Fluid-chemical modeling of the near-cathode sheath formation process in a high current broken in DC air circuit breaker

When the contacts of a medium-voltage DC air circuit breaker(DCCB) are separated, the energy distribution of the arc is determined by the formation process of the near-electrode sheath. Therefore, the voltage drop through the near-electrode sheath is an important means to build up the arc voltage, which directly determines the current-limiting performance of the DCCB. A numerical model to describe the near-electrode sheath formation process can provide insight into the physical mechanism of the arc formation, and thus provide a method for arc energy regulation. In this work, we establish a two-dimensional axisymmetric time-varying model of a medium-voltage DCCB arc when interrupted by high current based on a fluid-chemical model involving 16 kinds of species and 46 collision reactions. The transient distributions of electron number density, positive and negative ion number density, net space charge density, axial electric field, axial potential between electrodes, and near-cathode sheath are obtained from the numerical model. The computational results show that the electron density in the arc column increases, then decreases, and then stabilizes during the near-cathode sheath formation process, and the arc column's diameter gradually becomes wider. The 11.14 V–12.33 V drops along the17 μm space charge layer away from the cathode(65.5 k V/m–72.5 k V/m) when the current varies from 20 k A–80 k A.The homogeneous external magnetic field has little effect on the distribution of particles in the near-cathode sheath core,but the electron number density at the near-cathode sheath periphery can increase as the magnetic field increases and the homogeneous external magnetic field will lead to arc diffusion. The validity of the numerical model can be proven by comparison with the experiment.

Analysis of multiple-faults of high-voltage circuit breakers based on non-negative matrix decomposition

High-voltage circuit breakers are the core equipment in power networks,and to a certain extent,are related to the safe and reliable operation of power systems.However,their core components are prone to mechanical faults.This study proposes a component separation method to detect multiple mechanical faults in circuit breakers that can achieve online real-time monitoring.First,a model and strategy are presented for obtaining mechanical voiceprint signals from circuit breakers.Subsequently,the component separation method was used to decompose the voiceprint signals of multiple faults into individual component signals.Based on this,the recognition of the features of a single-fault voiceprint signal can be achieved.Finally,multiple faults in high-voltage circuit breakers were identified through an experimental simulation and verification of the circuit breaker voiceprint signals collected from the substation site.The research results indicate that the proposed method exhibits excellent performance for multiple mechanical faults,such as spring structures and loose internal components of circuit breakers.In addition,it provides a reference method for the real-time online monitoring of high-voltage circuit breakers.

Fault DiagnosisMethod of Energy Storage Unit of Circuit Breakers Based on EWT-ISSA-BP

Aiming at the problem of energy storage unit failure in the spring operating mechanism of low voltage circuit breakers(LVCBs).A fault diagnosis algorithm based on an improved Sparrow Search Algorithm(ISSA)optimized Backpropagation Neural Network(BPNN)is proposed to improve the operational safety of LVCB.Taking the 1.5kV/4000A/75kA LVCB as an example.According to the current operating characteristics of the energy storage motor,fault characteristics are extracted based on Empirical Wavelet Transform(EWT).Traditional BPNN has problems such as difficulty adjusting network weights and thresholds,being sensitive to initial weights,and quickly falling into local optimal solutions.The Sparrow Search Algorithm(SSA)with self-adjusting weight factors combined with bidirectional mutations is added to optimize the selection of BPNN hyperparameters.The results show that the ISSA-BPNN can accurately and quickly distinguish six conditions of motor voltage reduction:motor voltage increase,motor voltage decrease,energy storage spring stuck,transmission gear stuck,regular state and energy storage spring not locked.It is suitable for fault diagnosis and detection of the energy storage part of LVCB.

