6
Design and specifications are subject to change without notice
S47183-e 01/2008
3. Technical informations
3.1 Introduction
•
Gerapid is a high-speed DC circuit breaker. This is a sin-
gle-pole DC breaker, primarily designed for use in rail-
way propulsion-power distribution systems with operat-
ing currents up to 8000A (code nr: 1) and operating volt-
ages up to 3600V (code nr: 2). Additional application ar-
eas are special industrial plants as electrolysis plants,
mines or steel mills.
•
The breaker type Gerapid has a very high interruption
capacity combined with a current limiting characteristic.
The arc chute works on the basis of an asbestos-free arc
splitting principle.
•
A wide variety of accessories and spares are available
for maintenance, repair, or as a possible extension.
The
breaker shall be configured by using PST coding sys-
tem
, available at the end of this instruction or as an ex-
cel file, free of charge.
•
Closing of the circuit breaker is performed through a
high-power solenoid drive (code nr: 3).
•
During inspections, opening and closing may be carried
out by means of a hand lever (code nr: 16), which is
mounted onto the armature of the closing drive.
•
Overload tripping is obtained directly via OCT device
(code nr: 7) or, optionally by electro-dynamic coil
(code
nr: 12). Indirect remote tripping can be achieved by
means of a shunt trip or exclusively, by a zero voltage
release (code nr: 11).
•
Gerapid breakers have a compact and enclosed con-
struction [Fig. 4]. They are IP 00 protected. All parts are
mounted on thick-walled, non-breakable and fireproof
insulation panels.
Fig. 4 Modular construction overview
3.2 Components and accessories
3.2.1 Contact system
•
Gerapid breakers are equipped with a two-stage con-
tact system [Fig. 5], consists of a main contact and an
arcing contact. With this proven design of the contact
system, the main contact is not subjected to any wear or
tear.
•
The main contacts are coated with a silver, composite
material. The arcing contact and link braid are made
from copper and can be easily replaced.
•
The flexible bend is linked to the arcing contact by
means of very tight braid.
Fig. 5 Contact system: new (upper) and old (lower) type
3.2.2 Arc chute (code nr: 2)
•
Compact and modular design of the arc system requires
no additional magnetic support and allows smaller
safety distances with high breaking capacity.
•
Because of the new compact dimensions these breakers
can be installed in extremely small enclosures (from
600mm; 2ft) and offers a cost-effective solution for re-
placements.
•
An adaptor is used to mount the various arc chutes for
different operating voltages to the breakers.
•
The arc chutes consist of a highly durable, arc-proof ma-
terial, wherein the arc plates have been integrated.
•
The arc plates split the arc into partial arcs and increase
the arcing voltage by multiplying the anode and cath-
ode voltage drop. Because of their high heat capacity,
the plates and arc chute walls absorb a large amount of
the arc’s energy.
Arcing contact
Arc runner
Main contact
Flexible band
Braid
