Submarine circuit breaker

Abstract

The invention relates to a subsea circuit breaker. The subsea circuit breaker comprises a vacuum arc extinguish chamber (10), a push rod (30), an actuator (50, 50a) and a shell (60); wherein the vacuum arc extinguish chamber is located in the shell; the push rod is positioned in the shell; the actuator is positioned in the shell; the actuator is configured to actuate the push rod; the push rod is configured to enable a movable contact of the vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber to move relative to a fixed contact of the vacuum arc-extinguishing chamber when the push rod is actuated; and wherein the circuit breaker is configured to operate at subsea water pressure or in a switchgear at a higher pressure than atmospheric pressure conditions.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a subsea circuit breaker and pole arrangement and to a subsea circuit breaker system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Existing subsea disconnecting devices are developed for a rated voltage of 36 kV and a current of up to but not exceeding 1250 A.

[0003] There is a need for a cost-effective solution for a subsea disconnecting device operating at a voltage of about 72 kV and above and a current of 1250 A and above. SUMMARY

[0004] It would therefore be advantageous to provide a subsea disconnecting device operating at a voltage of about 72 kV and above and a current of 1250 A and above.

[0005] The objects of the present invention are solved by the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.

[0006] In a first aspect, there is provided a subsea circuit breaker comprising:

[0007] - a vacuum interrupter;

[0008] - a push rod;

[0009] - an actuator; and

[0010] - a housing;

[0011] The vacuum interrupter is located within the housing. The push rod is located within the housing. The actuator is located within the housing. The actuator is configured to actuate the push rod. The push rod is configured to, when actuated, move a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter relative to a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. The circuit breaker is configured to operate at subsea water pressure.

[0012] The new development is thus a pressure-resistant subsea circuit breaker.

[0013] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a subsea water pressure of up to 300 bar or more.

[0014] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a subsea water pressure associated with subsea wind turbine operation.

[0015] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a voltage of 36 kV or more.

[0016] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a voltage of 72 kV or more.

[0017] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at voltages above 132 kV.

[0018] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at currents of 1250 A or more.

[0019] In one example, the housing is configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0020] Thus, the housing itself around the vacuum interrupter and related interrupter system is able to withstand high water pressure.

[0021] In one example, the circuit breaker includes an enclosure. The housing is located within the enclosure, and a dielectric fluid is located between an outer surface of the housing and an inner surface of the enclosure.

[0022] Thus, the enclosure around the housing within which the vacuum interrupter and related circuit breaker system is located enables the high potential components to be electrically isolated from the surrounding water via the dielectric fluid. The enclosure itself need not be a pressure vessel, with the inner housing being pressure rated, and indeed the enclosure itself is pressure compensated such that the dielectric fluid exerts pressure onto the housing, where the housing is able to withstand the pressure. However, the enclosure can be designed to be pressure rated, such that neither the dielectric fluid nor the housing experience high pressure, and the housing itself need not be designed to withstand high pressure. However, even if the enclosure is able to withstand high pressure, the housing can be designed to withstand high pressure to provide a double pressure rated protection system.

[0023] In one example, the enclosure is configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0024] In one example, the circuit breaker includes a second vacuum interrupter in series with the first vacuum interrupter. The circuit breaker includes a second push rod. The second push rod is configured to move a movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter relative to a fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter when actuated.

[0025] Thus, the series connected vacuum interrupters can provide operation at increased voltages.

[0026] In one example, the second vacuum interrupter is located within the housing. The second push rod is located within the housing, and the actuator is configured to actuate the second push rod.

[0027] In one example, the second vacuum interrupter is located within the housing. The second push rod is located within the housing. The circuit breaker includes a second actuator. The second actuator is located within the housing, and the second actuator is configured to actuate the second push rod.

[0028] Thus, the series of vacuum interrupters operating at increased voltage can be practically end-to-end, so that the driver can operate both sides of the configuration simultaneously within a housing, which can be a plurality of separate housing components connected to each other, and wherein one actuator (e.g. in a central position) can operate both vacuum interrupters, or each vacuum interrupter can be operated by its own actuator.

[0029] In one example, the circuit breaker comprises a second housing. The circuit breaker comprises a second actuator. The second vacuum interrupter is located within the second housing. The second push rod is located within the second housing. The second actuator is located within the second housing, the second actuator being configured to actuate the second push rod.

