siemens.com/gcb

Reliable, sustainable and customized GCB solutionsFor generator switching applications

ContentsGenerator switchgear 2

Vacuum technology 3

An extract from our references 4

Generator circuit-breaker solutions 6 HB3-C 7 HB3 8 HB1 9 VB1 10 VB1-D 11 HIGS 12 NXAIR 13

Technical data 14

GCB plug-and-work retrofits Replacing an aging GCB offers a lot of advantages, starting with an SF6-free operation and no further main- tenance costs thanks to vacuum technology, which amount to an OPEX decrease of up to 75 percent. Our plug-and-work designs match legacy GCBs footprints, interfaces, and performances to make it easier to find the perfect replace- ment for your existing GCB. This includes unique horizontal and vertical installation capabilities for application up to 15,000 A, and short-circuit ratings up to 110 kA.

Practically no maintenance

No spare parts availability problems

No unscheduled downtime

No gas handling or monitoring required

Smaller environmental footprint

Solution: Retrofit with vacuum generator circuit-breaker

Generator switchgear – for improving power plant efficiency

As one of the pioneers of vacuum switching technology for reliable power transmission and distribution in the medium-voltage range, and with its many years of experience and strong customer orientation, Siemens provides the right solutions.

Therefore, Siemens continues to develop its portfolio of high-current and generator switchgear in the 10 to 450 MW range, so as to provide optimized customer solutions for the high requirements of the constantly evolving market for power generating plants.

Under the high thermal and mechanical stress of generator switching applications, generator switchgear with vacuum switching technology serves as an important operational equipment for the protection of transformers and generators.

Siemens generator switchgear with vacuum switching technology is the result of more than 25 years of con- tinuous development, fulfilling the highest technological and quality requirements. It offers numerous advantages regardless of the type of power plant. Thanks to the use of tested and durable components with a service life of more than 20,000 CO cycles at no-load, a high level of operational reliability and availability is achieved that leads to increased pro-fitability.

Vacuum technology – the reliable and sustainable SF6 alternative

The use of maintenance-free vacuum switching technology and maintenance-free components in the generator switch-gear guarantees minimum maintenance costs.

Siemens generator switchgear ensures a high level of personal safety thanks to its internal arc classification. Technical expertise gained in many years of experience, ongoing quality controls, and type tests for our switchgear and components also stand for a high level of operational reliability.

Our customers profit from continuously increasing cost-efficiency and uninterrupted operation.

Sustainable switchgeardurable vacuum technology, SF6-free for a better CO2 footprint

Efficient Type-tested up to 130 % asymmetry at 110 kA

Main tenance-freeup to 75 % OPEX savings

Reliable and maintenance-free interrupterMTTF exceeding 71,300 years

Flexible arrangement bolt-on solution to replace legacy GCB

3

An extract from our references with vacuum GCB

“The legislation around SF6 is becoming quite tedious and consumes a lot of time.”Jean-Louis Drommi, Hydro Engineering Center, EDF

“The level of durability of the vacuum switching technology is something that we attach great importance to.” Ulrich Voigt, Vattenfall

Utilities & industriesSynchronous condenser 2 x HB3 in Amarillo, United States 2 x HB3 in Ouyen, Australia 1 x HB3 in Robertstown, Australia

Industry and oil & gas applications 1 x HB3 in Khurai fields, Saudi Arabia 11 x HB1 in Saint-Paul-lès-Durance, France 4 x HB1 in Regina, Canada 3 x VB1 in Štětí, Czech Republic

Thermal power plantsConcentrated Solar Power 1 x HB3 in Karoshoek, South Africa 1 x HB1 in Villena, Spain 1 x HB1 in Guadix, Spain

Waste-to-Energy application 2 x HB3 in Moscow, Russia 1 x HB1 in Istanbul, Turkey 2 x HB1 in Curtis & Cubillos del Sil, Spain 2 x VB1-D in Gia Lai Province, Vietnam

Gas-fired power plants6 x HB3-C in Moscow, Russia 1 x HB3 in Berlin, Germany 2 x HB1 in Hallim, South Korea 4 x VB1 in Channel Island, Australia 1 x VB1-D in Cotonou, Benin 12 x HIGS in Rayong Province, Thailand 6 x HIGS in Lujan, Argentina

An extract from our references with vacuum GCB

A high level of availability is decisive

With pumped storage power plants being one of the commercially proven methods for grid-scale energy storage, plant availability and grid reliability become critical factors.

In order to ensure such reliability, the plant‘s paramount equipment for synchronizing the generator to the grid is the generator circuit-breaker.

Unlike other peak power plants, in addition to a high number of daily operations, the GCB will have to interrupt high currents during the breaking operation. Siemens GCBs are based on reliable vacuum switching technology that makes them maintenance-free, maximizing return-on-investments and securing reliable plant operation at all times.

