Abstract
In this paper, we present our research into the interruption performance of vacuum circuit breakers in aviation intermediate-frequency (360 Hz to 800 Hz) power supply systems. Intermediate-frequency vacuum arc experiments were carried out in interrupters with a diameter of 41 mm and CuCr50 alloy contact material. The results show that, as the frequency and peak value of the current increase, both the peak value and rise rate of the intermediate-frequency vacuum arc voltage also increase, and the interruption ability decreases. However, compared to the power frequency current at the same value, the erosion of the contacts is weaker over a shorter arc period. When the vacuum arc reignites, metal droplets are emitted from the contacts. The drive force is from the center of the contact to the edge. If the density of the plasmas and metal vapors and the number of the metal droplets reaches a certain level, the arc may break down, which will cause the interruption to fail.
Highlights
To reduce the weight and life-cycle cost of more-electric and all-electric aircraft, electro-mechanical actuators (EMAs) and power-by-wire (PBW) technologies are widely used [1,2]
It is necessary to use a circuit breaker with large current breaking capability and high reliability to ensure that the interruption is successful in the aviation intermediate-frequency power system
Vacuum circuit breakers have been widely used in medium voltage power distribution systems, and are physically small, light-weight, and provide large current breaking capability and high reliability, all of which are important strengths in applications in the field of aviation
Summary
To reduce the weight and life-cycle cost of more-electric and all-electric aircraft, electro-mechanical actuators (EMAs) and power-by-wire (PBW) technologies are widely used [1,2]. The capacity of aviation power supply systems has greatly improved. It is because of these advanced technologies that electric power can be supplied by the variable-frequency generators directly into the engine, as happens in the A380, B787, and C919 aircraft. It is necessary to use a circuit breaker with large current breaking capability and high reliability to ensure that the interruption is successful in the aviation intermediate-frequency power system. Vacuum circuit breakers have been widely used in medium voltage power distribution systems, and are physically small, light-weight, and provide large current breaking capability and high reliability, all of which are important strengths in applications in the field of aviation
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