A New DC and AC Arc Fault Electrical Model

Arc faults can be accidentally produced in any electrical system. In order to test arc detection systems (AFCB), but also to design electrical systems, it is possible to simulate arcs faults starting from models. To analyse and detect these arc faults, accurate models are needed. In this paper a new approach to the arc modelling is discussed. In the first part of the paper we compare the different models from the literature. We have separated the behaviourial models from the impedance models. In the second part, we propose a new dynamic model of an arc. This model is built on electrical passive and active components. The arc time constant is taken into account. By using diodes (sensitive to a current threshold), zero crossing current is simulated with a new approach of the corona effect modelling. Experiments are made with a test bench we developed and designed. This last is able to produce repeatable and calibrated arc faults. Results on voltage and current waveforms obtained from the model are in good agreement with experiments. The results obtained from simulation are compared to existing models. Real measurements show the good quality and interest of our modelling.