Experimental analysis of a fast acting circuit breaker mechanismߞElectrical aspects

An experimental analysis of a fast electromagnetic circuit breaker driving mechanism has been performed. The device utilizes the repulsion force produced on a metal disc subjected to a transient magnetic field The spatial distribution, in the disc, of the driving field was determined using magnetic probes located at the surface of the disc or imbedded within. The acceleration of the disc was also measured using a piezo-electric aceelerometer. A pulsed power supply circuit with or without crow-bar energizes the magnet coil. The experimental results are found to agree very well with a more refined theoretical analysis presented in this paper. Some recommendations are made with regard to the optimization of both the geometry of the driving mechanism and the characteristics of the power supply used to energize this driving mechanism.