Abstract
This paper presents an experimentally verified approach to deriving switching arc energy limitations for low-voltage (LV) circuit breakers (CBs). Air-insulated contactors equipped with additional vacuum-insulated (VI) arcing contacts were tested for AC and DC current interruption efficiency, respectively. In the study, the contact arrangements of reed relay VI contact switches of low current breaking capacity combined with air-insulated contactors were examined. Tests were performed on selected LV CBs inductively loaded for LV power network rated voltages. A comparative analysis of the arc energy resulting from various arc time durations recorded during the switching-off operation was performed. Using a variety of either basic CB air-insulated contact systems or combined contact systems, a practical assessment of the proposed idea for enhancing the arc quenching efficiency was undertaken. As a result of the implementation of the proposed idea, the arc burning duration time was indicated as being hundreds of times shorter. In most cases, a complete arc reduction was achieved. Moreover, the resulting arc energy dissipation during the breaking operation was substantially minimized. Consequently, a significant increase in the total current breaking capacity of the tested CBs was achieved.
Highlights
The development of circuit breakers (CBs) composed of traditional, mechanical contacts is especially difficult due to their relatively complex mechanical structure, and it is hard to expand their performance without significant increases in manufacturing costs [1,2,3]
In comparison to the basic design of current interrupter (CI) equipped with single contacts systems, the provision of additional arcing contacts dedicated for operation during the current breaking process allowed for a reduction in the duration of the switching-off process
Similar results were observed for both AC and DC current interruption
Summary
The contact arrangements of reed relay VI contact switches of low current breaking capacity combined with air-insulated contactors were examined. Using a variety of either basic CB air-insulated contact systems or combined contact systems, a practical assessment of the proposed idea for enhancing the arc quenching efficiency was undertaken. A significant increase in the total current breaking capacity of the tested CBs was achieved. The second is a functionality and operational efficiency extension Assuming this line of reasoning, circuit breaker development can be implemented by either improving classic mechanical and electromechanical constructions or by marketing devices, the operation of which is through altered principles
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