Mersen MVCF Medium Voltage Controllable Fuse - Intelligent Fuse Technology

By on 28th May, 2015

Follow @ThorneanDerrick

Mersen MV Controllable Fuse - Mitigating Arc Flash Hazard

 

 

 

Mersen has annouced the release of the next step in fuse technology - an intelligent controllable fuse for medium voltage applications. 

Mersen Medium Voltage Controllable Fuse (MVCF) system has been designed to mitigate arc flash hazard.

Mersen MVCF is the industry's first product to provide both a normal short-circuit and overload protection whilst simultaneously having the capability to open on command.

This fuse is a highly cost effective solution and can be installed with minimum system downtime. 

Mersen MVCF Product Ratings:

• Volts : 15.5kV maximum
• Amps : 100A
• IR : 50kA RMS Sym

Pictured: Mersen 15.5 kV, 100A Ferrule-Mounted Medium Voltage Controllable Fuse MVCF

Which Problems Does The Mersen MVCF Fuse Solve?

For many systems the arc-flash energy that can potentially be produced is over 40 cal/cm2 which would be too high for insulated arc flash clothing and PPE - this requires system owners to prevent anyone accessing that area unless the power has been disconnected.

This is typically because the closest upstream protective device is usually a Medium Voltage fuse on the primary side of the transformer. 

This option is typically very unpractical would not mitigate the full hazard. 

The Mersen medium voltage controllable fuse is designed to provide short circuit and overload protection without opening during the normal transformer in-rush current. 

Typical applications of this fuse include primary protection for a 12.0kV to 15.5kV/480V, 1500kVA transformer, new or existing medium voltage fuse cabinets and areas where arc-flash protection on the secondary is desired. 

How Does The Intelligent Fuse System Work?

The controllable fuse system works just like a normal medium voltage fuse when put under standard short circuit and overload situations however when connected to an arc-flash detection system that is properly set up, the MVCF will open the circuit in time to limit the hazard to Category 2 PPE.

The Mersen MVCF system interface module is mounted in the LV area and is designed to accept a trip signal from the system's existing arc flash relay system.

This then sends a signal via fibre optic cable to the acutator modules attached to the bottoms of the fuses in the MV cabinet causing a switch within the fuse to open. 

This in turn shunts the current through a much smaller fuse element that opens the circuit in a controlled manner.

Pictured: Graphic Demonstrating How The Mersen Intelligent Fuse System Works

Mersen Medium Voltage Controllable Fuse Features And Benefits: 

• Fuses fit into existing clips and space
• Low maintenance levels 
• Flexible design can be used with a variety of  conventional arc-flash detection devices and relays
• The fuse element softens the voltage spike and therefore reduces damage to other system elements
• Small back-up power cells

Mersen fuses are designed to stop the current and therefore prevent a high power arc flash electrical explosion from occuring.

Mersen MVCF fuse system is certified to many international standards and complies with the following:

• IEEE C37.40-2003
• IEEE C37.41-2008
• IEEE C37.46-2010
• IEEE C37.90.1-2012
• IEEE C37.90.2-2004 (R2010)
• IEEE C37.90.3-2004 (R2012)

 

Mersen MVCF Product Specifications

Fuse
Catalog Number	A155CNF100
Rated Current @ 40 C	100A
Rated Maximum Voltage	15.5 kV
Minimum Melting I²t	56 kA²s
Maximum Total Clearing I²t	280 kA²s
Rated Minimum Interrupting Current	160A
Rated Minimum Interrupting Current, Controlled	100A
Rated Maximum Interrupting Current	50kA
Rated Maximum Interrupting Current, Controlled	1000A
Maximum Peak Arc Voltage	42kV
Nominal Watts Loss @ Rated Curernt	150W
All Components
Operating Temp	-40°C to +50°C
Storage Temp	-40°C to +70°C, with humidity <80%

 

Video: Mersen High Voltage, High Power Electronics Protection By Fuses

Mersen Medium Voltage Controllable Fuse Solutions Guide

Category:  Electrical Safety & Arc Flash

Go back to blog index