Seismic retrofitting of an HV circuit breaker using base isolation with wire ropes. Part 1: Preliminary tests and analyses. (1st September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Alessandri, S.; Giannini, R.; Paolacci, F.; Malena, M.
• Is Part Of: Engineering structures. Volume 98(2015:Sep. 01)
• Page Start: 251
• Page End: 262
• Publication Date: 2015-09-01
• Subjects: HV equipment -- Circuit breaker -- Seismic isolation -- Wire rope isolators; Structural engineering -- Periodicals; Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Periodicals; Construction, Technique de la -- Périodiques; Génie parasismique -- Périodiques; Pression du vent -- Périodiques; Earthquake engineering; Structural engineering; Wind-pressure; Periodicals; 624.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.engstruct.2015.03.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-0296

Abstract

Highlights: An isolation system based on wire rope is proposed for the seismic protection of HV equipment. A 380 kV circuit breaker installed in typical electrical substations was selected as case study. A new model for the simulation of the cyclic response of wire rope isolators has been proposed. A simplified numerical model was used to simulate the response of circuit breaker. Time-history analyses demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed isolation system. Abstract: This paper briefly describes the design and characterisation of a base isolation system that protects HV ceramic circuit breakers during seismic events. This qualifies them to the European standard CEI EN 62271-207. The solution is based on an innovative application of wire rope isolators. Preliminary numerical analyses and tests were performed on a typical HV circuit breaker and demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed isolation system in reducing seismic demand. The results were also validated using a shaking table, which is described in an accompanying paper. The on-site installation of this system in several Italian substations has finally proved simple enough to upgrade the equipment for seismic protection.