[0030] Thus, the series of vacuum interrupters operating at increased voltage can be practically side-by-side within their respective housings. These housings can be a plurality of separate housing components connected to each other. Each vacuum interrupter is operated by its own actuator.

[0031] In one example, the second housing is configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0032] In one example, the second housing is located within the enclosure, and a dielectric fluid is located between an outer surface of the second housing and an inner surface of the enclosure.

[0033] In a second aspect, there is provided a subsea circuit breaker system, the subsea circuit breaker system comprising:

[0034] - a vacuum interrupter for a first phase, a vacuum interrupter for a second phase, and a vacuum interrupter for a third phase;

[0035] - a push rod for the first phase, a push rod for the second phase, and a push rod for the third phase;

[0036] - an actuator for the first phase, an actuator for the second phase, and an actuator for the third phase; and

[0037] - a housing for the first phase, a housing for the second phase, and a housing for the third phase;

[0038] The vacuum interrupter for the first phase, the push rod for the first phase, and the actuator for the first phase are located within the housing for the first phase. The vacuum interrupter for the second phase, the push rod for the second phase, and the actuator for the second phase are located within the housing for the second phase. The vacuum interrupter for the third phase, the push rod for the third phase, and the actuator for the third phase are located within the housing for the third phase. The actuator for the first phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the first phase, the actuator for the second phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the second phase, and the actuator for the third phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the third phase. The push rod for the first phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the first phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the first phase when actuated. The push rod for the second phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the second phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the second phase when actuated. The push rod for the third phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the third phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the third phase when actuated. The circuit breaker system is configured to operate at subsea water pressure.

[0039] Thus, the above-described circuit breaker is a single-phase device, while what is provided here is a three-phase subsea opening system.

[0040] In one example, the subsea circuit breaker system is configured to operate at subsea water pressure associated with subsea wind turbine operations.

[0041] In one example, the circuit breaker system is configured to operate at voltages above 36 kV.

[0042] In one example, the circuit breaker system is configured to operate at voltages above 72 kV.

[0043] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at voltages above 132 kV.

[0044] In one example, the circuit breaker system is configured to operate at currents of 1250 A or more.

[0045] In one example, the housing for the first phase, the housing for the second phase, and the housing for the third phase are configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0046] In one example, the circuit breaker system includes an enclosure. The housing for the first phase, the housing for the second phase, and the housing for the third phase are located within the enclosure. A dielectric fluid is located between an outer surface of the housing for the first phase, an outer surface of the housing for the second phase, and an outer surface of the housing for the third phase and an inner surface of the enclosure.

[0047] In one example, the enclosure is configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0048] In one example, a circuit breaker system includes a second vacuum interrupter for the first phase connected in series with the first vacuum interrupter for the first phase, a second vacuum interrupter for the second phase connected in series with the first vacuum interrupter for the second phase, and a second vacuum interrupter for the third phase connected in series with the first vacuum interrupter for the third phase. The circuit breaker system includes a second push rod for the first phase, a second push rod for the second phase, and a second push rod for the third phase. The second push rod for the first phase is configured to move a movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the first phase relative to a fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the first phase when actuated. The second push rod for the second phase is configured to move a movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the second phase relative to a fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the second phase when actuated. The second push rod for the third phase is configured to move a movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the third phase relative to a fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the third phase when actuated.

[0049] In one example, a second vacuum interrupter for a first phase is located within a housing for a first housing, a second push rod for the first phase is located within the housing for the first phase, and an actuator is configured to actuate the second push rod for the first phase. A second vacuum interrupter for a second phase is located within a housing for a second housing, a second push rod for the second phase is located within the housing for the second phase, and the actuator is configured to actuate the second push rod for the second phase. A second vacuum interrupter for a third phase is located within a housing for a third housing, a second push rod for the third phase is located within the housing for the third phase, and the actuator is configured to actuate the second push rod for the third phase.

