How combining controlled switching functions with extensive monitoring improves operation of circuit breakers

Over the past decades, as digital technology and the IEC 61850 standard evolved jointly, the development of factory-fitted and retrofitted Circuit Breaker monitoring and control intelligent devices expanded. This has led to a considerable number of IEDs collecting the same information from primary assets for different purposes (travel characteristics, insulating medium pressure, load current…). Communication architectures using Ethernet protocols on redundant networks have also become more complex. Grid expansion and the emergence of new switchgear technologies are posing growing asset management challenges to utilities.