A novel method to calculate pressure, temperature and shockwave propagation in self-blast circuit breakers

Abstract

Distribution of different mechanical and electro-magnetic parameters is obtained via simulation of electrical arcs in SF6 circuit breakers with a novel method of dividing a simulation area into two zones. The proposed method makes it feasible to consider the exact geometry of the whole interruption chamber and material properties as well as to discover pressure profile and shock wave propagation curves. The aim of these simulations is to find the pattern of pressure and temperature rises and to design the equipment for a proper function. This problem is approached by solving a combination of fluid dynamics and electromagnetic equations in the arc column and only fluid dynamics equations in its surrounding area and assessing the impact of produced pressures and shock waves on the internal parts. One of the strengths of this approach is the capability to apply complete real geometry and specific dimensions of a circuit breaker arrangement as well as considering practically used materials. In this research the developed method is discussed and then as a case study to verify this process, a circuit breaker is simulated and the results are compared with the existing experimental results.