Protection Devices and

Systems for
High-Voltage Applications
 POWER ENGINEERING
Series Editor
H. Lee Willis
ABB Inc.
Raleigh, North Carolina

1. Power Distribution Planning Reference Book, H. Lee Willis

2. Transmission Network Protection: Theory and Practice, Y. G. Paithan-
kar
3. Electrical Insulation in Power Systems, N. H. Malik, A. A. Al-Arainy,
and M. I. Qureshi
4. Electrical Power Equipment Maintenance and Testing, Paul Gill
5. Protective Relaying: Principles and Applications, Second Edition, J.
Lewis Blackburn
6. Understanding Electric Utilities and De-Regulation, Lorrin Philipson
and H. Lee Willis
7. Electrical Power Cable Engineering, William A. Thue
8. Electric Systems, Dynamics, and Stability with Artificial Intelligence
Applications, James A. Momoh and Mohamed E. El-Hawary
9. Insulation Coordination for Power Systems, Andrew R. Hileman
10. Distributed Power Generation: Planning and Evaluation, H. Lee Willis
and Walter G. Scott
11. Electric Power System Applications of Optimization, James A. Momoh
12. Aging Power Delivery Infrastructures, H. Lee Willis, Gregory V. Welch,
and Randall R. Schrieber
13. Restructured Electrical Power Systems: Operation, Trading, and Vola-
tility, Mohammad Shahidehpour and Muwaffaq Alomoush
14. Electric Power Distribution Reliability, Richard E. Brown
15. Computer-Aided Power System Analysis, Ramasamy Natarajan
16. Power System Analysis: Short-Circuit Load Flow and Harmonics, J.
C. Das
17. Power Transformers: Principles and Applications, John J. Winders, Jr.
18. Spatial Electric Load Forecasting: Second Edition, Revised and Ex-
panded, H. Lee Willis
19. Dielectrics in Electric Fields, Gorur G. Raju
20. Protection Devices and Systems for High-Voltage Applications,
Vladimir Gurevich

ADDITIONAL VOLUMES IN PREPARATION

 Protection Devices and
Systems for
High-Voltage Applications

Vladimir Gurevich
Israel Electric Corp.
Haifa, Israel

M A R C E L

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Series Introduction

Power engineering is the oldest and most traditional of the various areas within
electrical engineering, yet no other facet of modern technology is currently
undergoing a more dramatic revolution in both technology and industry
structure. Certainly protection engineering, one of the fundamental areas of
power engineering, is no exception. While the goals of protection engineering -
public and employee safety, equipment protection, and power supply reliability -
have never changed, both the needs for and methods to achieve power system
protection have changed dramatically in the last decades and will continue to
evolve as electrical appliances and digital equipment become ever smarter,
faster, and more integrated into the fundamental infrastructures of our society.
Protection Devices and Systems for High-Voltage Applications presents
several interested new switching technologies - reed switch contacts, hybrid
reed-transistors and hybrid reed-thyristors - that have heretofore received little
comprehensive coverage in references and textbooks. Vladimir Gurevich's focus
is on the switching technologies and the devices themselves. His book
comprehensively reviews these new devices, the concepts behind their operation,
their design, and their construction and usage. As is often the case with high-
speed, high-power switching devices, these switching devices have applications
in both RF and power protection equipment. The author highlights both the
similarities and the differences in these two application areas and shows how
these new technologies are applied to each. Industrial and power equipment
engineers will find the book interesting and thought-provoking, whether these
devices are directly applicable to their areas of engineering, or merely of interest
from a professional and technical development standpoint.
Like all the volumes in the Series, Protection Devices puts modern
technology in a context of practical application; useful as a reference book as
well as for self-study and advanced classroom use. The series includes books

iii
iv Series Introduction

covering the entire field of power engineering, in all its specialties and
subgenres, all aimed at providing practicing power engineers with the knowledge
and techniques they need to meet the electric industry's challenges in the 21st
century.

