Microprocessor Device for Diagnosing the Electromagnetic Drive of the Vacuum Circuit Breaker

The paper proposes a microprocessor device for diagnosing the electromagnetic drive of a vacuum switch. It is investigated that the reliable operation of the vacuum switch depends on the technical condition of the electromagnetic actuator. Microprocessor diagnostic devices allow controlling the quality of manufactured electromagnetic actuators at the stage of initial control of the manufacturer and in the process of their operation in production. On the basis of a mathematical model, which provides for the measurement of the "reference" curve of the magnetic characteristic after the new switch is put into operation or after its overhaul and comparison of this curve with the subsequent measured magnetic characteristics in the course of its further operation. During operation, the shape of the web-ampere characteristics of the windings of the electromagnetic drive of the vacuum switches changes. The control of deviation from the "reference" characteristic allows estimating the current state of the electromagnet and its degree of wear. The block diagram of the microprocessor device of the system of diagnostics of the electromagnetic drive of the vacuum switch is developed. The microprocessor device functions according to the developed mathematical model. The main components of the device are the AT32UC3L032 microcontroller, switching units, current sensors and voltages. The AT32UC3L032 microcontroller is the best option in terms of cost and specifications (low power consumption, high code density, and high performance). The algorithm of functioning of the diagnostic device and its hardware necessary for the construction of the diagnostic system has been developed. The operation of the device involves determining the technical condition of the drive, indicating the result of the diagnosis on the display device near the diagnostic device and transmitting through the interface of the converter the current status of the electromagnetic drive from the microcontroller to the computer operating personnel.