University research approach to switchgear technology////Arc quenching phenomena

As a university feels lack of possibility for the circuit breaker research, several approaches are described. Four technical fields are explained, and they are 1) arc quenching phenomenon, 2) circuit switching phenomenon, 3) MEMS sensor application technology and 4) new material application technology. Two examples are shown from the field 1). The electron density measurement by a Shack-Harmann sensor is promising to make quenching phenomena clear, as the electron density can be measured at 1 A. The dc circuit breaker research by using a EDLC capacitor bank will be useful for a new electric power grid development.