing.
Before we took delivery of our first switch, our
Hubbell representative told me that a neighboring
utility had about 45 BP3 (three-phase) switches
installed.
So, I visited a couple of those locations to see for
myself how they had made the BP3 work for them.
I also spent some time with their transformer shop
foreman, who is responsible for getting the switches
ready to install. With some minor changes to my
original vision, the BP3 seemed like the perfect
solution.
Successful Trials
GVEC ordered a few of the three-phase by-pass
BP3 switches and built a mock setup at our facility
that mimicked field conditions. We then gave a
demonstration to the line crews and the members on
Even when the reclosers are wrapped around a pole,
the standards committee to see what they thought.
the BP3 is a simple way to add isolation/by-pass switches.
Everyone involved was excited about the installation,
operation and improvements this switch could make
to our future critical tie locations.
We use adapters to orient the connectors on the switch tabs to get the jumpers headed in the right direction.
However, the ideal situation would have been to have a choice of connector orientation, so the switch would
be turnkey ready. (We use a 90-degree orientation. Jumpers run vertically from the switch to the primary line.)
We currently have seven BP3 switch assemblies installed and have found the installation to be simple and cost
effective. I wish I had the BP3’s 30 years ago.
Three Successful Applications
The first installation was part of GVEC’s Smart Grid initiative.
We had a normally-open air break switch at the end of two different circuits that were fed from two different
substations.
We planned to remove the air brake switch and replace it with a three-phase electronic recloser in a normallyopen position. And, we needed to be able to isolate the recloser, in case our people ever needed to work on a
downed line.
On this job, the three electronic reclosers were in one large cluster that wrapped around the pole. The BP3
switch assembly allowed me to run the jumpers and maintain clearances.
The second installation was on a transformer step-down rack. One of our scheduled system improvements was
to convert a primary line to 14.4kV and move a step-down rack further down the line.
Since installing another pole was not an option for us, I had to mount the three reclosers on an existing pole at
the load end of the step-down rack. The BP3 switch allowed me to run my jumpers the way I wanted to.
At the third site, we used the BP3 switch with a three-phase electronic recloser. This installation was similar to
our first, but in this case, the three-phase recloser was all in one can and bolted to the pole. The BP3 simplified
the design and installation, making it easier to operate than our previous switch option.
4
Multiple Advantages for GVEC
GVEC faces some challenges that big utilities do not have to worry about, and the BP3 really helps us.
• No Need for Another Pole
Many electric utilities install their electric infrastructure in highway rights of way. They can add poles and equipment
as needed. GVEC, on the other hand, works diligently to place our electric facilities on private property, which can
make it more difficult to add poles. The BP3 can easily be installed on an existing pole.
• Meets Visible Opening Requirement
The BP3 switches are important to us because as electronic reclosers take
the place of air brake switches, we need some way to isolate the recloser.
The recloser contacts are internal: We cannot have our men working on
a line without visible openings. The BP3 isolation/switch provides that
visible opening.
• Improved Circuit Protection Sectionalizing
In the old days, we used motorized air brake switches as isolation points
on mainline feeders. We could open them remotely, but they did not
provide any circuit protection.
We are currently installing electronic reclosers where two feeders meet.
With the BP3, we can have the best of two worlds; circuit protection and
the ability to isolate.
• Better Outage Management
Another consideration is that most of our servicemen work out of a
pickup truck. A bucket truck might not be readily available. The BP3
design allows us to work all switches from the ground with hot-line
tools. We do not have to wait for a bucket truck to remove jumpers.
This is a big advantage because it reduces our outage times and requires
fewer men and vehicles.
• Simplified Engineering
The BP3 switches simplify the engineering design. It is much easier to
design a configuration with one three-phase BP3 than it is to design
something with nine single-phase switches.
• Quick Isolation of Failed Recloser
One of the things that is driving us to use the BP3 is the need to isolate a
recloser that may have failed.
• Easier Recloser Maintenance
Another benefit is recloser maintenance. In a matter of literally seconds
– maybe 60 seconds – I can by-pass all three reclosers. It’s game-changing.
Now, linemen can isolate the reclosers, ground the tops and begin work.
• Reduces Cost and Work
Hubbell’s BP3 switch comes ready to install, and we have replaced our
old construction technique in favor of it. Our other option would require
a crew to assemble six 10-foot cross arms, nine double-arming bolts and
nine 600-amp hook-stick switches.
Considering all of the benefits, the BP3 gives us the results we want. Not
only will it will lower construction costs and simplify future maintenance,
but the BP3 also helps us take care of our members because we can
restore service in a timely manner.
5
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About Hubbell Power Systems
Hubbell Power Systems (HPS) manufactures a wide
variety of transmission, distribution, substation, OEM and
telecommunications products used by utilities. HPS products
are also used in the civil construction, transportation, gas
and water industries. Our product line includes construction
and switching products, tools, insulators, arresters, pole line
hardware, cable accessories, test equipment, transformer
bushings and polymer precast enclosures and equipment pads.
Preprinted for
January 2012
issue of Hubbell
TIPS&NEWS
Hubbell has a policy of continuous product
improvement. We reserve the right to change
design and specifications without notice.
©
Copyright 2011 Hubbell Incorporated
Printed in U.S.A. 10/11XXX2M
Bulletin 14-1103
www.hubbellpowersystems.com