Simulation study on hybrid circuit breaker with SF6 interrupter and vacuum interrupter in series

Hybrid circuit breaker is comprised of SF₆ interrupter and vacuum interrupter connected in series. The novel hybrid circuit breaker takes advantage of the best capabilities and properties of these two interrupters. Vacuum interrupter has excellent ability to deal with the steep rising of TRV, whereas the SF₆ interrupter is good at withstanding the peak value of TRV. Their cooperation has positive influence on the hybrid circuit breaker. In this paper, several dynamic arc model simulation implementations will be expounded. Afterwards, the dynamic arc model set up by applying TACS functions within ATP will be represented. Meanwhile, the parameters of the differential equations for the arc model will be modified by Matlab software. The simulation results show accordance with the assumptions and tests. Vacuum interrupter works well with SF₆ interrupter. Interruption could be successful when it is interrupted first by vacuum interrupter. Immediately after current zero, vacuum interrupter withstands the more voltage, whereas, SF₆ interrupter turns to a workhorse after its dielectric strength is recovered. That indicates SF₆ interrupter could have higher interruption capability within a hybrid circuit breaker.