This book focuses on the theory and application of power switching components in power networks. More specifically, it discusses current interruption theory, applied stresses to switching components in power networks and appropriate methods to test their different functionalities. It reviews the basic working principles of current technologies and summarizes the upcoming technological advances within the field of power switching devices. Taking an educational approach to the subject, this book is useful for graduate courses on high voltage equipment and power device technology within the electric power engineering discipline. Furthermore, inclusion of numerous worked examples, exercises and easily digestible descriptions of complex physical phenomena in switching devices make this an invaluable self-learning resource for engineers.

In modern power networks with high shares of renewable energy sources, and a mixture of alternating (AC) and direct current (DC) technology in different sections of the network, power switching devices are exposed to more and different stresses compared with those in conventional AC networks. Another pressure on power switching equipment is to minimize their long-term environmental impact, for example, to relinquish the use of SF6 with its high global warming potential. Solutions are either based on vacuum switching devices modified for higher voltages or on environmentally benign alternative gases. This book systematically and thoroughly conveys the recent advances in the field of green HV switching technologies for an audience of researchers, engineers, senior students and professionals working on high voltage equipment at utilities and manufacturers. Chapters are written by leading scientists and professionals from manufacturing companies and testing organizations. Green HV Switching Technologies for Modern Power Networks begins with an introduction to the topic, followed by chapters covering requirements for HV circuit breakers, aspects related to DC switching and high penetration of renewables, environmentally friendly high voltage vacuum circuit breakers, SF6-free gas circuit breakers, DC switching devices, as well as open research questions and future trends.

This book focuses on the theory and application of power switching components in power networks. More specifically, it discusses current interruption theory, applied stresses to switching components in power networks and appropriate methods to test their different functionalities. It reviews the basic working principles of current technologies and summarizes the upcoming technological advances within the field of power switching devices. Taking an educational approach to the subject, this book is useful for graduate courses on high voltage equipment and power device technology within the electric power engineering discipline. Furthermore, inclusion of numerous worked examples, exercises and easily digestible descriptions of complex physical phenomena in switching devices make this an invaluable self-learning resource for engineers.