SERVICE DIVISION
 
 
Powell Retrofill Solutions
 

The Intelligent Solution to Switchgear Modernization and Life Extension
Air magnetic equipment is not only obsolete, but can be hazardous to your personnel and operations.  If it is time to think about upgrading your metal-clad switchgear, it is time to talk to Powell.  When safety is on the line, PowlVac® Retrofill is the intelligent solution.
 

Replacement, Retrofit, or Retrofill?
Retrofill is more than a replacement circuit breaker and more than a partial retrofit.  Powell has put state-of-the-industry performance and technology into a single, easy-to-install package.  Retrofill is an advanced drawout, vacuum circuit breaker, compartment and racking assembly, fully integrated and ready for installation into the existing switchgear enclosure.
 

Cost Efficient Reliability
Innovative design gives you more for less. Retrofill is the technology driven and solution oriented alternative to equipment replacement.  This increases system reliability and operational safety while cutting maintenance costs.  Existing protection and control wiring, cables and potheads remain in place.  In addition, equipment interrupting capability can be upgraded.
 

Flexible, Versatile Design

Retrofill is the smart alternative to equipment replacement, available for a wide range of applications:

  • 5kV - 1200A to 2000A - 26 inch wide compartment

  • 5kV - 1200A to 3000A - 36 inch wide compartment

  • 15kV - 1200A to 3000A - 36 inch wide compartment

  • 38kV - 1200A to 2000A - 48 inch wide compartment


click for full size image
 

Turn-key Installation
You can depend on complete, turn-key installation.  Our technicians remove the obsolete breaker and cell components, then install the new Retrofill cell into the existing enclosure.  The new cell contains all-new secondary disconnects, a closed door racking mechanism, and adaptive runback bus to connect to bus termination points.  New secondary control terminals on the Retrofill cell accommodate the existing CT and control wiring.
 

Unmatched Technology
Powell packs in performance.  Retrofill features include:
  • ANSI C37 tested and certified
  • State-of-the-art vacuum technology
  • Horizontal draw out design
  • Closed door draw out racking
  • MOC and TOC contacts are integral to the cell
  • Front accessible mechanism, breaker interlocks and secondary disconnect
 

Uncompromising Quality
Our engineering team designs in reliability.  Then we put it to the test. Design tests include:  short circuit, maximum interrupting capability, close and latch, B.I.L., continuous current and life testing.  Production testing is thorough and complete: hipot, vacuum integrity, stroke and timing, and 300 mechanical operations.
 

Powell Makes it Easy
Powell's focus on life extension bring you an entirely new level of service, before and after the installation is complete.  We supply comprehensive, CAD-based, as-built drawings and follow up with on-site training for your operations personnel.  Powell breakers have a lifetime warranty against loss of vacuum; parts and installation are warranted for two years.  We also offer our customers extended warranties with annual preventive maintenance visits for a long, trouble-free service life.
 

Retrofill Solves Problems Caused by Obsolete Circuit Breakers
Problem:
Safety concerns operating obsolete equipment.
Solution:
PowlVac Retrofill features modern closed-door racking and is fully safety interlocked.
Problem:
Management is concerned with the reliability of existing equipment.
Solution:
By choosing the PowlVac Retrofill to modernize and extend the life of existing equipment, you replace the components that are most prone to failure.
Problem:
No allocation in the capital budget for equipment replacement.
Solution:
PowlVac Retrofill is a cost-effective, timely alternative to equipment replacement that can by expensed against your maintenance and safety budgets.
Problem:
The distribution system's fault capacity has grown beyond its interrupting capability and rating. Existing equipment can no longer safely interrupt full fault level currents.
Solution:
PowlVac Retrofill life extension/modification permits safe and cost-effective rating upgrades up to 41kA.
Problem:
Obsolete equipment is sending your maintenance, repair and operating costs into orbit.
Solution:
PowlVac Retrofill life extension / modernization equipment utilizes today's low maintenance, high reliability vacuum breaker technology.
Problem:
Parts for air magnetic equipment are expensive and hard to find.
Solution:
Powell parts are available off-the-shelf. For half a century, Powell has been committed to providing full service and parts for all of its electrical products, and we paln on continuing this tradition.
Problem:
We have several different types of metal-clad switchgear in our facility requiring upgrade, modification, or extension.
Solution:
You can install PowlVac Retrofill in virtually any manufacturer's equipment. All Retrofill designs utilize the same interchangeable vacuum circuit breaker.
Problem:
We question the reliability of our obsolete air magnetic switchgear, but the power and control cables are still in good condition.
Solution:
PowlVac Retrofill can utilize existing controls and power cables without disturbing the original terminations, while upgrading your existing air magnetic equipment to modern vacuum technology.
Problem:
We are ready to replace our obsolete equipment, but replacing the existing installation would be costly and a logistical nightmare.
Solution:
PowlVac Retrofill offers a cost-efficient alternative to equipment replacement, with few (if any) site condition limitations.
 
 

©2007 Powell Electrical Systems, Inc.  PO Box 12818, Houston, TX  77217-2818