H. Lee Willis
Preface

This book describes a family of new devices (protection relays, contactors,

automatic circuit breakers, etc.) based on reed switch contacts, hybrid (reed-
transistors and reed-thyristors) technology, and various automatic device-based
components intended for use in high-voltage (5 to 100 kV) power supplies,
power on these lasers and radar, RF-generators, and also in protection systems
for 6 to 24 kV distribution networks.

This volume is a product of my professional experience accumulated over

many years of work in research laboratories and industrial companies in the
former Soviet Union and Israel.

The book consists of seven chapters and six appendices.

The first chapter discusses general problems related to the generation of

current overload protection systems of high-voltage electrical installations.

The second chapter describes different designs of the new high-voltage

interfaces presented by the author for the first time. Dozens of patents have been
registered for different variations of these devices, but the book includes only
the novel devices developed by the author, the descriptions of which have not
been published before.

The third chapter describes the high-voltage semiconductor and reed

switch-based hybrid switching devices.

The fourth chapter describes novel low-voltage switching devices used

for high-voltage power supplies, including semiconductor, hybrid, soft-start and
others.

v
vi Preface

The fifth chapter includes descriptions of different automation devices

developed by the author, designated for use in high-voltage power networks in
the power industry.

The sixth chapter describes automatic overload protection systems for

powerful high-voltage radio electronic devices: radar, lasers, RF-generators, etc.

The seventh chapter describes different technological high-voltage

devices.

Appendices include various reference data: recommended materials for

production, the most suitable electronic components (reed switches, thyristors,
transistors, HV cables, solid-state modules, relays, etc.).

The described devices and systems were first mentioned in the author's
previous book: "High-Voltage Devices with Reed Switch" - 2000 (in Russian).
This previous book contains further information about the author's work in the
field. For the readers' convenience, Appendix A lists some other author
publications in English, which are available internationally and a list of libraries
and institutions that have this book.

All the described devices and systems were constructed by the author and
successfully tested. Some of them have been successfully used in different
power installations. Moreover, in some cases the devices were put to use in
industry beyond their intended scope. For example, some RG-series relays were
used for transmission of discrete control commands from ground potential to
electronic modules, with high voltage applied to them. Another example: high-
voltage HVTS-5 switching devices were used for generation of strong high-
voltage pulses in a special transformer bench-test.

The author will be pleased to reply to the readers' questions and will
appreciate any constructive criticism. Send your comments to:

Vladimir Gurevich, Ha'eshchar St., 8, Haifa, 35844 Israel

E-mail: [email protected]
Contents

Series Introduction iii

Preface v
Acronyms xi

1 Problems of Overload and Spark Protection Systems for High Power

RF Generators, Lasers, and Radar 1
1.1 Common Problems of HV Equipment 1
1.2 Interface Relays 3

2 High-Voltage Interface RG-series Relays 9

2.1 HV Interface Relays for DC Circuits 9
2.2 The Impulse Action Device 19
2.3 HV RG-series Interfaces for Power Engineering 22
2.4 Special RG-relay-Based Devices 26
2.4.1 Relay Responding to the Current Change Rate 26
2.4.2 Differential RG-relay 27
2.4.3 RG-relay-Based Device for Current Measurement in
High Potential Circuits 28
2.4.4 The Use of Spark-Arresting Circuits for Reed Switches
in DC Circuits 30

3 High-Voltage Switching Devices 35

3.1 HV Relay "Goliath" Series 35
3.2 HV Solid-State Switching Devices HVTS Series 41
3.3 HV Reed Switch Based Commutation Devices 47
3.4 Hybrid Commutation Devices 49
3.5 Reliability of the HV Commutation Devices Based on Serially
Connected Elements 58

vii
viii Contents

4 Low-Voltage Switching Devices for High-Voltage Power Supply 65

4.1 Soft-Start Thyristor Contactor 65
4.2 Soft-Start Contactor on IGBT Transistors 67
4.3 Power-Combined Device 69
4.4 Hybrid Power Relay 71
4.5 Hybrid Switch, Based on Anti-Parallel
Connected Thyristors (SAPT) 83
4.6 Temperature Influence on SAPT Operation 93
4.7 Hybrid Reed-Transistor Switching Device for DC Circuits 102

