Abstract
Lately, an electric vehicle and renewable energy such as a photovoltaic power, and a wind power generation have been widely utilized. In these systems, some DC switchgears are used. Since DC current interruption by VCB seems difficult, new method such as external magnetic field application should be developed for DC current interruption. Some research has been carried out this method. However, the characteristic of arc with a small DC current applied to the magnetic field has not been investigated sufficiently. This paper presents the results of investigations aimed to reveal interrelationship between small DC current vacuum arcs and a transverse magnetic field. In the experiment, the vacuum arc is ignited in a vacuum chamber under transverse magnetic field application, and the state of arc was observed by high speed camera. The influence of transverse magnetic field to small DC current vacuum arc is discussed in this paper. It is found that the higher current is interrupted by subjecting transverse magnetic field. The stronger a magnetic field is applied to the arc, the shorter an arc life time becomes (an arc life time is duration from the arc ignition to its extinction), and we confirmed that DC current is interrupted around 200A-400V with plane electrodes. We found characteristic of small DC vacuum arc under transverse magnetic field in each condition.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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
