DISCONNECTORS AND LOAD SWITCHES for railways GRID
Disconnectors and load switches for railways Alstom Grid delivers transmission solutions worldwide to utility and large industrial customers seeking smarter, more stable, more efficient and more environmentally-friendly electrical grids. Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmarks for innovative and environmentally-friendly technologies. Alstom powers the fastest trains and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, providing turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources: including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind. Alstom also offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 96,500 people in more than 70 countries, with sales of over 23 billion* in 2009/10. Alstom Transport Alstom Transport develops and markets the most complete range of systems, equipment and services in the railway market. The company is no. 1 in the high and very high speed train sector and ranks second worldwide in urban transport, regional trains, signalling, infrastructure equipment and associated services. One of our key competitive strengths is our industry-leading product and service offering. This allows Alstom to offer the optimal solution for customers' specific needs, as well as to optimise the integration of the various parts in full screen projects. Alstom Transport is present in over 60 countries and employs some 27,000 people. Alstom Grid: solution provider for the railway sector Thanks to a vast experience in the supply of disconnectors to the railway sector, Alstom Grid is fully aware of the needs and issues facing the market and works in partnership with its customers to provide tailored solutions to meet all requirements. Alstom Grid is at the forefront when it comes to offering innovative solutions to its customers that are able to guarantee better results in terms of reduced maintenance and therefore time and cost savings. Alstom Grid's entire product range has been developed to perfectly meet the most severe technical specifications of the railway sector. An efficient and punctual service is the primary need for passengers and this can only be obtained through a reliable electrification system: that means the use of high quality products. Our R&D team is committed to delivering the best values that customers expect: quality, safety, reliability. You only have to choose... we do the rest!
Global leader in disconnectors Alstom Grid is the world's largest manufacturer of disconnectors, having delivered and installed over 140,000 units in more than 130 countries around the world. Alstom Grid disconnectors are the result of over 75 years of experience in developing high voltage switches. They have proven their reliability in the torrid climates of Arizona (USA), Australia and Sudan and in the extremely cold territories of Canada, Russia and Sweden, in the tropical weather of Panama, Indonesia, Malaysia and Venezuela and in regions with intense seismic activity such as Chile and California (USA). The key role of disconnectors The railway network has to be globally interconnected and the connection between systems with different voltages and frequencies (electrical borders) can only be achieved through the disconnecting points that decouple them. Railways overview Disconnectors are an essential element of the supply systems (overhead catenaries or ground level wires) that feed the trains. Their function is to disconnect the cells that make up the whole line (one cell is defined by two disconnecting points) in order to supply energy only when necessary (when a train is running). Most importantly, disconnectors provide visible and reliable air gap isolation to ensure safety during maintenance operations. Several different electrification systems are in use throughout the world due to the requirements in each country and for historical or technical reasons. There are different ratings for different countries and in some cases two electrification systems co-exist in the same country. The universal 2 x 25 kv single phase alternating current (50 Hz frequency) supply system is used for high speed applications. The most commonly used systems are: - 3 kv DC: Russia, Italy, Spain, South Africa - 15 kv single phase AC with special 16 Hz frequency: Germany, Norway, Switzerland - 25 kv single phase AC 50 Hz: Russia, France, China, Japan, Great Britain Designed to meet the specifications of major railway companies
S2V load switch The S2V is a new generation load switch specifically designed for railway applications and based on a well-proven design to guarantee both reliability and high performance over the years. The main advantage of this series of load disconnectors is the possibility for maintenance staff to work under voltage to easily and quickly mount over -voltage limiters onto the switching device, thus simplifying the mounting of the disconnector on the pole and enabling better handling due to reduced weight. All current carrying parts are made of silver-coated electrolytical copper forming a loop-free path for the current flow. The interrupting chamber is vacuum insulated where the contacts inside disconnect after the main contacts open. Load disconnectors are operated by external manual or motor-operated drive mechanisms. Text here.351 Customised layouts available on request
S2DA centre break The S2DA disconnector is one of the most commonly used types in the world thanks to its simple, efficient design. It is a rugged performer even in the most adverse operating conditions. The S2DA is reliable in high winds and heavy ice and always stable in the closed position during short circuits. A galvanised structural steel channel base supports the insulators and live parts ensuring a high strength, rigid design. The two insulator stacks rotate on weather-sealed, greaseless and maintenance-free rotor bearings and the blades are made of extra-heavy extruded aluminium with replaceable silver-plated copper contacts at the opening point. Special flexible connections were designed to guarantee low maintenance, inspection-free, long term operation. The S2DA does not require any special tools to be adjusted and is recognised worldwide as an easy to install disconnector. Thanks to its selflubricating parts and corrosion-free materials, the S2DA is virtually maintenance-free. Customised layouts available on request
