Vacuum circuit breakers

VD4 AF/AF1: Circuit breakers for steel furnace applications

VD4-AF, up to 38 kV, is a medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker for primary distribution based on an innovative actuation system to provide a high quality, reliable and efficient solution for electrical arc furnace (EAF) transformer switching application. VD4-AF is also available with extremely low inrush, to support your business needs in transformer switching, under the variant VD4-AF1.

Both VD4-AF and VD4-AF1 can perform up to 150,000 mechanical operations granting no downtime for breaker overhaul, thus reducing the total cost of furnace operation.

ABB’s circuit breakers are available for original equipment manufacturers (OEM), panel builders and Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPCs) partners to incorporate in their own installations or for use in repair, retrofit and upgrade projects.

VD4-AF

5-10 times increased performance (vs. standard circuit breakers) thanks to innovative actuation system based on servomotors, controlled by efficient and complex electronic.
Available in both fixed and withdrawable execution for Powerbloc enclosure or UniGear ZS3.2 panel for fast and easy integration or replacement.
High number of mechanical operations (150,000) reducing operation and maintenance costs

VD4-AF1

Asset optimization having both circuit-breaker and transformer switching devices in one single solution
Reduction of hazards due to improved protection set-up, specifically increasing accuracy during switching operation
Minimizing opening and closing transients will reduce the stress levels on electrical arc furnace (EAF) transformer and will extend the lifetime of the circuit breaker.

Product scope

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	VD4-AF	VD4-AF1
Rated voltage	up to 38 kV	up to 38 kV
Rated current	up to 2,500 A 3,150 A in fixed version	up to 2,500 A 3,150 A in fixed version
Rated short circuit current	up to 31.5 kA 40 kA in fixed version	up to 31.5 kA 40 kA in fixed version
Technology	Vacuum	Vacuum
Operating mechanism	Servomotors	Servomotors with synchronization
Mechanical operations	150,000 maintenance-free operations	150,000 maintenance-free and inrush-free operations
Monitoring & Diagnostic	Yes	Yes
Standards	IEC	IEC
Industries	For steel furnaces applications	For steel furnaces applications

Customer benefits

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Maximize your productivity

150,000 operations without refurbishment, including 150,000 inrush free operations with VD4-AF1
No downtimes for breaker overhaul
Fastest replacement with roll on floor draw out solution
Tested for shunt reactor current switching according to IEC 62271-110

Optimize your investment

Lowest total cost per operation
Reduced spare inventories
With advanced monitoring and diagnostics as an option

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Safeguard your personnel and assets

Embedded basic diagnostics preventing from incorrect operations and hazards
Built-in interlocks making it a plug and play solution

Configure your circuit breaker

eConfigure Devices

Learn More

VD4-AF Brochure

VD4-AF1 Leaflet

Related offering

Primary distribution

Air-insulated switchgear

Primary vacuum circuit breakers

Secondary vacuum circuit breakers

Primary protection relays

FAQ

1. What are the VD4-AF and VD4-AF1? What is their difference?

VD4-AF and VD4-AF1 are the ABB circuit breakers based on vacuum technology and an innovative actuation system to provide a high quality, reliable and efficient solution for electrical arc furnace (EAF) transformer switching application. VD4-AF and VD4-AF1 can perform 150,000 mechanical operations of the electrical arc furnace (EAF) transformer with minimal maintenance, but only the VD4-AF1 is capable to minimize the related switching transients.

2. When should a customer buy VD4-AF or VD4-AF1?

The electrical steel furnace duty cycle requires a high number of open-close operations of the electrical arc furnace (EAF) transformer, with very high frequency. VD4-AF and VD4-AF1 breakers offer a solution for this application with extremely high mechanical life and minimal maintenance. VD4-AF1 has the additional feature of minimizing the switching transient, that will increase the lifetime of the plant components and make the protection of our customers’ assets easier.

3. According to which standards are these products tested?

VD4-AF and VD4-AF1 are type tested according to IEC 62271-100 Standard

4. What is the expected lifetime of these circuit breakers?

VD4-AF and VD4-AF1 breakers can perform up to 150,000 mechanical operations with minimal maintenance. The electrical lifetime of the breakers depends on the actual usage.