5 Applications for Power Engineering 111

5.1 New Relay Protection Technology 111
5.2 Hybrid Over-Current Protection Relay "Quasitron" Series 113
5.3 Arc Protection Device for Switchboard 6 - 24 kV 121
5.4 Automatic Reset Short Circuit Indicator for 6 - 24 kV Bus Bars 123
5.5 High-Voltage Threshold Current Transducer 125
5.6 Single-Phase Ground Faults Protection 131
5.7 Ground Circuit Fault Indicator for Underground HV Cable
Network 134
5.8 Current Transformers Protection from Secondary Circuit
Disconnection 139
5.9 Protection Against Ferroresonance in Voltage Transformers 142
5.10 HV Indicators for Switchgears and Switchboards 145
5.11 High-Speed Voltage Unbalance Relay 152
5.12 Device for Protection of Electrical Networks with Insulated
Neutral from Voltage Spikes, Producing by Commutation
Apparatus 156

6 Applications for Powerful Radio-Electronic Equipment 159

6.1 A Special Commutation Device for Unattended Booster
Stations 159
6.2 System Protection for Powerful Radar 165
6.3 Protection System for Powerful Industrial Lasers 173

7 High-Voltage Devices for Industrial Applications 177

7.1 Automatic High-Voltage Circuit Breakers 177
7.2 High-Voltage Laboratory Power Supply 183
7.3 Power Relay with Protective Contacts (REPROCON) 185
7.4 The Use of High-Voltage RG-series Relays in
Electro-Physical Installations 188

Appendix A: Selected Publications by the Author 191

Appendix B: Some Types of RG-relays with a Special Characteristics 201

Contents ix

Appendix C: Environmental Tests of RG-relays for MIL-STD-202

Requirements 211

Appendix D: Components Recommended for Use in HV Protection

Devices 215
Dl Reed Switches 216
D2 Solid State Modules 221
D3 High-Voltage Thyristors 232
D4 High-Voltage High Power Transistors 236
D5 Low-Voltage Electromagnetic Relays 242
D6 Connectors 265
D7 HV Cables and Cable Assemblies 269
D8 Capacitors DC/AC 273

Appendix E: Insulation Materials for Production of RG-relays 279

Appendix F: Engineering Equations for Calculations of Magnetic

Conductivity in Magnetic Circuits and Electrical Fields
for Some Forms of Electrodes 285

Index 291
Acronyms

AC - Alternating Current IGBT - Isolated Gate Bipolar

Transistor
ACB - Automatic Circuit Breaker LED - Light-Emitting Diode
APD - Arc Protection Device LPU - Load-per-Unit Ratio
CT - Current Transformer LR - Latching Relay
DC-Direct Current LV - Low Voltage
DFL - Device for Forming Loops M - Modulator
EMI - Electro-Magnetic Interference MOSFET - Metal Oxide
Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor
EPI - Electro-Physical Installation M U - Mobile Unit
ET - Electronic Tube (vacuum) PCB - Printed Circuit Board
FET - Field-Effect Transistor PS-Power Supply
GCFI - Ground Circuit Fault Indicator RF - Radio Frequency
GFD - Ground Fault Detector RB-Rectifier Bridge
HPR - Hybrid Power Relay REPS - Remote Electric Power Supply
HVTS - High Voltage-Thyristor RG - Relay of Gurevich
Switch
IC - Integrated Circuit RG-PLS - Impulse Action RG Relay
IEC - International Electrotechnical RL-load - Load, Contained Resistance
Commission and Inductance

xi
xii Acronyms

SAPT - Switch, Based on Anti-Parallel TC-soft - Thyristor Contactor with

Thyristors Soft-Start
SCI - Short Circuit Indicator TDGC - Temperature Dependence of
Gate Current (static)
SCR - Silicon Controlled Rectifier TCDS - Thyristor Contactor with
Direct Start
SPST-NO - Single Pole Single Throw TSDC - Thyristor Switch with Direct
Normally Open Contact Connection
SSA - Special Switching Apparatus UBS - Unattended Booster Station
SSLS - Series Shared Load System VAC - Volt-Ampere Characteristics
SU-Stationary Unit VT - Voltage Transformer
 Protection Devices and
Systems for
High-Voltage Applications
1
Problems of Overload and Spark Pro-
tection Systems for High Power RF
Generators, Lasers, and Radar

