Characterizing the diffuse vacuum arc voltage for MVDC circuit breaker applications: experiment, data, and empirical model

Plasma Physics and Technology, vol. 12, pp. 197–201

Abstract

Proposed hybrid DC circuit breaker concepts rely on the arc voltage in vacuum interrupters to commutate fault currents to parallel branches. This paper presents an extensive experimental investigation of the diffuse vacuum arc voltage of an industrially manufactured vacuum interrupter which is connected to a Thomson coil actuator. By independently varying the opening speed and arc current, an empirical model describing the diffuse vacuum arc voltage as a function of contact distance and current is derived. The model limits are evaluated by discussing the transition phase towards high-current anode mode formation.

Authors 2

1. Philipp Wienkamp Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   IAEW at RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstrasse 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany

2. Willem Leterme Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   IAEW at RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstrasse 2, 52062 Aachen, Germany