A Novel Approach for Maximum Plasma Pressure Estimation at Surge Current Based on Experimental Investigations

Abstract

This paper introduces a novel approach for estimation of the maximum pressure caused by surge currents in narrow gaps. The new approach was developed based on different experimental tests in the laboratory for surge currents formed as an 8/20- $\mu \text{s}$ impulse. In addition, a clear identification of the dependences of the plasma pressure on different parameters such as the input power and the geometry of the narrow gap was investigated. The validity of the proposed approach was tested using measured and calculated maximum pressure of a different spark gap. The results show that the new technique is simple and efficient for estimating the maximum plasma pressure for similar spark gaps. The estimated pressure can be used in two different ways. It can be used in further investigations to design the sensor system, and on the other hand, it is useful in the development of new surge protective devices to design the geometry of the spark gap and housing. These devices protect electrical devices in the system from an outage caused by overvoltage.