1.1 COMMON PROBLEMS OF HV EQUIPMENT

High voltage (HV) equipment (10-100 kV) has become very popular over the
last few years. It is utilized in military and civil radar stations, powerful signal
transmitters for communication, broadcasting and TV systems, technological
lasers, X-ray devices, powerful electronic and ion devices, devices for inductive
heating and melting of metals, technological electron accelerators for materials
irradiation, electro-physical and medical equipment, and industrial microwave
ovens, among others.
Despite considerable success in each of these fields, the problem of current
overload protection (level current trip) of such devices, caused by HV circuit insu-
lation breakdowns or breakdowns in the high voltage devices, still remains acute.
The first is related to unfavorable conditions that cause moisture and dust penetra-
tion into the equipment, and the second to unpredictable internal breakdowns in
high voltage vacuum electronic elements (klystrons, tetrodes, etc.) or semiconduc-
tor elements (HV rectifier).
Current overload protection in such devices is usually resolved by inclusion
of current sensors and electronic relays into the low voltage (LV) or grounded
circuits. However, such protection is not necessarily efficient and implies some
problems:

1. Complicated devices include more than one HV circuit, often having dif-
ferent potential relative to ground, as well as different internal resistance
and operational currents. This produces difficulties in adjustment of the

1
2 Chapter 1

sensor connected to the common ground circuit and is not appropriate for
equal protection efficiency of all these circuits.

2. The possibility of connecting to an emergency current sensor located

only in the common ground circuit imposes certain restrictions on the
system design, forcing the designers to use more complex and expensive
devices.

3. In this matter, sensitivity of the current sensor is dependent on grounding

circuit quality, which is particularly severe in mobile equipment. How-
ever, this connection enables high voltage overpass to a low voltage cir-
cuit in emergency mode. All this has an effect on the equipment and
maintenance personnel.

4. Internal high voltage power supplies (PS) have a powerful filter with re-
active elements used for leveling the high voltage rectifier pulsations. If
such power supplies are disconnected from the low voltage power supply
net (220, 380, 440 V), the reactive filter elements will still replenish the
arc in the breakdown point up to their complete discharge. On the other
hand, a "crowbar" connecting to the HV source at the high voltage side,
rather than disconnection at the LV side, will cause a heavy overload of
the high voltage rectifier and the feeding transformer elements. In this
way, their risk of failure will drastically increase.

5. The use of protective shorting by gas discharge thyratrons or vacuum-

triggered spark gaps yields more problems because of the extremely short
time (a few microseconds) during which discharge current flow is
permitted via such devices. In continuous operation, very small currents
are permitted in such devices. For example, in a HY-3201 device with
parameter values as high as Uanode=32kV and Ianode=20kA, the permitted
average anode current is only 0.5A. On the one hand, it is quite difficult
to enable discharge of such powerful filter elements within fractions of
microseconds. On the other hand, considerable discharge currents are not
permitted via standard high-capacity filter condensers. They can be dis-
charged only via limiting resistance, namely within time intervals longer
than a few microseconds. Moreover, thefilamentcircuit of the thyratrons
must be permanently powered, similar to standard high-power electronic
tubes (6.3 V, 18A).

6. When a PS with a powerful step-up transformer, rectifier and high capac-

ity ripple filter at the output is connected to equipment, a strong current
spike occurs, causing the overloading of all the above elements.
Problems of Overload and Spark Protection 3

This generates a need for selective tuning-out of the emergency current sen-
sor, which considerably lowers protection efficiency.

This book describes a new generation of universal HV equipment

protection systems to deal with overcurrent situations and internal
breakdowns. A set of units comprises a series of High Voltage Interface
Relays or RG ("Relay of Gurevich"), a series of low voltage solid state
contactors and a series of HV thyristor short circuiting devices, and other
devices.
We offer system designers a set of universal units from which a variety
of highly efficient protection systems, customized to specific needs, can be
assembled.

