Simulation and experimental research on series vacuum arc of vacuum circuit breaker with double-break

The paper established the simulation model of series vacuum arc of Vacuum Circuit Breaker (VCB) with double-break using Magneto Hydro Dynamic (MHD) model. To gain the matching characteristics of series vacuum arc, the influence of series different vacuum gaps and interactional magnetic field was analyzed. The distribution of micro-characteristics was depended on the axial magnetic field causing by different vacuum gaps while the interactional magnetic field between series vacuum gaps was negligible. The research platform of series vacuum arc of VCB with double-break based on transparent vitreous vacuum interrupters was set up. The series vacuum arc was simultaneously acquired by two CMOS high-speed cameras. The out of sync of series vacuum arc extinguishing which was arisen when the VCB with double-break asynchronously opening was proved by arc voltage, arc images and arc area change. With the asynchrony increasing, the probability of out of sync of series vacuum arc extinguishing enhanced. The arc extinguishing of late opening vacuum interrupter was earlier than the early, which was explained by the distribution of micro-characteristic from the simulation. The experimental result and simulation result provided the basis for the practical application.