Abstract
Simulation methods are routinely applied in the design and development process of power distribution devices. Arcing phenomena that occur during switching operations or fault events are modeled to optimize device performance and gain deeper insights into the behavior that testing cannot easily provide. In this contribution, some applications are presented in detail. The first example describes the distribution of debris that is generated inside a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) during short-circuit interruption. A model is used to analyze the debris transport and to derive a solution to address issues caused by the debris. Second application example is a cooling device for hot plasma gases vented by circuit breakers. A model driven design process helps to define the device dimensions to achieve a safe temperature level of the exhaust gases. The third example deals with short-circuit behavior of a hollow core high voltage surge arrester, comparing model and experimental results.
Highlights
Modeling methods have been developed to predict the arcing behavior in power distribution devices and are nowadays applied on a regular basis in various research and development activities
The first example describes the distribution of debris that is generated inside a molded case circuit breaker (MCCB) during short–circuit interruption
By means of three industrial application examples we discussed the utilization of arc modeling methods in this contribution
Summary
Surge arresters employing metal-oxide varistor elements (MOV’s) are widely used to protect medium and high voltage electrical distribution equipment from over voltage transients caused by internal (switching) or external events (e.g. lightning strike). “Design A”type arresters according to IEC60099-4 [11] are investigated In the event of a short-circuit inside the tube, a high current is flowing in a confined space forming a hot ionized plasma column inside the arrester. Electromagnetic forces, acting on the plasma column, are responsible for further distribution of the hot ionized gas inside the tube. This results in fast heating of the air inside the surge arrester tube and a fast pressure rise that triggers the rupture of the diaphragms, once a pressure threshold is exceeded. Since prototyping and SC testing of surge arresters is tedious and expensive, a simulation model is developed to enhance the understanding of the physical phenomena during interruption to be able to reduce the development time
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