[0050] In one example, a second vacuum interrupter for a first phase is located within a housing for the first phase, a second push rod for the first phase is located within the housing for the first phase, and the circuit breaker system includes a second actuator for the first phase. The second actuator for the first phase is located within the housing for the first phase, and the second actuator for the first phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the first phase. A second vacuum interrupter for a second phase is located within the housing for the second phase, a second push rod for the second phase is located within the housing for the second phase, and the circuit breaker system includes a second actuator for the second phase. The second actuator for the second phase is located within the housing for the second phase, and the second actuator for the second phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the second phase. A second vacuum interrupter for a third phase is located within the housing for the third phase, a second push rod for the third phase is located within the housing for the third phase, and the circuit breaker system includes a second actuator for the third phase. The second actuator for the third phase is located within the housing for the third phase, and the second actuator for the third phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the third phase.

[0051] In one example, the circuit breaker system includes a second housing for a first phase, a second housing for a second phase, and a second housing for a third phase. The circuit breaker system includes a second actuator for the first phase, a second actuator for the second phase, and a second actuator for the third phase. A second vacuum interrupter for the first phase is located within the second housing for the first phase, a second push rod for the first phase is located within the second housing for the first phase, and a second actuator for the first phase is located within the second housing for the first phase. The second actuator for the first phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the first phase. A second vacuum interrupter for the second phase is located within the second housing for the second phase, a second push rod for the second phase is located within the second housing for the second phase, and a second actuator for the second phase is located within the second housing for the second phase. The second actuator for the second phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the second phase. A second vacuum interrupter for the third phase is located within the second housing for the third phase, a second push rod for the third phase is located within the second housing for the third phase. A second actuator for the third phase is located within the second housing for the third phase. The second actuator for the third phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the third phase.

[0052] In one example, the second housing for the first phase, the second housing for the second phase, and the second housing for the third phase are configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0053] In one example, the second housing for the first phase, the second housing for the second phase, and the second housing for the third phase are located within the enclosure. A dielectric fluid is located between an outer surface of the second housing for the first phase, an outer surface of the second housing for the second phase, an outer surface of the second housing for the third phase, and an inner surface of the enclosure.

[0054] In a third aspect, a circuit breaker is provided, comprising:

[0055] - a vacuum interrupter;

[0056] - a push rod;

[0057] - an actuator; and

[0058] - a housing;

[0059] wherein the vacuum interrupter is located within the housing;

[0060] wherein the push rod is located within the housing;

[0061] wherein the actuator is located within the housing;

[0062] wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the push rod;

[0063] wherein the push rod is configured to, when actuated, move a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter relative to a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter; and

[0064] wherein the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure in the switchgear.

[0065] Thus, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure conditions in the switchgear.

[0066] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a pressure associated with operation of an offshore wind turbine.

[0067] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate by an eccentric drive system to convert rotational motion to linear motion.

[0068] In one example, the vacuum interrupter insulation material is located at an inner surface of the outer housing surface.

[0069] In one example, the vacuum interrupter insulation material is located at an inner surface of the outer housing surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0070] The exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings:

[0071] Figure 1 An example of a circuit breaker formed by two vacuum interrupters with two push rods and two separate actuators in a single housing, which can consist of multiple housing parts connected to each other, is shown, with vacuum type VG-X as exemplary vacuum interrupter (VI) and magnetic actuator as exemplary actuator; or a rotary drive can be used, where both sides are moved by applying a rod or eccentric drive mechanism.

[0072] Figure 2 An example of a three-phase circuit breaker system with three independent circuit breakers, one per phase, each consisting of two vacuum interrupters in series end-to-end, each with two push rods and two separate actuators in a single housing, which can consist of multiple housing parts connected to each other, but where the housing for the three phases is separate, and where the top and bottom flanges of the surrounding enclosure are shown;

[0073] Figure 3An example of a three-phase circuit breaker system is shown, with three separate circuit breakers, one for each phase, each circuit breaker consisting of two vacuum interrupters in series end-to-end, each circuit breaker having two push rods and two separate actuators in a single housing, which can consist of multiple housing parts connected to each other, but with the housing for three phases being separate, and with the top and bottom flanges of the surrounding enclosure and the cylindrical wall of the enclosure being shown;

