What are the characteristics of the 35kV high-voltage switchgear?
The following is a detailed analysis of the characteristics, application scope, and key parameters of the 35kV
I. Definition of 35kV High-voltage Switchgear
The **35kV high-voltage switchgear** is an indoor power distribution device used in the **35kV power system**,
mainly for controlling, protecting, and monitoring high-voltage circuits. It has functions such as **electric energy
distribution, fault protection, and electrical isolation**. Its design complies with the national standards **GB 3906*
* (AC metal-enclosed switchgear) and **DL/T 404** (Indoor AC high-voltage switchgear).
II. Core Characteristics
1. Structural Design
- **Types**:
- **Armored type (KYN type)**: It has a metal armored layered structure, with the circuit breaker, busbar, and
cable chamber isolated from each other, and a high protection level (IP4X/IP54).
- **Compartment type (JYN type)**: It has a modular compartment design, which is convenient for maintenance
and has a lower cost.
- **Box type (XGN type)**: It has a compact box structure, occupying a small space and is suitable for small
substations.
- **Handcart Function**: It supports the three-position switching of the circuit breaker handcart ("working/
testing/maintenance") to achieve live maintenance.
2. Insulation Performance
- **Main Insulation Materials**:
- Air insulation (clearance ≥ 300mm) + Epoxy resin bushing
- Optional **composite insulation** (vacuum circuit breaker + solid insulation encapsulation), with strong
pollution resistance.
- **Rated Voltage**: 35kV, with a maximum operating voltage of **40.5kV**.
3. Protection and Control Functions
- **Standard Protection Devices**:
- Overcurrent protection, zero-sequence protection, overvoltage/undervoltage protection, differential protection
- Equipped with a **microcomputer integrated protection device (relay protection instrument)**, supporting
remote monitoring and fault diagnosis.
- **Operation Mode**: Electric/manual opening and closing, supporting **intelligent control**
(can be connected to the SCADA system).
4. Short-circuit Breaking Capacity
- **Rated Short-circuit Breaking Current**: 25kA, 31.5kA, 40kA (depending on the model)
- **Dynamic and Thermal Stability Performance**: It meets the instantaneous withstand requirements of
short-circuit faults in the power system.
5. Reliability and Safety
- **Five-prevention Functions**:
- Prevent misoperation of opening/closing the circuit breaker, prevent opening/closing the isolating switch
with load, prevent hanging the grounding wire when live, prevent closing the switch with the grounding wire,
and prevent entering the live compartment by mistake.
- **Materials**: The cabinet body is made of **cold-rolled steel plate with a thickness of more than 2mm**,
and the surface is sprayed with plastic for anti-corrosion treatment, with a service life of ≥ 30 years.
III. Application Scope
1. Power System Scenarios
- **Substations**:
- Inlet, outlet, and main transformer power distribution circuits of 35kV substations.
- As a **medium-voltage power distribution hub**, it connects the 110kV/35kV main transformer with the
10kV power distribution system.
- **Urban Power Grid**:
- Control of the high-voltage side of regional power distribution centers and cable branching boxes.
2. Industrial and Commercial Fields
- **Large Industrial Enterprises**:
- Direct starting and protection of high-voltage motors (such as 35kV motors) in steel, chemical, mining, etc.
- The internal high-voltage power distribution system of the factory (such as the 35kV busbar to the workshop
transformer).
- **Data Centers/Hospitals**:
- Switching control between the backup power supply (diesel generator) and the utility power to ensure the
continuity of power supply.
3. New Energy Projects
- **Photovoltaic/Wind Power Step-up Stations**:
- Collect 35kV collector lines and connect to the main transformer to step up the voltage to 110kV/220kV
for grid connection.
- **Energy Storage Systems**:
- Connection and protection of 35kV energy storage converters (PCS).
4. Special Environments
- **Wet/Polluted Areas**:
- Optional moisture-proof heaters and anti-pollution insulators are available, suitable for scenarios such as
coastal areas and chemical industrial parks.
- **High-altitude Areas**:
- Customized enhanced insulation switchgear (altitude ≤ 4000m).
IV. Comparison of Key Parameters (Typical Models) | |
Parameters | Values |
Rated Voltage | 35kV |
Rated Current | 630A, 1250A, 1600A, 2500A |
Rated Short-circuit Breaking Current | 25kA, 31.5kA, 40kA |
Protection Level | IP4X (Indoor)/IP54 (Outdoor) |
Operating Mechanism | Spring operating mechanism/Permanent magnet mechanism |
Main Busbar Type | Single busbar/Single busbar section |
V. Precautions for Selection
1. **Load Matching**:
- Select the rated current according to the loop current (for example, for a 35kV motor, a current above 2500A
should be selected).
- The short-circuit current needs to be coordinated with the protection of the superior substation.
2. **Environmental Conditions**:
- Altitude, temperature, humidity, pollution grade (for example, for pollution grade II, the creepage distance
ratio should be ≥ 31mm/kV).
3. **Intelligent Requirements**:
- Whether it is necessary to configure an **intelligent operation and control device** and condition monitoring
sensors (partial discharge, temperature).
4. **Standard Compliance**:
- It needs to pass the **type test** (including temperature rise test, insulation test, short-circuit test).
VI. Comparison with 10kV/110kV Switchgear | |||
Comparison Items | 35kV Switchgear | 10kV Switchgear | 110kV Switchgear |
Voltage Level | Medium-high voltage (35kV) | Medium voltage (10kV) | High voltage (110kV) |
Application Scenarios | Medium-capacity power transmission (5-50MW) | Terminal power distribution (<5MW) | Large-capacity power transmission (>50MW) |
Insulation Distance | Air clearance ≥ 300mm | Air clearance ≥ 125mm | Requiring GIS or higher insulation design |
Economy | Cost is higher than 10kV and lower than 110kV GIS | Lowest cost | Highest cost (usually using GIS) |
Conclusion
The 35kV high-voltage switchgear is a **core device in the medium-high voltage power distribution system**,
combining reliability and economy, and is suitable for scenarios such as substations, industrial enterprises, and
new energy projects. When selecting, key attention should be paid to the **short-circuit breaking capacity,
environmental adaptability**, and **intelligent configuration** to meet the long-term safe operation requirements.