Multifunctional Primary Testing System
The SMC Raptor C-05, C-15, C-25, C-35 is a smart test set designed as the definitive solution for the main primary test applications required in the commissioning and maintenance of substations, marking the difference with respect to existing equipment now being used. This new generation of primary injection test equipment makes primary injection testing easier, faster and more convenient.
The system consists of a SMC Raptor Master Unit which can be upgraded with up to three Slave sets which add further power capacity to the system. The user is not limited to the power initially determined: In case more power is required, Raptor sets can be added, or what is also very important, be left behind when not needed.
In comparison with the big and heavy traditional variac-based equipment, the Raptor is designed incredibly smaller and lighter than its predecessors, combining a revolutionary high current generation technology, DSP based, with an automatic smart control, in a transportable set, less than 35 Kg/77 lbs and able to inject up to 15,000 A.
An additional advantage is that sets can be much closer to the devices tested, reducing the length of cables. And significant decrease in power losses by eliminating intermediate connections, thanks to the new loopthrough concept. The sets have a hole in the middle to pass the cable through which is connected to the load, forming the injection circuit.
Primary Current Injection Testing
Primary Injection Testing is essential in commissioning and verifying a protection scheme. The secondary injection test does not check all the components in the system, as it cannot provide the condition of the overall protection installation, whether CTs have the correct ratio or polarity, or whether the secondary wiring is correct and serviceable, and it does not mimic the operating conditions in service. Therefore, the Primary injection testing is the only way to prove correct installation and operation of the whole of a protection scheme, and the Raptor has been specially designed to meet all primary testing needs.
The Raptor´s variable output frequency extends the primary testing diagnostic with frequency sweep, offering test frequencies different from the mains frequency, and thus enhancing its electrical testing capacity. Primary Test involves the entire circuit; current transformer primary and secondary windings, relays, trip and alarm circuits, circuit breakers and all wiring are checked. Primary injection tests are carried out after secondary injection tests, to ensure that problems are limited to the VT’s and CT’s involved, circuit breakers, plus associated wiring, all other equipment in the protection scheme having been proven satisfactory from the secondary injection tests. Hence, it is often the last tests performed in the commissioning and maintenance process, or after major modifications have been carried out, and also as an invaluable aid to faultfinding.
Efficient Power
The maximum current is independent of the number of sets forming the system (except for C-05), being the compliance voltage and power available what changes according to a flexible configuration of the system by the user.
The modern high-tech design of the Raptor system enables the highest level of injection capability in terms of power and duty cycle, with a ease of use so far unknown in this type of equipment. A light handheld control console allows the user to fully monitor and control the test process, including the storage of results and test configuration tools for quick and convenient testing.
The Raptor system provides automatic regulation of the magnitude to be injected, remaining stable regardless of the load change. The current output range is adjusted at all times according to application thus taking advantage of the modularity and versatility of the concentration of measurement and control functions in the Raptor Master unit – with a unique capacity to adjust the voltage and current required through the number of spire turns used.
The Raptor includes a powerful measurement section, extending the number of testing applications. It also includes factory configured tests, to automatically perform a large amount of the most common testing, just by selecting the appropriate template. The user has the ability to easily make or modify test templates.
Hand Held Control Unit
The Hand Held Control Unit, Raptor-HH, is the user-friendly interface from which the operator remotely controls and monitors the test process. The unit weights 0.4 Kg/14 oz. with a TFT display, Touch Panel with Stylus, Wheel & Click encoder, and a highly reliable communication protocol. Along with the Master unit it provides ease of use unsurpassed in this type of equipment.
It is developed with an ergonomic design optimized for correct handheld use, and nonslip laterals for better protection and grip. Test Templates allow the user to just select the appropriate template and start the test, and also test templates are easily created or modified. Most common tests available are: Overcurrent, MCB/MCCB, CT Ratio/Phase/Burden, CT ratio/phase with voltage, VT burden/phase, CT Rogowsky, PT, Recloser, measuring CT magnetization curve, AC Resistance and Knee point.