[0074] and Figure 4 An example of a three-phase circuit breaker system is shown, with three separate circuit breakers, one for each phase, each circuit breaker consisting of two vacuum interrupters in series side-by-side, each vacuum interrupter of the pair of circuit breakers for one phase having a push rod and a separate actuator in a single housing, which can consist of multiple housing parts connected to each other, but with the housing of the two vacuum interrupters VI making up the circuit breaker being separate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0075] Figure 1-4 Reference is made to subsea circuit breakers and subsea circuit breaker three-phase systems. The vacuum type is shown as VG-X type, but this is only an example, different types of vacuum interrupters VI can be used, and the actuator is shown as a magnetic actuator, where different types of mechanical / electromechanical actuators can be used. A support structure can support one or more housings 60 in which the vacuum interrupters are located, where the support structure can be located within an enclosure 70. Electrical connections including busbars can lead to the contacts of the vacuum interrupters, for example, which can extend out of the top of the enclosure. It is noted that in Figure 1-4 each circuit breaker is formed by two vacuum interrupters in series to provide increased voltage operation, but each circuit breaker can be formed by a single vacuum interrupter or by more than two vacuum interrupters in series. Thus, in Figure 1-3 there can be 3, 4, 5 or more vacuum interrupters in an "end-to-end" configuration, while in Figure 4 each phase can have 3, 4, 5 or more vacuum interrupters in series side-by-side. Furthermore, in Figure 4 each of the housings shown can be a housing with two vacuum interrupters as shown in Figure 1 where it is paired with another such housing with two vacuum interrupters, where the four vacuum interrupters are in series and provide a single circuit breaker for one of the phases, and where the other two phases similarly have four vacuum interrupters making up the circuit breakers for that phase, providing high voltage in a compact form, meeting subsea breaking requirements.

[0076] An exemplary subsea circuit breaker comprises:

[0077] - a vacuum interrupter 10;

[0078] - a push rod 30;

[0079] - an actuator 50, 50a; and

[0080] - a housing 60;

[0081] The vacuum interrupter is located within the housing. The push rod is located within the housing. The actuator is located within the housing. The actuator is configured to actuate the push rod. The push rod is configured to, when actuated, move a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter relative to a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter. The circuit breaker is configured to operate at subsea water pressure.

[0082] The new development is therefore a pressure-rated subsea circuit breaker.

[0083] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at subsea water pressure of up to 300 bar or more.

[0084] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at subsea water pressure associated with subsea wind turbine operation.

[0085] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a voltage of 36 kV or more.

[0086] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a voltage of 72 kV or more.

[0087] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a voltage of 132 kV or more.

[0088] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a current of 1250 A. The circuit breaker can be configured to operate at a current of 1250 A or more.

[0089] In one example, the housing is configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0090] The housing, which surrounds the vacuum interrupter and associated interrupter system, is therefore itself able to withstand high water pressure.

[0091] In one example, the circuit breaker comprises an enclosure 70. The housing is located within the enclosure, and a dielectric fluid is located between an outer surface of the housing and an inner surface of the enclosure.

[0092] Accordingly, the vacuum interrupter and the enclosure surrounding the housing in which the associated circuit breaker system is located enables the high potential components to be electrically isolated from the surrounding water via the dielectric fluid. The enclosure itself need not be a pressure vessel, where the housing inside is pressure rated, and in fact the enclosure is pushed inwardly so that the dielectric fluid exerts the sea bed pressure onto the housing, but the housing is able to withstand the pressure. However, the enclosure can be designed to be pressure rated, so that neither the dielectric fluid nor the housing are subjected to high pressure, and the housing itself need not be designed to withstand high pressure itself. However, even if the enclosure is able to withstand high pressure, the housing can be designed to withstand high pressure to provide a double pressure protection system.

[0093] In one example, the enclosure is configured to withstand sea bed water pressure.

[0094] In one example, the circuit breaker includes a second vacuum interrupter 20 in series with the first vacuum interrupter 10. The circuit breaker includes a second push rod 40. The second push rod is configured to move the movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter relative to the fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter when actuated.

[0095] Accordingly, the series connected vacuum interrupters can provide operation at increased voltage.

[0096] In one example, the second vacuum interrupter is located within the housing. The second push rod is located within the housing, and the actuator 50, 50a is configured to actuate the second push rod.

