Electronic Control of automatic Recloser

Electronic Recloser Contol is compromised of a number of programmable, solid solid-state electronic circuits that perform the command fuctions involved in automatic recloser operation. It is used to operate all electronically controlled reclosers.
the control panel of the control unit contains the programming and opening elements of the control.

Parts of the control panel of the electronic recloser:
Minimum trip resistors - Establish the minimum trip current levels for ground and each phase; cartridges are marked in primary amps and clamped in place.
Operation counter - record the cumulative trip operations of the control.
Sequence relay - steps the control through its operating sequence.
Ground- Trip Operation Switch -Blocks all ground in the BLOCK position: prevents unintentional tripping during single -phase switching operations.

Recloser Control panel

Manual Control Switch - In the TRIP position, it locks out the control, advances the sequence relay lockout, and disconnects the battery from the control circuits. In the CLOSE position, it moves the sequence relay to the home position, reconnects the battery and closes recloser. If held in CLOSE position, it will override cold- load inrush ; however, the control will lockout for permanent faults.
Control Fuse- Protects the closing solenoid coil (on reclosers that employ solenoid closing)  if closing voltage is too low. connected in series with the closing contactor in the recloser on motor- operated units; connected in series with the contactor rotary solenoid on reclosers that  employ solenoid closing
Non- Reclosing Switch - Sets the control  for one shot to lockout without disturbing the lockout setting of the operations selector.
Lamp Test Lockout Switch - Enables testing the signal  lamp and checking for lockout.
Lockout Indicating Signal lamp - Provides visual indication of control lockout
Battery Test Tetminals - Enable checking battery voltage, charging rate ,and quiescent current drain.
Reset -Delay Plug - Determines the delay interval before the control resets after a successful reclosure during an operation sequence. the delay value is determined by position of the plug in socket adapter.
Phase Trip Timing Plugs - Provide a variety of current integrated timing curves on individual plugs for coordinating the phase trip operation with backup and downline protective devices.
Ground Trip Timing Plugs -Provide a variety of current integrated timing curves on individual plug for coordinating the ground-trip operation with backup and downline protective devices.
Reclosing  Interval Plugs - Determines the delay interval for each closing operation. The delay value is determined by the position of the plug in the socket adapter. An instantaneous plug is available for the first reclose interval only.
Phase Trip Selector - Programs the number of fast phase trip operations as defined by the timing pug in Socket 1; the remaining (slower) operations to lockout are defined by the plug in phase trip socket 2
Lockout Selector - Programs the total number of operations to lockout.
Ground Trip Selector-  Programs the number of fast ground trip operations as defined by the timing plug in socket 1; the remaining (slower) operations to lockout are defined by the plug in ground trip socket 2

Automatic Circuit Recloser

Recloser is a device that is used in over head distribution systems to interrupt the circuit to clear faults. Automatic reclosers have its electronic control senses and vacuum interrupters that automatically recloses to restore service  if a fault is temporary. There are several attempts that may be made to clear and reenergize the circuit and if the fault still exist the recloser locks out. Reclosers are made in single-phase and three-phase versions, and use  oil or vacuum interrupters.

Operation
Systems where a SCADA control interface capability is required in the use of automatic reclosers. The controls for the reclosers range from the original electromechanical systems to digital electronics. The operating sequence of all the reclosers can  be all fast, all delayed or any combination of fast followed by delayed up. Fast operations clear temporary faults before branch circuit line fuses are weakened. Delayed operations allow time for down time protective devices to clear so that permanent faults can be confined to smaller sections of the system.

Three Phase Vacuum Circuit Recloser
image credit: www.abb.com  

A complete electronic recloser package consists of the recloser which interrupts the circuit, an electronic control which senses over-currents and actuates the recloser and an interconnecting control cable.

Tripping and Closing

Recloser tripping and closing are initiated by signals from the electronic control. When fault currents in excess of the programmed minimum-trip value are detected in one or more phases, a signal from the control actuates a low energy tripper in the operating mechanism of the recloser to trip the opening springs and open the interrupter contacts. Closing energy and the force required to charge the opening springs is supplied by a high-voltage closing solenoid momentarily connected phase-to-phase through a high-voltage contactor.  At the programmed reclosing time, the control energizes a rotary solenoid in the operating mechanism which mechanically closes the closing solenoid contactor to connect the closing coil to its power source.  The energized closing coil pulls a plunger down, charging the opening springs.