Pumped storage power plants2 x HB3-C in Küthai, Austria 3 x HB3-C in Markersbach, Germany 2 x HB3 in Vianden, Luxembourg 5 x HB3 in Yuzhnoukrainsk, Ukraine 1 x VB1 in Goldisthal, Germany 4 x VB1 in Kaprun, Austria 2 x VB1-D in Changping, China

Hydro power plants4 x HB3 in Sodo, Ethiopia 3 x HB3 in Bolikhamsai Province, Laos 2 x HB1 in Cherokee County, United States 6 x VB1 in Lillooet Country, Canada 4 x VB1 in Bolzano, Italy 1 x VB1-D in Pervari District, Turkey 2 x VB1-D in Embu County, Kenia

HB3 / HB3-C HIGSHB1 / VB1 VB1-D

“The electrical life exceeds by far what has been achieved by SF6 circuit-breakers in the system.”Sebastian Gast, VOITH HYDRO GmbH

We delivered

+ 3,650 GCBsin 57 countries

Securing more than

80 GWof electricity production 5

Generator circuit-breaker solutions

6

The HB3-C generator switchgear is a bolt-on solution with a rated normal current of up to 15,000 A and a breaking capacity of up to 110 kA suitable for power plants up to 450 MW.

With HB3-Compact, Siemens provides an unique generator circuit-breaker solution to the most challenging constraints, offering one of the highest levels of customization: The HB3-C can be mounted either vertically or horizontally, its phase-to-phase spacing and phase height axis can be adjusted to match perfectly the existing busbar connection points.

Optionally, the circuit-breaker can be fitted with integrated line disconnector and earthing switch on the generator side and/or on the transformer side.

The switchgear is type-tested in accordance with the IEC 62271-200 and IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 standards.

siemens.com/hb3-c

HB3-C system without enclosure up to 110 kAThe most versatile solution for your retrofit application and new projects

HB3-C in vertical configuration

HB3-C configuration possibilities

7

The HB3 is the first generator switchgear worldwide with vacuum generator circuit-breakers for ratings up to 12,700 A, with natural cooling, and a switching capacity of 110 kA type-tested according to the IEEE C37.013 standard. It offers maximum operational reliability and a high level of personal safety, as short circuits between phases are excluded due to the single-phase encapsulation.

As a result of the flexibility of the phase spacing and diameters of the single-phase encapsulated IPBs, the HB3 fulfills all requirements for integration into the generator leads. The switchgear can be operated with the overpressure needed for the IPB system.

The switchgear is type-tested in accordance with the IEC 62271-200 and IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 standards.

Optionally, the switchgear can be equipped with a start-up disconnector for starting the turbine.

siemens.com/hb3

The HB3 generator switchgear is suitable for power plants up to 400 MW, depending on the type of power plant and the operating voltage.

HB3 for 63 to 110 kAThe most durable solution for power plants up to 400 MW

Fully integrated solution for pumped storage application

HB3 configured for IPB connection

8

The HB1 generator switchgear with horizontal busbars is suitable for power plants up to 170 MW, depending on the type of power plant and the operating voltage.

As a compact solution, the HB1 can be adapted to the customers’ specific requirements. The switchgear is espe-cially suited for industrial power plants with medium-sized gas and steam turbines, as well as for solar power plants.

The air-insulated, three-phase encapsulated generator switchgear is available for indoor and outdoor installation. In addition, it is suitable for a wide area of applications thanks to its flexible connection concept using bus ducts, cables, and solid-insulated busbars.

A high level of personal safety is achieved by resistance to internal faults up to 72 kA.

Thanks to the type-tested fixed-mounted design with proven and reliable components, the HB1 also ensures a high level of service continuity.

The factory-tested switchgear can be easily installed and put into operation after delivery.

siemens.com/hb1

HB1 up to 72 kA Comprehensive solution for power plants up to 170 MW

HB1 configured for outdoor installation

HB1 configured for non-segregated busbar connection

9

The switchgear features a highly compact and custo- mizable design with space for modular extension.

This characteristic makes it especially interesting for power plants that are operated with multiple generators, or with feeders for auxiliary supply/excitation, or with brake disconnectors. Because of the high requirements in terms of switching capacity, space constraints, and accessibility, this switch-gear is frequently used in hydro power plants and retrofit projects.

As a containerized solution, the VB1 switchgear meets the highest requirements even under extreme climatic conditions, e.g. in desert regions, or when exposed to corrosive effects like those encountered in the chemical industry.