[0097] Accordingly, although Figure 1 Two actuators 50a, 50b are shown in the middle, but only one actuator 50 or 50a can be used to actuate the push rods 30 and 40 for both vacuum interrupters 10 and 20. Here, there are also other mechanical linkages (and even energy storage devices) involved in moving the movable contacts of the vacuum interrupters, and for simplicity such a complete system is referred to here as a "push rod", and the actuation of the push rod by the actuator here means the actuation of the drive system involved in moving the movable contact.

[0098] In one example, the second vacuum interrupter is located within the housing. The second push rod is located within the housing. The circuit breaker includes a second actuator. The second actuator is located within the housing, and the second actuator is configured to actuate the second push rod.

[0099] As Figure 1-3 shown, the vacuum interrupters are connected in series in an "end-to-end" configuration within a single housing (which can be formed from multiple different parts connected together, as Figure 1 shown).

[0100] Thus, the series vacuum arc chambers available for operation at increased voltages are in a virtually "end-to-end" (meaning that the two fixed contacts are at the ends, while the movable part of the device is in the middle) configuration within a housing, which can be a number of separate housing components connected to each other, and where one actuator (for example in the center position) operates both vacuum arc chambers, or each vacuum arc chamber can be operated by its own actuator.

[0101] In one example, the circuit breaker includes a second housing 60. The circuit breaker includes a second actuator 50b. A second vacuum arc chamber is located within the second housing. A second push rod is located within the second housing. The second actuator is located within the second housing, the second actuator configured to actuate the second push rod.

[0102] As Figure 4 shown, the vacuum arc chambers are in a side-by-side series configuration, the circuit breaker also consists of two vacuum arc chambers, which enable operation at higher voltages, and each vacuum arc chamber is located within its own housing (the housing can consist of a number of different components connected together).

[0103] Thus, the series vacuum arc chambers available for operation at increased voltages are in a virtually "end-to-end" (meaning that the two fixed contacts are at the ends, while the movable part of the device is in the middle) configuration within a housing, which can be a number of separate housing components connected to each other, and where one actuator (for example in the center position) operates both vacuum arc chambers, or each vacuum arc chamber can be operated by its own actuator.

[0104] In one example, the second housing is configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0105] In one example, the second housing is located within an enclosure, and a dielectric fluid is located between the outer surface of the second housing and the inner surface of the enclosure.

[0106] An example subsea circuit breaker system includes:

[0107] - a vacuum arc chamber 10 for a first phase, a vacuum arc chamber 10 for a second phase, and a vacuum arc chamber 10 for a third phase;

[0108] - a push rod 30 for a first phase, a push rod 30 for a second phase, and a push rod 30 for a third phase;

[0109] - an actuator 50, 50a for a first phase, an actuator 50, 50a for a second phase, and an actuator 50, 50a for a third phase;

[0110] and

[0111] - a housing 60 for a first phase, a housing 60 for a second phase, and a housing 60 for a third phase;

[0112] The vacuum interrupter for the first phase, the push rod for the first phase, and the actuator for the first phase are located within the housing for the first phase. The vacuum interrupter for the second phase, the push rod for the second phase, and the actuator for the second phase are located within the housing for the second phase. The vacuum interrupter for the third phase, the push rod for the third phase, and the actuator for the third phase are located within the housing for the third phase. The actuator for the first phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the first phase, the actuator for the second phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the second phase, and the actuator for the third phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the third phase. The push rod for the first phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the first phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the first phase when actuated. The push rod for the second phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the second phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the second phase when actuated. The push rod for the third phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the third phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the third phase when actuated. The circuit breaker system is configured to operate at subsea water pressure.

[0113] As shown in Figure 2-4 there are three circuit breakers, one for each phase, each of which is composed of two vacuum interrupters. In Figure 2-3 , the two vacuum interrupters of the circuit breaker for one of the phases are in an "end-to-end" configuration, while in Figure 4 , the two vacuum interrupters of the circuit breaker for one of the phases are in a side-by-side configuration.

[0114] Thus, the above-described circuit breakers are single-phase devices, while what is provided here is a three-phase subsea opening system.

[0115] In one example, the subsea circuit breaker system is configured to operate at subsea water pressure associated with offshore wind turbine operations.

[0116] In one example, the circuit breaker system is configured to operate at voltages above 36 kV.

[0117] In one example, the circuit breaker system is configured to operate at voltages above 72 kV.

[0118] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at voltages above 132 kV.