Integrated Experimental and Simulation Investigation of Breakdown Voltage Characteristics Across Electrode Configurations in SF_(6) Circuit Breakers

This study investigates the breakdown voltage characteristics in sulfur hexafluoride(SF6)circuit breakers,employing a novel approach that integrates both experimental investigations and finite element simulations.Utilizing a sphere-sphere electrode configuration,we meticulously measured the relationship between breakdown voltage and electrode gap distances ranging from 1 cm to 4.5 cm.Subsequent simulations,conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics,mirrored the experimental setup to validate the model’s accuracy through a comparison of the breakdown voltage-electrode gap distance curves.The simulation results not only aligned closely with the experimental data but also allowed the extraction of detailed electric field strength,electric potential contours,and electric current flow curves at the breakdown voltage for gap distances extending from 1 to 4.5 cm.Extending the analysis,the study explored the electric field and potential distribution at a constant voltage of 72.5 kV for gap distances between 1 to 10 cm,identifying the maximum electric field strength.A comprehensive comparison of five different electrode configurations(sphere-sphere,sphere-rod,sphere-plane,rod-plane,rod-rod)at 72.5 kV and a gap distance of 1.84 cm underscored the significant influence of electrode geometry on the breakdown process.Moreover,the research contrasts the breakdown voltage in SF6 with that in air,emphasizing SF6’s superior insulating properties.This investigation not only elucidates the intricate dynamics of electrical breakdown in SF6 circuit breakers but also contributes valuable insights into the optimal electrode configurations and the potential for alternative insulating gases,steering future advancements in high-voltage circuit breaker technology.

Magneto-hydrodynamic simulation study of direct current multi-contact circuit breaker for equalizing breaking arc

This work is based on a direct current(DC)natural current commutation topology,which uses load-carrying branch contacts carrying rated current and multiple sets of series arcing branch contacts in parallel to achieve circuit breaking.The proposed topology can meet the new requirements of higher voltage DC switches in aviation,aerospace,energy and other fields.First,a magneto-hydrodynamic arc model is built using COMSOL Multiphysics,and the different arc breaking characteristics of the arcing branch contacts in different gas environments are simulated.Then,a voltage uniformity coefficient is used to measure the voltage sharing effect in the process of dynamic interruption.In order to solve the dispersion of arcing contact action,a structural control method is adopted to improve the voltage uniformity coefficient.The uniform voltage distribution can improve the breaking capacity and electrical life of the series connection structure.

Electrical Installation Safety Assessment of Buildings in Kumasi, Ghana

This study aims to evaluate the safety status of electrical installations in residential and commercial buildings within the Suame ECG strategic business unit, Ghana, focusing on compliance with international and Ghanaian wiring standards. The research assesses key factors influencing safety, including the certification of electricians, the quality of cable brands used, proper cable sizing, adherence to wiring color codes, the awareness and use of Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCBs), and the protection of earth electrodes. A descriptive research design was utilized, involving extensive field surveys and electrical installation audits. Data were collected using standardized tools and analyzed with SPSS software to evaluate the professional competencies of artisans and their adherence to safety standards. The findings indicate significant safety risks, with 69.7% of electricians lacking proper certification, leading to the widespread use of non-approved cable brands, improper cable sizing, and deviations from wiring color codes. Additionally, deficiencies were found in the awareness and use of RCCBs and the protection of earth electrodes. The study concludes with recommendations to enhance electrical safety, including mandatory certification for electricians, public awareness campaigns, regular inspections, and ongoing training and development programs. These measures are crucial for improving the overall safety and quality of electrical installations in the Suame area, Ghana.

Numerical Study on Arc Plasma Behavior During Arc Commutation Process in Direct Current Circuit Breaker

This paper focuses on the numerical investigation of arc plasma behavior during arc commutation process in a medium-voltage direct current circuit breaker （DCCB） contact system. A three-dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic （MHD） model of air arc plasma in the contact system of a DCCB is developed, based on commercial software FLUENT. Coupled electromagnetic and gas dynamic interactions are considered as usual, and a thin layer of nonlinear electrical resistance elements is used to represent the voltage drop of plasma sheath and the formation of new arc root. The distributions of pressure, temperature, gas flow and current density of arc plasma in arc region are calculated. The simulation results indicate that the pressure distribution related to the contact system has a strong effect on the arc commutation process, arising from the change of electrical conductivity in the arc root region. In DCCB contact system, the pressure of arc root region will be concentrated and higher if the space above the moving contact is enclosed, which is not good for arc root commutation. However, when the region is opened, the pressure distribution would be lower and more evenly, which is favorable for the arc root commutation.

