On criteria of optimized application of AMF- and RMF-contact systems in vacuum interrupters

Author

Renz, R.

Author_Institution

Siemens AG, Berlin, Germany

Volume

1

fYear

2000

fDate

2000

Firstpage

176

Abstract

In case of interrupting high AC-currents in vacuum, a metal vapour arc burns between the separating contacts, till the next current-zero. However, if the current exceeds the range of approximately 10 kA the arc will pinch due to its own magnetic field. In order to avoid a local contact overheating there are two possibilities: movement of the constricted arc on the contact surface by a radial magnetic field (RMF); and prevention of arc constriction by an axial magnetic field (AMF). In this short overview the functional principles and physics of RMF and AMF are given. Pros and cons of RMF versus AMF with regard to interrupting capability, electrical resistance, tubes dimension and production costs are compared for the low, medium and high voltage range

Keywords

circuit-breaking arcs; electric resistance; electrical contacts; magnetic fields; vacuum arcs; vacuum interrupters; arc constriction prevention; arc pinch; axial magnetic field; constricted arc movement; electrical resistance; high AC-currents interruption; local contact overheating avoidance; magnetic field; metal vapour arc; production costs; radial magnetic field; vacuum interrupters; Contacts; Electric resistance; Interrupters; Magnetic fields; Medium voltage; Physics; Production; Vacuum arcs; Vacuum systems; Vacuum technology;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, 2000. Proceedings. ISDEIV. XIXth International Symposium on

Conference_Location

Xi´an

Print_ISBN

0-7803-5791-4

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/DEIV.2000.877279

Filename

877279