Multiple generator circuit-breakers can be employed in a single switchgear. Thanks to internal partitioning, the loss of service continuity category LSC 2A is possible. Thus, the switchgear can be used in partial operation, while other areas of the switchgear are accessible for personnel.

siemens.com/vb1

The VB1 generator switchgear is highly flexible, with a modularly expandable concept that makes it suitable for power ratings up to 140 MW.

VB1 up to 72 kAThe flexible solution for new and retrofit projects up to 140 MW

VB1 with comprehensive protection of auxiliaries

VB1 in multi-generator configuration

10

The VB1-D generator switchgear with vertical busbar and truck-type design provides a high level of switchgear availability for safe and cost-efficient power generation. Installation and maintenance are easy to perform thanks to the uncomplicated technology. The switchgear is suitable for power ratings up to 110 MW.

VB1-D offers maximum personal safety through the internal arc classification IAC A FLR 63 kA, 0.3 s, and maximum availability through the loss of service continuity category LSC 2B as well as through the partition class PM.

The air-insulated, metal-enclosed switchgear is type-tested according to IEC 62271-200, and is suitable for indoor installation.

Its compact dimensions make it especially adequate for hydro power plants. The switchgear can be extended, allowing for multi-generator applications.

siemens.com/vb1-d

VB1-D up to 72 kAWithdrawable truck-type switchgear design for power plants up to 110 MW

VB1-D truck in maintenance position

VB1-D in 2-panel configuration for single generator/GSUT

11

It can be adapted to the requirements of other types of gas and steam turbines.

The switchgear is connected directly to the generator, thus combining the conventional generator terminal box with the functionality of a generator switchgear. It is also possible to implement the neutral connection and an auxiliary feeder.

Profitability is increased by reduced interfaces and space requirements.

The HIGS switchgear is suitable for indoor and outdoor installation. The factory-tested switchgear can be easily installed and put into operation after delivery.

siemens.com/higs

The HIGS (highly integrated generator switch-gear) was developed specifically for Siemens industrial gas turbines SGT-600 to SGT-800, as well as for steam turbines SST-400 to SST-600 with power ratings up to 100 MW.

HIGS generator switchgear up to 72 kAInterface-saving switchgear integrating generator neutral box and terminal box design for power plants up to 100 MW

Example of installation with additional neutral box

Typical HIGS configuration with protection of auxiliaries

12

The extendable medium-voltage NXAIR switch-gear up to 17.5 kV, 50 kA uses withdrawable technology, and is especially suitable for gene-rator switching applications in small industrial power plants up to 65 MW.

NXAIR offers maximum personal safety through the internal arc classification IAC A FLR 50 kA, 1 s, maximum availability through the loss of service continuity category LSC 2B, as well as maximum reliability through the partition class PM.

The NXAIR can also be equipped with generator circuit-breakers tested in accordance with the IEEE C37.013 and IEC/IEEE 62271-37-013 standards. This enables the generator and auxiliary supply application to be combined in a joint switchgear, which reduces space requirements and interfaces, and increases the profitability.

siemens.com/nxair

NXAIR –for generator applications in industrial power plants up to 65 MW

Control board of NXAIR

NXAIR in 8-panel configuration for generator circuit application

13

Technical data

Rated normal current (up to) 15,000 A 12,700 A 7,150 A 6,000 A 5,400 A 5,500 A 4,000A

Short-circuit ratings (up to) 110 kA 110 kA 72 kA 72 kA 72 kA 72 kA 50 kA

Rated voltage (up to) 24 kV 24 kV 24 kV 24 kV 17.5 kV 17.5 kV 17.5 kV

HB3-C HB3 HB1 VB1 VB1-D HIGS NXAIR

On frame, without enclosure Single-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated

Application area 50 MW – 450 MW 80 MW – 400 MW 50 MW – 170 MW 50 MW – 140 MW 50 MW – 110 MW 25 MW – 100 MW 10 MW – 65 MW

Rated voltage up to 24 kV up to 24 kV up to 24 kV up to 24 kV up to 17.5 kV up to 17.5 kV up to 17.5 kV

Normal current up to 15,000 A up to 12,700 A up to 7,150 A up to 6,000 A up to 5,400 A up to 5,500 A up to 4,000 A

Rated short-time withstand current /duration

up to 110 kA / 3 s up to 110 kA / 3 s up to 72 kA / 1 s up to 72 kA / 1 s up to 72 kA / 3 s up to 72 kA / 1 s up to 50 kA / 3 s

Rated peak withstand current up to 302 kA up to 302 kA up to 180 kA up to 180 kA up to 197 kAp up to 198 kA up to 125 kA

Internal arc classification up to IAC A FLR 63 kA / 1 s

up to IAC A FL 72 kA / 0.1 s

up to IAC A FLR 63 kA / 0.3 s

IAC A FLR 50 kA / 1 s

Degree of protection IP65, IP66 IP4X, IP54 IP4X, IP54 IP4X, IP41, IP42 IP42, IP54, IP56 IP3XD

