Reliable design of bellows and end components for vacuum interrupters having longer stroke length

Vacuum Breakers are now being increasingly utilized at transmission class voltages. The vacuum interrupters in these breakers require considerably longer strokes i.e. open gaps as compared to those in medium voltages. Also the closing and opening speeds are higher. This requirement of longer strokes and higher velocity calls for a special design of bellows and the end components of the vacuum interrupters. This paper presents the results of simulations and experimentation for arriving at guidelines for designing of bellows, especially for bellows having longer stroke lengths. The paper also throws light on the general design guidelines for the design of end components.