A PIC-MCC Simulation of the High-Voltage Interruption Ability of a Vacuum Interrupter

Abstract

In order to determine the ultimate high voltage interruption ability of a vacuum interrupter, a PIC-MCC (Particle In Cell - Monte Carlo Collision) computer simulation was utilized under the following conditions. Residual charged and neutral particles at current zero were arranged between the electrodes. This was the initial condition. These particle conditions were obtained from extrapolated values of experimental data. Secondary electron emission and self-sputtering effects due to ion bombardment were also considered for this simulation. From the result of a simulation on a 168 kV/25 kA 40 mm diameter one-break interrupter, the breaking ability was found to be influenced most by the initial neutral particle density. The charged particle density and the secondary electron emission coefficient were found to have less effect on the breaking capability. Consequently, it is estimated that the self-sputtering coefficient by ion bombardment is one of the most important parameters of metal vapor supply.