Generator Circuit Breakers

Power plant owners must generate energy economically and safely with the highest availability of their equipment. Most operational managers recognize the need for reliable and robust generator circuit breakers. The modular diagram - which uses a generator circuit breaker compared to the block type diagram solution - has several advantages, which are summarized as following:

	Increased power plant operational availability			Easier operation particularly regarding the transfer of auxiliaries			Improved safety in faults management
	Increased protection especially for the power transformer			More flexibility and potential combinations			Substantial cost advantages

The design of the generator circuit breakers is compliant with IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 standard and other relevant international standards. The following components are commonly used in the GCB range with proven robustness and reliability.

Modular Arrangement and Switching Devices for Pump Storage Operation and Protection

GE's solution for Pumped Storage Power Plant (PSPP) offers an integrated package of protection schemes, including generator circuit breaker, phase reverse disconnector, braking, starting and back-to-back switches.

Braking Switch

Braking switch is designed to perform an electromagnetic braking of the generator by carrying out a circuit of the 3 phases, allowing to reduce the time of shutdown before being able to reverse the operation cycle.

Generator Circuit Breaker (GCB)

The use of GCB increases the overall availability of the power plant. It also insures safe, reliable, economical operation and protection of the power plant.

Starting Disconnector Switch (SDS) on generator side and Back-to-Back Switch on transformer side

Starting Disconnector and Back-to-Back switches are the mechanical isolation devices located on the generator and transformer sides of the GCB. These switches ensure busbars connection between units and allow starting in pumping mode for Pumped Storage Power Plant. SDS alone or combined SDS with back-to-back solution are available according to power plant layout.

Phase Reverse Disconnector Switch (PRDS)

Phase Reverse Disconnector Switch provides 3 phases closing in pumping or generation mode, it also makes breaking capability for active parts to ensure the safety and electrical insulation of the open device.

Based on manufacturing expertise and time-proven field experience, GE offers cost-effective and efficient solutions to help increase the life span of your generator circuit breakers and drastically reduce the risks of failure. Benefiting from GE’s innovative technical services will keep your equipment up-to-date, safe, reliable and efficient all along its lifecycle. From onsite assessment, periodic maintenance and mid-life overhaul to complete retrofit and emergency solutions, GE provides customized solutions for your generator circuit breaker according to its type, age, operating conditions and ratings.