1.2 INTERFACE RELAYS

Technical difficulties caused by the presence of functional components isolated

from each other, not permitting direct connection owing to a high difference of
potentials, are encountered when designing systems for control and protection
against emergency conditions (over current, sparks) in modern power HV equip-
ment. To guarantee information and electrical compatibility as well as to imple-
ment the required algorithms for interaction of functional components of equip-
ment, special control instruments are required that have been called "interface
relays" or "insulating interfaces" in the technical literature. The general principle
of design of these instruments is the presence of a special galvanic decoupling unit
between the receiving and final controlling systems of the relay.
Interface relays with a working voltage of more than 10 kV have the greatest
interest for these areas of engineering, to which the present study is devoted.
In the design of devices classified as interface relays, some of the widely-
used physical principles may not be used in electrical relays of other types.
It is well-known that any electromagnetic relay has a specific level of isola-
tion of the output circuits from the input circuits, i.e., it functions secondarily as an
interface relay. However, in ordinary relays, this function is not decisive and is not
at all considered in the existing system of classification. In the interface relay, the
property of galvanic decoupling of the circuits has been repeatedly intensified, and
the parameters of the galvanic decoupling unit are decisive from the standpoint of
the function performed by this relay. On the other hand, the parameters associated
with switching capacity are secondary and, significantly, can be interface relays
with the same level of galvanic decoupling. In this regard, an artificial assignment
of interface relays to existing classes does not seem to be expedient. Rather, it
seems more appropriate to classify them as a separate type of electrical equipment
having an intrinsic structure based mostly on classification according to character-
4 Chapter 1

istics of the galvanic decoupling unit. For example, according to the decoupling
voltage level:

low level (to 10 kV);

medium level (10 to 100 kV);
high level (above 100 kV).

According to principle of action:

opto-electronic,
pneumatic,
radio-frequency,
electrohydraulic,
transformer,
ultrasonic,
electromagnetic, and with mechanical transmission.

According to speed:

super fast (up to 100 sec);

fast (100 sec to 2 ms);
inertial (above 2 ms).

Although such classification may seem arbitrary, it fully reflects the most
important properties of interface relays that have a decisive effect on the functions
performed by them.
The simplest interface relays of the opto-electronic type typically consists of
a light-emitting element (LED) built into the semiconductor structure (power SCR,
triac) or LED and matching low power photothyristor or phototransistor in switch-
ing mode, mounted close together and optically coupled within a light-excluding
package having a galvanic decoupling voltage up to 4 kV.
Some companies (EAC Electronics, Aleph, Crydom, Magnecraft) are pro-
ducing high voltage reed relays for commutation voltage up to 10 - 12 kV DC, and
therefore, have a galvanic decoupling voltage on the same level. All these relays
are intended for use only in DC circuits under normal climatic conditions and have
no reserves for withstanding voltage.
In order to significantly increase the galvanic decoupling level of interface
relays of the opto-electronic type, a fiber optic cable of appropriate length is
installed between the LED and photo-receiving elements. These relays are also
equipped with an electronic pulse shaper and an electronic amplifier. At a length
of about 1 to 3 meters of fiber optic cable connecting the transmitting and re-
ceiving units, the galvanic decoupling voltage ensured by the interface relay can
reach 40 kV and more.
Problems of Overload and Spark Protection 5

Interface relays of the opto-electronic type have also found application in

electrical power configurations in which the transmitting and receiving units are
connected by hollow porcelain insulators of fairly large dimensions that are
equipped with a built-in optical system. Such interfaces are used in 110 - 330 kV
power networks to control the drives of high voltage circuit breakers as a device
for protecting shunt capacitor batteries, etc.