Loss of service continuity category LSC 1 LSC 1 LSC 1 (LSC2 on request) LSC 2B LSC 1 LSC 2B

Installation • Indoor • Indoor• Outdoor

• Indoor• Outdoor

• Indoor• Outdoor

• Indoor • Indoor• Outdoor

• Indoor

Type of connection • IPB• Bus duct• Solid-insulated busbars• Cable

• IPB• Solid-insulated busbars

• Cable• Bus duct• Solid-insulated busbars• IPB

• Cable• Bus duct• Solid-insulated busbars

• Cable• Solid-insulated busbars• Bus duct• IPB

• Directly at generator terminal • Cable• Bus duct

Direction of connection: front / rear ◼ ◼ ◼

Direction of connection: top / bottom ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

Direction of connection: lateral ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

Auxiliary feeder ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

Exciter feeder, start-up disconnector ◼ ◼

Multi-generator switchgear ◼ ◼ ◼

14

Rated normal current (up to) 15,000 A 12,700 A 7,150 A 6,000 A 5,400 A 5,500 A 4,000A

Short-circuit ratings (up to) 110 kA 110 kA 72 kA 72 kA 72 kA 72 kA 50 kA

Rated voltage (up to) 24 kV 24 kV 24 kV 24 kV 17.5 kV 17.5 kV 17.5 kV

HB3-C HB3 HB1 VB1 VB1-D HIGS NXAIR

On frame, without enclosure Single-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated 3-phase encapsulated

Application area 50 MW – 450 MW 80 MW – 400 MW 50 MW – 170 MW 50 MW – 140 MW 50 MW – 110 MW 25 MW – 100 MW 10 MW – 65 MW

Rated voltage up to 24 kV up to 24 kV up to 24 kV up to 24 kV up to 17.5 kV up to 17.5 kV up to 17.5 kV

Normal current up to 15,000 A up to 12,700 A up to 7,150 A up to 6,000 A up to 5,400 A up to 5,500 A up to 4,000 A

Rated short-time withstand current /duration

up to 110 kA / 3 s up to 110 kA / 3 s up to 72 kA / 1 s up to 72 kA / 1 s up to 72 kA / 3 s up to 72 kA / 1 s up to 50 kA / 3 s

Rated peak withstand current up to 302 kA up to 302 kA up to 180 kA up to 180 kA up to 197 kAp up to 198 kA up to 125 kA

Internal arc classification up to IAC A FLR 63 kA / 1 s

up to IAC A FL 72 kA / 0.1 s

up to IAC A FLR 63 kA / 0.3 s

IAC A FLR 50 kA / 1 s

Degree of protection IP65, IP66 IP4X, IP54 IP4X, IP54 IP4X, IP41, IP42 IP42, IP54, IP56 IP3XD

Loss of service continuity category LSC 1 LSC 1 LSC 1 (LSC2 on request) LSC 2B LSC 1 LSC 2B

Installation • Indoor • Indoor• Outdoor

• Indoor• Outdoor

• Indoor• Outdoor

• Indoor • Indoor• Outdoor

• Indoor

Type of connection • IPB• Bus duct• Solid-insulated busbars• Cable

• IPB• Solid-insulated busbars

• Cable• Bus duct• Solid-insulated busbars• IPB

• Cable• Bus duct• Solid-insulated busbars

• Cable• Solid-insulated busbars• Bus duct• IPB

• Directly at generator terminal • Cable• Bus duct

Direction of connection: front / rear ◼ ◼ ◼

Direction of connection: top / bottom ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

Direction of connection: lateral ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

Auxiliary feeder ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼ ◼

Exciter feeder, start-up disconnector ◼ ◼

Multi-generator switchgear ◼ ◼ ◼

15

Published by Siemens AG

Smart Infrastructure Distribution Systems Mozartstrasse 31c 91052 Erlangen Germany

For more information, please contact our Customer Support Center. Phone: +49 180 524 70 00 Fax: +49 180 524 24 71 (Charges depending on provider) E-mail: support.energy@siemens.com

Article No. SIDS-B10038-00-7600 TH 260-200394 WS 1020 © Siemens 2020

Subject to changes and errors. The information given in this document only contains general descriptions and/or performance features which may not always specifically reflect those described, or which may undergo modification in the course of further develop-ment of the products. The requested performance features are binding only when they are expressly agreed upon in the concluded contract.

All product designations may be trademarks or other rights of Siemens AG, its affiliated companies or other companies whose use by third parties for their own purposes could violate the rights of the respective owner.

For the U.S. published by Siemens Industry Inc.

100 Technology Drive Alpharetta, GA 30005 United States