Research on the overload protection reliability of moulded case circuit-breakers and its test device

This paper analyzed the reliability and put forward the reliability index of overload protection for moulded case circuit breaker. The success rate was adopted as its reliability index of overload protection. Based on the reliability index and the reli- ability level, the reliability examination plan was analyzed and a test device for the overload protection of moulded case cir- cuit-breaker was developed. In the reliability test of overload protection, two power sources were used, which reduced the time of conversion and regulation between two different test currents in the overload protection test, which made the characteristic test more accurate. The test device was designed on the base of a Windows system, which made its operation simple and friendly.

Study on the Mathematical Model of Dielectric Recovery Characteristics in High Voltage SF6 Circuit Breaker

According to the stream theory, this paper proposes a mathematical model of the dielectric recovery characteristic based on the two-temperature ionization equilibrium equation. Taking the dynamic variation of charged particle＇s ionization and attachment into account, this model can be used in collaboration with the Coulomb collision model, which gives the relationship of the heavy particle temperature and electron temperature to calculate the electron density and temperature under different pressure and electric field conditions, so as to deliver the breakdown electric field strength under different pressure conditions. Meanwhile an experiment loop of the circuit breaker has been built to measure the breakdown voltage. It is shown that calculated results are in conformity with experiment results on the whole while results based on the stream criterion are larger than experiment results. This indicates that the mathematical model proposed here is more accurate for calculating the dielectric recovery characteristic, it is derived from the stream model with some improvement and refinement and has great significance for increasing the simulation accuracy of circuit breaker＇s interruption characteristic.

Study on the instantaneous protection reliability of low voltage circuit breakers

This paper outlines the significance of enhancing the instantaneous protection reliability of low voltage circuit breakers and describes their main failure modes. The instantaneous failure mechanism of low voltage circuit breakers was analyzed so that measures to improve instantaneous protection reliability can be determined. Furthermore, the theory of the instantaneous characteristics calibration device for low voltage circuit breakers and the method of eliminating the non-periodic component of test current are given in detail. Finally, the test results are presented.

The Voltage Distribution Characteristics of a Hybrid Circuit Breaker During High Current Interruption

Hybrid circuit breaker （HCB） technology based on a vacuum interrupter and a SF6 interrupter in series has become a new research direction because of the low-carbon requirements for high voltage switches. The vacuum interrupter has an excellent ability to deal with the steep rising part of the transient recovery voltage （TRV）, while the SF6 interrupter can withstand the peak part of the voltage easily. An HCB can take advantage of the interrupters in the current interruption process. In this study, an HCB model based on the vacuum ion diffusion equations, ion density equation, and modified Cassie-Mayr arc equation is explored. A simulation platform is constructed by using a set of software called the alternative transient program （ATP）. An HCB prototype is also designed, and the short circuit current is interrupted by the HCB under different action sequences of contacts. The voltage distribution of the HCB is analyzed through simulations and tests. The results demonstrate that if the vacuum interrupter withstands the initial TRV and interrupts the post-arc current first, then the recovery speed of the dielectric strength of the SF6 interrupter will be fast. The voltage distribution between two interrupters is determined by their post-arc resistance, which happens after current-zero, and subsequently, it is determined by the capacitive impedance after the post-arc current decays to zero.