2 3

4 5

6 8

Figure 1.1 Some reed switch-based HV interfaces developed by the author

in the years 1977-1994.
6 Chapter 1

The developmental trends of interface relay technology suggest the use of

opto-electronic systems as the prevailing design principle for galvanic decoupling
units. It is agreed that the most important characteristic feature of opto-electronic
systems is their noise immunity and insensitivity to electromagnetic fields. How-
ever, what is not considered here is that, in additional to the fiber optic line itself
and the output actuator, such a system includes shaper of light pulses on the
transmitting and electronic amplifier with triggering units on the receiving end that
are generally based on microcircuitiy.
It is precisely these elements, which have low activation levels, that are
damaged by pulse noise on the side of high voltage power equipment (interfer-
ences, spikes and high voltage discharges), which negates the main advantage of
opto-electronic systems.
Moreover, the optical fibers themselves are subject to a severe negative ef-
fect of ionizing radiation and external mechanical influence (it is a very important
for military applications).
The arrangement of input and output circuits of such systems should be
widely spaced (optical fiber length is 1 - 2 meters for voltage 40 - 150 kV), and it
is this factor that determines the overall dimensions of interface unit.

Figure 1.2 Patents and certificates of authorship pertaining to the HV reed

switch-based interfaces.
Problems of Overload and Spark Protection 7

All this indicates that the preferred use of an opto-electronic galvanic de-
coupling unit in interface relays is not always warranted, and it sometimes is
merely the consequence of stereotypical thinking of developers or a peculiar tech-
nical style.
In 1985, the Brown Bowery Co. started a special program for development
of the "Sigma-Switch" interface relays. The development and introduction of
essentially new interface relays were contemplated together with the usual opto-
electronic system, especially with a galvanic decoupling unit of the
electromagnetic type. However, we should mention that BBC does not have
priority in the creation of interface relays that function on this principle. As early
as 1977, such relay interfaces (based on the reed switch), were proposed by the
author of this book. By the time the "Sigma-Switch" program was published, there
had been already a number of varieties protected by dozens of certificates of
authorship (in ex-USSR). These instruments greatly surpassed proto-types of the
BBC and other companies in terms of their parameters. Analysis of the
characteristics of the new type reed switch-based HV interface relays developed
by author ("Relay of Gurevich" or "RG-relay"), as well as experience in creating
and using them, shows that they have a definite area of use within which they
enjoy distinct advantages over other types of interface relays. These parameters
include transmission of discrete control commands, protection and binary warning
transfered by a frequency up to 50 - 100 Hz and an admissible speed 0.8 - 1.5
msec, between parts of equipment under a potential difference to 100 kV. Within
these values of the parameters, the RG-interfaces are characterized by the highest
degree of simplicity and reliability and possess broad functional capabilities.
Particularly attractive are such RG-relay properties as a large overload capacity of
the control circuit and a large power output circuit, insensibility to pulse noise,
mechanical strength of the design, preservation of serviceability over a wide range
of temperatures, pressure and humidity. The relatively low cost of RG-relays is
also of no small importance in a number of cases. These properties of RG-relays
are responsible for their widespread use for industrial and military applications in
on-board, mobile and stationary powerful radio-electronic equipment, in relay
protection and automation systems of electrical networks of the 6 - 24 class, in
electro-physical installation, in power converter technology, etc.
2
High-Voltage Interface RG-series
Relays

2.1 HV INTERFACE RELAYS FOR DC CIRCUITS

RG interface relays are a new type of high-voltage device designed for automation
systems for overload protection, fault indicating, interlocking of HV equipment as
well as for transfer of control signals from ground potential to HV potential (re-
verse connection).

Figure 2.1 High voltage interface RG series relays for industrial and military
applications.
9
10 Chapter 2

The series consists of the following devices: RG-15, RG-25, RG-50,

RG-75, which are designed to operate under voltages of 15, 25, 50 and 75 kV
DC, respectively (refer to Fig.2.1).
The operation of these devices is based on the separation between the
electric and magnetic electromagnetic field components. Each device is based
on a magnetic field source (coil), connected in a high potential current circuit, a
reed switch and a layer of high voltage insulation, transparent for the magnetic
component of the field and completely insulating the reed switch from the elec-
tric field component, Fig. 2.2 - 2.5. The current trip levels can be adjusted up to
50% (for each subtype).

Dia. 28
2 1

5
4

47
7

Epoxy Encapsulant

Figure 2.2 RG-15 series design for compact HV power supplies.