[0119] In one example, the circuit breaker system is configured to operate at a current of 1250 A. The circuit breaker can be configured to operate at currents above 1250 A.

[0120] In one example, the housing for the first phase, the housing for the second phase, and the housing for the third phase are configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0121] In one example, the circuit breaker system includes an enclosure 70. A housing for a first phase, a housing for a second phase, and a housing for a third phase are located within the enclosure. A dielectric fluid is located between an outer surface of the housing for the first phase, an outer surface of the housing for the second phase, and an outer surface of the housing for the third phase and an inner surface of the enclosure.

[0122] In one example, the enclosure is configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0123] In one example, the circuit breaker system includes a second vacuum interrupter for a first phase in series with a first vacuum interrupter for the first phase, a second vacuum interrupter for a second phase in series with a first vacuum interrupter for the second phase, and a second vacuum interrupter for a third phase in series with a first vacuum interrupter for the third phase. The circuit breaker system includes a second push rod for the first phase, a second push rod for the second phase, and a second push rod for the third phase. The second push rod for the first phase is configured to move a movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the first phase relative to a fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the first phase when actuated. The second push rod for the second phase is configured to move a movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the second phase relative to a fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the second phase when actuated. The second push rod for the third phase is configured to move a movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the third phase relative to a fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter for the third phase when actuated.

[0124] In one example, the second vacuum interrupter for the first phase is located within a housing for a first housing, the second push rod for the first phase is located within a housing for the first phase, and the actuator 50, 50a is configured to actuate the second push rod for the first phase. The second vacuum interrupter for the second phase is located within a housing for a second housing, the second push rod for the second phase is located within a housing for the second phase, and the actuator 50, 50a is configured to actuate the second push rod for the second phase. The second vacuum interrupter for the third phase is located within a housing for a third housing, the second push rod for the third phase is located within a housing for the third phase, and the actuator 50, 50a is configured to actuate the second push rod for the third phase.

[0125] In one example, the second vacuum interrupter for the first phase is located within the housing for the first phase, the second push rod for the first phase is located within the housing for the first phase, and the circuit breaker system includes a second actuator 50b for the first phase. The second actuator for the first phase is located within the housing for the first phase, and the second actuator for the first phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the first phase. The second vacuum interrupter for the second phase is located within the housing for the second phase, the second push rod for the second phase is located within the housing for the second phase, and the circuit breaker system includes a second actuator 50b for the second phase. The second actuator for the second phase is located within the housing for the second phase, and the second actuator for the second phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the second phase. The second vacuum interrupter for the third phase is located within the housing for the third phase, the second push rod for the third phase is located within the housing for the third phase, and the circuit breaker system includes a second actuator for the third phase. The second actuator 50b for the third phase is located within the housing for the third phase, and the second actuator for the third phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the third phase.

[0126] In one example, the circuit breaker system includes a second housing 60 for the first phase, a second housing 60 for the second phase, and a second housing 60 for the third phase. The circuit breaker system includes a second actuator 50b for the first phase, a second actuator 50b for the second phase, and a second actuator 50b for the third phase. The second vacuum interrupter for the first phase is located within the second housing for the first phase, the second push rod for the first phase is located within the second housing for the first phase, and the second actuator for the first phase is located within the second housing for the first phase. The second actuator for the first phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the first phase. The second vacuum interrupter for the second phase is located within the second housing for the second phase, the second push rod for the second phase is located within the second housing for the second phase, and the second actuator for the second phase is located within the second housing for the second phase. The second actuator for the second phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the second phase. The second vacuum interrupter for the third phase is located within the second housing for the third phase, the second push rod for the third phase is located within the second housing for the third phase. The second actuator for the third phase is located within the second housing for the third phase. The second actuator for the third phase is configured to actuate the second push rod for the third phase.

[0127] In one example, the second housing for the first phase, the second housing for the second phase, and the second housing for the third phase are configured to withstand subsea water pressure.

[0128] In one example, the second housing for the first phase, the second housing for the second phase, and the second housing for the third phase are located within the enclosure. The dielectric fluid is located between the outer surface of the second housing for the first phase, the outer surface of the second housing for the second phase, the outer surface of the second housing for the third phase, and the inner surface of the enclosure.