Applications
Relay Testing – primary faults can be simulated to check if protective relays operate correctly; 1 ms resolution
Circuit Breaker Testing – verify live CB tripping; CB operating time analysis in combination with total trip time including the IEDs and CB trip time.
Current Transformer Testing – measurement section inputs, to allow performing a complete check of a CT. A 3 second test obtains the following results: Turns Ratio, phase (polarity) between primary and secondary of the CT, and burden (Impedance, power and power factor of the load). Testing low power and Rogowski CTs, checking phase and burden in VTs, and checking Ratio, Polarity, short circuit impedance and reactance losses in Power Transformers. Test templates are also available for Magnetization curve and “knee point” of a measuring CT.
Recloser and Sectionalizers – high current fault simulation the Raptor performs an automatic test, detecting and getting opening and reclosing times, number of operations, partial and total times, of the recloser under test.
Switchgear Testing – Low voltage switchgear and controlgear assemblies. Raptor is suitable for testing the rated short-time current that the assembly must withstand, and MCB/MCCBs tripping time performance, both thermal and short-circuit trips.
Heat Runs – the amplifier-based high current generation of the Raptor makes it ideal for performing heat runs, maintaining stable the current injection through long-term testing, and measuring the corresponding time.
Ground Grid Testing – by injecting high current and measuring with the low level voltmeter it is possible to detect the existence of any bad or eroded contact in the ground grid
Benefits
Automatic Output Regulation – DSP technology maintains a uniform current waveform even with changing load impedances which speeds testing by eliminating the manual variac. Every other high current system requires user to manually set output current. Overcomes heating of the trip element which caused the current to drop during test.
Weight and Size – Amazing portability compared to other existing equipment due to its light weight and small size. Allows one person to carry it, even in his own car. Easier/cheaper to transport. Each unit has wheels and folding handle. Reduces the length of cables required since sets can be much closer to the device tested. Facilitates portability into installations with limited space and/or difficult access such as stairs, soft soils, underground substations
Multi-Functionality – The Raptor system concentrates many applications and testing assets, offering a time-saving and cost effective solution. The Raptor logic system features high-power processors to take care of future requirements, and their functionality can be readily enhanced by means of firmware upgrades through internet.
Expandability – The modular design can accommodate several Raptor Slaves to the Master unit, and user is not limited to initial power requirement, being able to upgrade the system at a modest cost for higher power needs. Sets are immediately assembled and synchronized thanks to infrared technology connectivity, IRDA type, thus saving time, making the portability even better, and the expandability of the system a simple task
Loop-through concept – The Loop-through high current secondary concept contributes both to the flexible modularity and to the lightness and small size of the Raptor. Unique capacity to adjust the voltage and current required through the number of loop turns used. Reduces cables connection to the minimum possible, thus reducing power losses, and simplifying the test process.
Handheld Control Unit (Raptor HH) – Powerful and smart interface with TFT color Touch Screen to control and monitor testing. Simplify testing through an automating process and test templates, including the storage of test results, reducing testing time with an easy to use Test Management. USB connection to a PC, and through RaptorSync application to download reports for further editing, analysis, storing and printing. Pre-defined test templates help the user to perform quickly and more efficiently through the most frequent tests, with minimal training and preparation. Users can also create their own test templates. Ethernet connector for software updates. Reliable high speed Raptor Bus connector, with failure detection and alarms. On screen calculations and magnitudes conversion.
Measurement section – Voltmeter, Ammeter and Low signal Voltmeter inputs, measures AC and DC signals with phase meter incorporated, extending the testing performance. Binary input, voltage or dry contact, to detect trip commands that define the end of some tests.
Built-In Templates
- Thermo magnetic circuit breaker (MCB, MCCB).
- Overcurrent relay
- Low Resistance measurements in high current AC
- Ground grid
- Measuring current transformer.
- Measuring current transformer Rogowski or low power.
- Burden of a measuring current transformer
- Measuring current transformer using voltage.
- Voltage measuring transformer.
- Burden of a voltage measuring transformer.
- Power transformer in short circuit.
- Recloser
JM Test Systems rents the SMC Raptor C-05, C-15, C-25 & C-35 with slave units
