ABB AMVAC Indoor Vacuum Circuit Breaker

The next generation in ANSI medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker technology.

The AMVAC is the next generation of ANSI medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker, 

utilizing magnetic actuation technology to provide a more reliable and longer lasting solution to the industry. 

This is made possible by the simplicity of the magnetic actuator design features such as one moving part and built-in safety features.

Benefits

•Simple open and close coils, an electronic controller and capacitors for energy storage

•Requires the least maintenance of all medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker designs on the market today

•High number of operations between breaker servicing

•Increases safety by reducing personnel time in front of switchgear lineups

Features

•Rated at up to 15 kV, 3000 A, 50 kA and 27 kV, 2000 A, 25 kA

•Low-maintenance magnetic actuator mechanism and electronic controller

•Standard five-year warranty

•Fixed and withdrawable versions with front operating mechanism

•Stored energy operating mechanism with mechanical anti-pumping device supplied as standard

•Remote motorized racking options are available

Although many refinements have been made throughout the 80-90

year history of the medium voltage circuit breaker, there have

been only four generations of circuit breaker design. Early circuit

breakers were spring charged units with separate close and trip

springs. These units were used for older air-magnetic breakers.

The second generation used the same mechanism modified for

use with a vacuum bottle. 

The new generation of circuit breakers, such as the ADVAC breaker with a torroidal spring, were

designed specifically for use with vacuum technology.

Each generation reflects the best technology available at the

time of their introduction, building on the strengths of previous designs, yet adding new innovations, marking true turning points.

Although it is well established that vacuum interrupters are

capable of more than 10,000 operations, conventional stored

energy circuit breakers seldom operate beyond 10,000 operations without teardown,

re-lubrication, and/or replacement of parts.

More than 100 parts are required to perform spring charging, closing, anti-pumping and tripping functions.

Conventional stored energy breakers also place limitations on the types of control voltages allowed. 

Vacuum interrupters were mounted in

open moldings, making them susceptible to dust, moisture, and corrosive atmospheres.

The AMVAC is truly the next generation in medium voltage vacuum technology. 

With the AMVAC, ABB is the first to combine

the unique requirements of vacuum interrupter technology to a

stored energy mechanism designed to exploit these capabilities.

Using a flux-shifting device with integral permanent magnets,

the AMVAC mechanism has just seven moving parts. Having

only an open/close actuator, an electronic controller, and capacitors for energy storage, the AMVAC circuit breaker mechanism

is capable of 50,000 to 100,000 operations. Vacuum interrupters are embedded in a proprietary epoxy material, achieving

excellent dielectric and thermal capabilities. Eliminating mechanism operated cell switches, the AMVAC breaker packages all

auxiliary control contacts on the circuit breaker. These are just a

few of the features that mark a departure from the conventional

stored energy breaker and introduce new capabilities and benefits for the modern power systems.