[0129] An exemplary circuit breaker comprises:

[0130] - a vacuum interrupter 10;

[0131] - a push rod 30;

[0132] - an actuator 50, 50a; and

[0133] - a housing 60;

[0134] The vacuum interrupter is located within the housing. The push rod is located within the housing. The actuator is located within the housing. The actuator is configured to actuate the push rod. The push rod is configured to, when actuated, move a movable contact of the vacuum interrupter relative to a fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter; the circuit breaker is configured to operate in a switchgear at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

[0135] Thus, the circuit breaker is configured to operate in a switchgear at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure conditions.

[0136] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a pressure associated with the operation of an offshore wind turbine.

[0137] In one example, the circuit breaker is configured to operate by an eccentric drive system to convert rotational motion to linear motion.

[0138] In one example, the vacuum interrupter insulation material is located at an inner surface of the outer housing surface.

[0139] In one example, the vacuum interrupter insulation material is located at a distance from the inner surface of the outer housing surface to provide an insulation air gap between the vacuum interrupter VI touchable surface and the outer insulation layer or housing.

[0140] Now, the offshore circuit breaker, offshore circuit breaker system, and circuit breaker configured to operate at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure will be described in detail with reference to the embodiments, again with reference to Figure 1-4 .

[0141] As mentioned above, a new type of circuit breaker and circuit breaker system, for example for a three-phase system, has been developed, which can be used for offshore applications, providing offshore switchgear, and which can also operate at elevated atmospheric pressure. The new development is suitable for offshore applications with a rated voltage of, for example, 36-72.5 KV and above (for example 132 kV and above) and a rated current of 1250 A or higher.

[0142] The switchgear with such circuit breakers or circuit breaker systems can operate at locations between the generator of the power plant, e.g. a windmill or wind turbine, and the deep water area suitable for most subsea applications.

[0143] The new design typically has two or more circuit breaker poles, each with a vacuum interrupter, which are connected in series to reach the required voltage level. A single circuit breaker pole with a single vacuum interrupter can be used if necessary. This allows for a voltage of 36 KV, and using multiple poles allows for voltages of 72 KV and above. The circuit breaker poles are able to withstand the subsea pressure difference between the vacuum and the deep sea water pressure and can be placed in a pressure compensated enclosure filled with a dielectric medium.

[0144] The new development therefore provides a pressure resistant subsea circuit breaker pole, which is placed in a pressure compensated housing, suitable for voltages between 36 KV and 72.5 KV (higher voltages with increased number of poles in series), with a rated current of 1250 A and above. Other subsea technology around the circuit breaker can be utilized, and the overall cost of the new development is relatively low.

[0145] As shown in Figure 1-4 , the switchgear consists of one, two or typically three pressure resistant circuit breaker poles (there can be more than three circuit breaker poles), which are placed in a pressure compensated enclosure 70 filled with a dielectric fluid in a circular / triangular / linear arrangement. The circuit breaker poles consist of one or more cylindrical housings 60, which are designed to withstand the subsea pressure. The housings are connected to each other by bolts or clamped, effectively forming a single housing. Each circuit breaker pole contains one vacuum interrupter 10 or two vacuum interrupters 10 and 20 in series, an actuation device 50a, 50b for each vacuum interrupter or a multi-actuation device 50, 50a, 50b for both vacuum interrupters, a connecting rod, a push rod (referred to as push rods 30, 40) and the relevant connectors / penetrators for routing the cables to the outside. The vacuum interrupters can exist independently or be embedded in the cylindrical housings, with the contact terminals at both ends of the vacuum interrupter extending outside the cylindrical housing. The actuators are connected to the vacuum interrupters using push rods. One end of each vacuum interrupter is either electrically connected (through a busbar) outside the housing to make the field symmetrical and reduce the maximum stress on the contacts, as shown in Figure 1-3 , or inside (not shown). The circuit breaker pole can be one long housing with two vacuum interrupters in series (see Figure 1-3 ), or each vacuum interrupter can be in a different housing, connected at one end to form a series connection (see Figure 4 ).

Claims

1. A submarine circuit breaker, comprising: - vacuum interrupter (10); - a push rod (30); - an actuator (50, 50a); as well as - a housing (60); Wherein, the vacuum interrupter is located in the housing; Wherein, the push rod is located in the housing; wherein the actuator is located in the housing; wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the push rod; wherein the push rod is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter when actuated; and Wherein, the circuit breaker is configured to operate under seabed water pressure.

