Abstract
The parameters of DC high-speed circuit-breakers (HSCB) and test methods are specified in the standards. These standards define requirements of the circuit breakers opening time and the total breaking time. During the direct current (DC) breaking after opening the contacts, the arc ignites, the voltage of which is so low that it does not limit the switched off current. The time in which this phenomenon occurs is defined as the contact arc time.The contact arc time has a significant influence on the breaking process. It can take up to over 40% of arcing time. Therefore, tests were carried out, which were to answer the questions about what and to a what extent affects the contact arc time.Since the standards for high-speed circuit-breakers do not refer to the contact arc time, definitions of this parameter are proposed in the article. Using this definition numerous tests of various factors have been carried out on contact arc time.The conducted research shows that shortening the DC breaking time through high-speed breakers is possible by limiting the contact arc time, which can be obtained by modifying the circuit breaker’s construction.
Highlights
High-speed circuit-breakers (HSCB) sorted in traction substations are subject to several requirements regarding their electrical and mechanical parameters as well as their durability and reliability
Since the standards for high-speed circuit-breakers do not refer to the contact arc time, definitions of this parameter are proposed in the article
The conducted research shows that shortening the direct current (DC) breaking time through high-speed breakers is possible by limiting the contact arc time, which can be obtained by modifying the circuit breaker’s construction
Summary
High-speed circuit-breakers (HSCB) sorted in traction substations are subject to several requirements regarding their electrical and mechanical parameters as well as their durability and reliability. Breaking time is one of basic HSCR parameters affecting the protection of human life and health in case of short-circuits to the available elements. The tests have shown that the parameters of the circuit and the breaking current have little influence on the contact arc time. In the case of some types of high-speed breakers, the value of the contact arc time causes that the breaking time and the limited shortcircuit current have high values despite the minimum values of the circuit breaker's opening time. Tests have been carried out examining the impact of the number of operating current breakings made by the circuit breaker on the contact arc time. Detailed results of these tests are presented below
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