Contact Solutions for High and Medium Voltage Systems in PTD

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Contact Solutions for High and Medium Voltage Systems in PTD

Even today, electric contacts in power transmission and distribution systems are still made using screw or nut-bolt. Most of the time, however, there is a simpler and quicker alternative: plug-socket connectors. For Multi-Contact (MC), the Swiss connector specialist, there are a number of applications in which plug-socket connectors are more efficient to screw connectors.

As per Mr. Oliver Semling, Product Manager, Power Transmission and Distribution (PTD): “At Multi-Contact, we have over 50 years of experience with high-voltage systems. Our connector solutions are based on our well-known, tried and tested MULTILAM contact technology. This technology guarantees exceptionally low contact resistance and low heat generation at the contact point, which results in energy transfer with minimal loss.”

Principles of contact technology

The requirements that must be met by a high-quality contact are:

  Sufficient and constant contact force: to break through pollution layers throughout life cycle

 Constant, low transmission resistance: over the whole life cycle

  High heat dissipation: in continuous operation

  High resistance to thermal shock: in event of short circuit

  Low constriction resistance: i.e. many and large effective contact areas

The MULTILAM principle

Although a plug connection is not a stationary contact, it is subject to the same theoretical principles. MC MULTILAM are made from specially shaped contact strips and according to application they are plated with silver, gold or nickel and mounted in a slot.

The MULTILAM creates parallel contact points between the two surfaces from which each individual louver serves as an independent, resilient “bridge” for the transmission of current, thus substantially reducing the contact resistance. The constant spring pressure of the louvers ensures a permanent contact with the contact surfaces which results in a low and constant transmission resistance.

They have a high current-carrying capacity in both short-time and continuous operation, and ensure a dependable performance over a wide temperature range a well as a long life.

Solutions for the Switchgears (GIS, AIS), Transformers, Disconnectors, Circuit Breakers

Using this MULTILAM technology and principles MC has designed various connector solutions for the Switchgear systems which not only increases the current carrying capacity and reduce the voltage drop but also offers many other electrical and mechanical advantages. Typical MC solutions in a Switchgear are in:

  • Bushings and sockets
  • Busbar interconnections
  • Disconnector and Earthing switch
  • (3 position switch)
  • Pluggable cable termination
  • Many others

Bushing and Socket

A special socket system with MULTILAM offering advantages of low losses and ease in installation and maintenance of Bushings.

Busbar Interconnection

Here is MC special press-in socket with MULTILAM both inside and outside maintaining the efficient current flow.

Disconnector and Earthing Switch

Here comes the MC MULTILAM within the switch taking care of both required plugging and sliding cycles apart from low resistance contacts. MC has various MULTILAM and are technically chosen by our Engineering team depending on the application parameters.

Circuit Breaker

Here also MC MULTILAM is carefully selected to meet higher sliding force and high short-circuit current requirements. The advantage achieved is low sliding force which increases the reliability.

Three Position Switch (Disconnector and Earthing Switch)

Here a customized MC solution is designed to make the system compact and offer required mating cycles meeting the electrical parameters.

Pluggable Cable Terminations

The cable ends can be enhanced as pluggable so as to reduce the losses and increase the ease of installation and maintenance.

What is shown above are just a few applications examples and we can customize solutions for your specific application needs to improve the performance of electric joints or connections.

The possibility of creating a solution is manifold meeting all your specific application needs. This MULTILAM technology and our experience of more than 50 years in designing and engineering customized solutions will enhance the features and capabilities of your PTD equipment. Our solutions are running successfully into various demanding applications of HV/MV/LV switchgears (GIS, AIS), transformers, disconnectors, circuit breakers, VCB etc.

For further details:
india@multi-contact.com

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