2. The submarine circuit breaker according to claim 1, wherein: The circuit breaker is configured to operate at a subsea water pressure associated with operation of an offshore wind turbine.

3. The submarine circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The circuit breaker is configured to operate at voltages above 72 kV.

4. The submarine circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The circuit breaker is configured to operate at currents of 1250A and above.

5. The submarine circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The housing is configured to withstand seabed water pressure.

6. The subsea circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The circuit breaker includes an enclosure (70), wherein the housing is located within the enclosure, and wherein a dielectric fluid is located between an outer surface of the housing and an inner surface of the enclosure.

7. The submarine circuit breaker according to claim 6, wherein: The enclosure is configured to withstand seabed water pressure.

8. The submarine circuit breaker according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The circuit breaker includes a second vacuum interrupter (20) connected in series with the first vacuum interrupter (10), wherein the circuit breaker includes a second push rod (40), wherein the second push rod is configured to move a movable contact of the second vacuum interrupter relative to a fixed contact of the second vacuum interrupter when actuated.

9. The submarine circuit breaker according to claim 8, wherein: The second vacuum interrupter is located within the housing, wherein the second push rod is located within the housing, and wherein the actuator (50, 50a) is configured to actuate the second push rod.

10. The submarine circuit breaker according to claim 8, wherein: The second vacuum interrupter is located within the housing, wherein the second push rod is located within the housing, and wherein the circuit breaker includes a second actuator (50b), wherein the second actuator is located within the housing, and wherein the second actuator is configured to actuate the second push rod.

11. The submarine circuit breaker according to claim 8, wherein: The circuit breaker includes a second housing (60), the circuit breaker includes a second actuator (50b), wherein the second vacuum interrupter is located in the second housing, wherein the second push rod is located in the second housing, wherein the second actuator is located in the second housing, and wherein the second actuator is configured to actuate the second push rod.

12. The subsea circuit breaker according to claim 11, wherein: The second housing is configured to withstand seabed water pressure.

13. A subsea circuit breaker according to claim 12 when appended to any one of claims 6-7 or a subsea circuit breaker according to any one of claims 8-11 when appended to any one of claims 6-7, wherein The second shell is located within the enclosure, and wherein the dielectric fluid is located between an outer surface of the second shell and an inner surface of the enclosure.

14. A submarine circuit breaker system comprising: - a vacuum interrupter (10) for the first phase, a vacuum interrupter (10) for the second phase and a vacuum interrupter (10) for the third phase; - a push rod (30) for the first phase, a push rod (30) for the second phase and a push rod (30) for the third phase; - an actuator (50, 50a) for a first phase, an actuator (50, 50a) for a second phase, and an actuator (50, 50a) for a third phase; and - a housing (60) for the first phase, a housing (60) for the second phase and a housing (60) for the third phase; Wherein, the vacuum interrupter for the first phase, the push rod for the first phase and the actuator for the first phase are located in the housing for the first phase; Wherein, the vacuum interrupter for the second phase, the push rod for the second phase and the actuator for the second phase are located in the housing for the second phase; Wherein, the vacuum interrupter for the third phase, the push rod for the third phase and the actuator for the third phase are located in the housing for the third phase; wherein the actuator for the first phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the first phase, the actuator for the second phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the second phase, and the actuator for the third phase is configured to actuate the push rod for the third phase; wherein the push rod for the first phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the first phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the first phase when actuated, the push rod for the second phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the second phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the second phase when actuated, and the push rod for the third phase is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter for the third phase relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter for the third phase when actuated; and Wherein, the circuit breaker system is configured to operate under seabed water pressure.

15. A circuit breaker comprising: - vacuum interrupter (10); - a push rod (30); - an actuator (50, 50a); as well as - a housing (60); Wherein, the vacuum interrupter is located in the housing; Wherein, the push rod is located in the housing; wherein the actuator is located in the housing; wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the push rod; wherein the push rod is configured to move the movable contact of the vacuum interrupter relative to the fixed contact of the vacuum interrupter when actuated; and Wherein, the circuit breaker is configured to operate at a pressure above atmospheric pressure in a switchgear.

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