1 - moving insert; 2 - main insulator, 3 - external bushing; 4, 5 - nuts;

6 - coil; 7 - reed switch.
HV RG-series Relays 11

Material for all construction elements is "Ultem-1000". Leads - HV Teflon ca-

ble (etched) 178-8195 type.

Epoxy Encapsulant

6
1

5
3

70
4

2
15 27

50
56

Figure 2.3 RG-25 series design for power lasers, industrial microwave ovens,
medium power radar.

1, 6 - bushing; 2 - main insulator; 3 - ferromagnetic

core; 4 - plastic screw; 5 - coil, 7 - polus
12 Chapter 2

The RG-75 (and RG-50) relay (Fig. 2.5) is comprised of the main insulator 1
formed as a dielectric glass, whose cylindrical part is extended beyond flange 2.

3
Epoxy Encapsulant

5
17
Silicon

66
4

1
2

Dia. 13

Figure 2.4 Revolving Assembly Part of RG-25.

1 - reed switch; 2 - insulator; 3 - bushing;
4 - support; 5 - ferromagnetic plate.

The flat external surface of bottom 3 of this glass smoothly mates with the
extended cylindrical part 4 having threaded internal 5 and external 6 surfaces.
The relay also includes control coil 7 with a II-shaped ferro-magnetic core 8 lo-
cated inside the main insulator and reed switch 9 located in an element for reed
switch rotation through 90° 10. This element 10 is formed as an additional
thin-walled dielectric glass with walls grading into the bottom and mating with the
HV RG-series Relays 13

inner surface of cylindrical part 4. These mated surfaces are coated with conduct-
ing material 11. Reed switch outputs 9 are conveyed through additional insulator
12 formed as a tube extending beyond reed rotation element body 10. The lower
end of this tube is graded into oval plate 13 covering the reed formed with the
conducting external coating. Control coil 7 outputs are also conveyed through
tube-shaped insulator 14 extending beyond the main insulator. The reed switch
position fixation element is formed as disk 15 with a threaded side surface and a
central hole with insulator 12 conveyed through it External attachment of the de-
vice is effected with dielectric nut 16. Lower layer 17 of epoxy compound filling
the main insulator to the control winding performs conduction by the addition of
copper powder (60-70% of the volume). The rest of the filling compound 18 has
been made dielectric. Element space 10 is filled with the same dielectric epoxy
compound.
The shape of the main insulator and the reed switch rotation element are
chosen so that their mating surfaces, which contact with the conducting coating,
do not form sharp edges emerging on the main insulator surface and, at the same
time, provide for safe shunting of the air layer between them and removing the
thin conducting sharp-edged layer from the design.
Significantly reducing the field intensity generated by the sharp outputs of
the reed switch is achieved by adding one more tube-shaped insulator extending
beyond the main insulator used to convey the reed switch outputs and executing
the inner end of this tube as a plate with conducting coatings covering the reed
switch.
Applying the lower layer of epoxy compound, which fills the main insulator
conducting space (holding the control coil with a ferromagnetic core), thus reduces
the intensity of the field generated by the winding outputs and neutralizes the ac-
tion of the air bubbles remaining between the coil windings.
Implementing the reed fixation element as a simple threaded disk, which is
threaded into the respective part of the main insulator, forces the reed rotation
element. Use is made of an additional dielectric nut threaded on the appropriate
part of the main insulator as an element of the relay external attachment assembly,
and the main insulator flange is used as a stop for this attachment assembly.
Device operation is based on the action of the magnetic field of the control
coil (penetrating through bottom 3 of high voltage insulator 1) to reed switch 9.
When the reed switch threshold magnetic flux value is attained, it becomes en-
gaged and appropriately switches the external circuits of the installation.
The reed switch engagement threshold value is adjusted by changing its po-
sition relative to the magnetic field source. This change is effected by rotation of
element 10 with reed switch 9 by an angle of 90° relative to the poles of -shaped
ferromagnetic core 8. The position of element 10 with the reed is fixed by forcing
element 10 as disk 15 is screwed in.
14 Chapter 2

14

.18

.1

.17

7
3
13
11 2
4 8
6
9
5
16
18
10 15
12

Figure 2.5 RG-75 and RG-50 series relay design.