New vacuum circuit breakers for higher voltage levels

With the Sion 3AE5, Siemens has enhanced its portfolio of vacuum circuit breakers for medium-voltage power distribution. The new circuit breaker is used as an incoming main in air-insulated medium-voltage equipment. In comparison to the previous model, the Sion 3AE5, at a rated voltage of 17.5 Kilovolt (kV), handles higher rated short-circuit currents up to 31.5 kilo amperes (kA) and can run rated operational currents up to 2500 amperes (A). The new, wider drive cover offers room for an additional release and thus more flexible options for use. The circuit breaker can be expanded with different release and interlock mechanisms. The electrical closing lockout provides for more safety. As a key component of a switchboard, circuit breakers reliably switch all operational currents and residual currents, ensure the load flow in the network and protect the distribution network and the connected loads against short circuits. Typical areas of application are ring main units and transformer stations, wind power and photovoltaic systems, as well as power distributions in industrial plants.