A significant copper mine in Peru chose S&C IntelliRupter PulseCloser with IntelliTEAM II Automatic Restoration System to improve the reliability of the medium-voltage loop overhead distribution system used to feed their 2-MVA shovels and drills. During the rainy season, frequent fault events affect the power supply, so the mining company was looking for a way to quickly reconfigure its loop and recover as many shovels as possible in case of 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 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. The IntelliRupter was also furnished with an integral hookstick-operated disconnect for visible air-gap isolation.
This copper mining operation is located 4,100 meters above sea level, which can turn any job in a challenge for those not acclimated to this altitude. In just four days, S&C Field Service Engineers accomplished the radio survey, start up and commissioning for four IntelliRupter PulseClosers. S&C’s engineers also trained operating personnel on IntelliRupter operation and programming of the protection settings.