S3C double side break The S3C is a low profile, reduced phase-to-phase distance double side break switch which offers additional space savings - a key advantage when designing your substation. The optimal mechanical and electrical characteristics of the current carrying parts are ensured through the use of high strength aluminium alloys combined with silver-plated copper contacts. The rectangular aluminium blade is attached to the top of the centre rotating insulator and moves smoothly from a fully open to a fully closed position in the stop in the jaw. A galvanised structural steel channel base supports the insulators and the live parts ensuring a high-strength, rigid design. The centre insulator stack rotates on weather sealed, greaseless rotor bearings on which no maintenance is required. Alstom Grid experts are pleased to propose customised solutions including vertical, underhung and phase-over-phase. Customised layouts available on request
S3F vertical break The S3F disconnector is specifically designed for railway applications with a reduced phase-to-phase distance and is a rugged performer even in the most adverse operating conditions. The optimal mechanical and electrical characteristics of the current carrying parts are ensured through the use of high strength aluminium alloys combined with silver-plated copper contacts. The moving aluminium blade is attached to the top of the tilting insulator which acts on the blade to smoothly open and close the switch. A galvanised structural steel channel base supports the insulators and the live parts ensuring a high-strength, rigid design. The insulator stacks rotate on weather sealed, greaseless rotor bearings on which no maintenance is required. Single, two or three-pole solutions have been specifically designed to meet the individual requirements of railway feeders or catenaries. The S3F can be fitted with an earthing switch that is mechanically or key interlocked with the blades of the disconnector. Customised layouts available on request
S2CRE side break The S2CRE disconnector is specifically designed for railway installations. Easy assembly and reliability are guaranteed by the small number of components and the simple open/close movement. The S2CRE is reliable in high winds and heavy ice conditions and always stable in the closed position during short circuits. A galvanised structural steel channel base supports the insulators and the live parts ensuring a high strength, rigid design. The S2CRE uses flexible connections and has one fixed and one rotating insulator on which the mobile arm is connected. The mobile insulator stacks rotate on weather-sealed, greaseless, maintenance free rotor bearings and the blades are made of extra-heavy extruded aluminium with replaceable silver-plated copper contacts at the opening point. Alstom Grid experts are pleased to propose customised solutions including vertical, underhung and phase-over-phase. Customised layouts available on request
Operating mechanisms Alstom Grid has designed a range of mechanisms to meet the specific needs of railway applications. The housing has a standard tightness rating of IP54 and is made of stainless steel, the only way to ensure mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. Alstom Grid experts are pleased to propose customised solutions including vertical and lateral output transmission for motor operations and manual lever and pump-handle solutions for manual operations. All solutions provide real position signalisation of the disconnector as well as the necessary operational interlocking functions. Alstom Grid uses only the highest quality corrosion-resistant materials available. Motorised operating mechanism with lateral output transmission Manual operating mechanism with pump-handle transmission Insulators Disconnectors are suitable for use with both ceramic and composite insulator types. Composite insulators have some advantages over ceramic insulators: lighter weight for better performance during earthquakes - improved handling - no broken sheds hydrophobicity, meaning reduced maintenance due to higher insulating behaviour in case of pollution and moisture Alstom Grid uses only top quality ceramics to ensure the best mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.
Our references In 2010 alone, Alstom Grid delivered more than 4,000 poles to its railway customers worldwide. Quality Alstom Grid prides itself on being the n. 1 supplier of disconnectors in the world. Our design principles, the technical know-how and experience of our experts and the careful selection of suppliers ensure that only top quality materials are used during production, providing an excellent life cycle cost. R&D To remain the world's largest manufacturer of disconnectors means constantly improving our technologies. Our modern production facilities in Europe, the Americas and Asia are always seeking newer and more efficient organisational structures. Alstom Grid facilities are developed to grow with the requirements of evolving technologies in order to perfectly manage the quality of components and the essential elements of our disconnectors. Certifications All Alstom Grid disconnector manufacturing sites worldwide are certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. Alstom Grid designs, manufactures, tests and delivers it disconnectors in accordance with the latest ANSI and IEC standards, as well as GB Chinese national standards.
l Our staff is your staff Customer intimacy From project design through to commissioning and after sales customer service, Alstom Grid places great emphasis on developing long term relationships with its clients. Our extensive network of representatives maintains contact with our customers around the world. We're there - where and when you need us Service Alstom Grid specialists are available to ensure rapid disconnector installation and erection supervision, as and when requested. Training Training courses are available on all of our principle units, either on-site or in Alstom Grid training facilities. These training courses facilitate the transfer of knowledge and techniques to our customers on installation, general operation and eventual equipment maintenance. Maintenance Alstom Grid disconnectors are designed to offer a working life of over 40 years of trouble-free service with zero or minimum maintenance. Substitution, upgrading and overhaul of disconnectors is possible. Our teams work closely with customers to save costs by using new or refurbished components on existing equipment whenever possible.
ALSTOM Grid Worldwide Contact Centre www.alstom.com/grid/contactcentre Tel: +44 (0) 1785 250 070 www.alstom.com