Vacuum arcs driven by cross-magnetic fields (RMF)

Author

Dullni, Edgar ; Schade, Ekkehard ; Shang, Wenkai

fYear

2002

fDate

2002

Firstpage

60

Lastpage

66

Abstract

The principle of controlling a high-current vacuum arc by radial magnetic fields (RMF) forcing the constricted arc to move, has long been utilised to design vacuum interrupters. Detailed electrical and optical measurements in conjunction with FEM-calculations have provided a better physical understanding of the function of RMF contacts. Arc appearance, arc rotation speed and heating of the contact surface can be explained by some simple equations. Design features and scaling laws of RMF contacts are presented. Finally spiral-type and cup-shaped contact designs are compared with each other.

Keywords

circuit-breaking arcs; finite element analysis; magnetic fields; switchgear testing; vacuum arcs; vacuum interrupters; FEM-calculations; arc appearance; arc rotation speed; cross-magnetic fields; electrical measurements; high-current vacuum arc control; optical measurements; radial magnetic fields; vacuum interrupters; Cathodes; Charge carriers; Contacts; Contracts; Electromagnetic forces; Interrupters; Magnetic field measurement; Magnetic fields; Temperature; Vacuum arcs;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, 2002. 20th International Symposium on

Print_ISBN

0-7803-7394-4

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/ISDEIV.2002.1027309

Filename

1027309