S&C IntelliRupter With IntelliTEAM II Helps Copper Mine Improve Reliability

A significant copper mine in Peru chose S&C IntelliRupter PulseCloser with IntelliTEAM Automatic Restoration System to improve the reliability of its medium-voltage loop overhead distribution system used to feed their 2MVA shovels and drills. During the rainy season, frequent fault events impact the power supply, thus the mining company was looking for a way to quickly reconfigure its loop and reconnect as many shovels as possible after power disturbances.

Pulseclosing technology was preferred over standard reclosing due to the potential damage to equipment in the event a conventional recloser closes into a fault. IntelliRupter tests the circuit for the presence of a fault before initiating a close operation. If a permanent fault is present, IntelliTEAM II Automatic Restoration System automatically reconfigures the system and reenergizes as much of the load as possible after the fault has been isolated.

IntelliRupter includes a base-integrated control that's accessed for configuration and operation via a secure WiFi link. This feature is important for this application, as it allows the operator to remain in a sheltered space while operating the IntelliRupter. IntelliRupter was provided with an integral hookstick operated disconnect for visible air-gap isolation of the switched-open circuits.

This copper mining operation is located 4,100 meters above sea level which can turn any job into a challenge for those not acclimated to this altitude. In just four days, S&C Field Service Engineers completed the radio survey, start up, and commissioning for four IntelliRupter PulseClosers. Training for customer operation personnel on the operation and programming of the protection settings was also provided.

For more information, visit www.sandc.com/irp.

SOURCE: S&C IntelliRupter With IntelliTEAM II