Research on arc root stagnation when small current is interrupted in self-excited circuit breaker

The self-excited DC air circuit breaker(SE-DCCB)has been widely used in urban rail transit due to its excellent stability.It can realize forward and reverse interruption,but has difficulty interrupting small currents due to the phenomenon of arc root sticking at the entrance of the arc chamber in the splitting process,which is known as arc root stagnation.A coupling model of the self-excited magnetic field and magnetohydrodynamics is established for the SE-DCCB with the traditional structure.The magnetic field,temperature and airflow distribution in the arc chamber are investigated with an interrupting current of 150 A.The simulation results show that the direction and magnitude of the magnetic blowout force are the dominant factors in the arc root stagnation.The local high temperature of the arc chamber due to arc root stagnation increases the obstruction effect of the airflow vortex on the arc root movement,which significantly increases the arc duration time of small current interruption.Based on the research,the structure of the magnetic conductance plate of the actual product is improved,which can improve the direction and magnitude of the magnetic blowout force at the arc root so as to restrain the development of the airflow vortex effectively and solve the problem of arc root stagnation when the small current is interrupted.The simulation results show that the circuit breaker with improved structure has a better performance for a small current interruption range from 100 A to 350 A.

Influence of Shock Wave on Turbulence in SF_6 Puffer Circuit Breaker

Influence of the shock wave on the turbulence in a supersonic nozzle was investigated for a SF6 puffer circuit breaker interruption process. Turbulence is enlarged through the shock wave. Baroclinic generation of vortex causes flow separation and broadening of the arc cross section. V-I characteristics are slightly modified due to the shock wave＇s influence.

Analysis of Arc Characteristics and Flow Field in Arc Chamber of High-Voltage SF_6 Auto-Expansion Circuit Breaker

A new magnetic hydro-dynamics model for nozzle arc emphasizing the interaction of arc with PTFE （polytetrafluorethylene） vapour is established based on the conservation equations. The interruption of auto-expansion circuit breaker is simulated numerically by finite element method and the influence of PTFE vapour on the arc is analysed with this model. The results reveal that the flow field inside the arc chamber is determined by the arc current, the arcing time, the nozzle arc and the clogging of its thermal boundary. The establishment of quenching pressure relies on both SF6 gas and PTFE vapour that absorbed arc energy in the nozzle. The PTFE vapour leads to an increase in the pressure of nozzle arc obviously, and a decrease in the temperature of arc. But it enhances the temperature of arc at zero current and slows down the decreasing rate of arc temperature as the current decreases.

Influence of the axial magnetic field on sheath development after current zero in a vacuum circuit breaker

After current zero,which is the moment when the vacuum circuit breaker interrupts a vacuum arc,sheath development is the first process in the dielectric recovery process.An axial magnetic field（AMF） is widely used in the vacuum circuit breaker when the high-current vacuum arc is interrupted.Therefore,it is very important to study the influence of different AMF amplitudes on the sheath development.The objective of this paper is to study the influence of different AMF amplitudes on the sheath development from a micro perspective.Thus,the particle in cell-Monte Carlo collisions（PIC-MCC） method was adopted to develop the sheath development model.We compared the simulation results with the experimental results and then validated the simulation.We also obtained the speed of the sheath development and the energy density of the ions under different AMF amplitudes.The results showed mat the larger the AMF amplitudes are,the faster the sheath develops and the lower the ion energy density is,meaning the breakdown is correspondingly more difficult.

Simulation and Experimental Analysis of Arc Motion Characteristics in Air Circuit Breaker

In this paper, to simulate the arc motion in an air circuit breaker （ACB）, a three- dimensional magneto-hydrodynamic （MHD） model is developed, considering the influence of ther- mal radiation, the change of physical parameters of arc plasma and the nonlinear characteristic of ferromagnetic material. The distributions of pressure, temperature, gas flow and current density of arc plasma in the arc region are calculated. The simulation results show some phenomena which discourage arc interruption, such as back commutation and arc burning at the back of the splitter plate. To verify the simulation model, the arc motion is studied experimentally. The influences of the material and position of the innermost barrier plate are analyzed mainly. It proved that the model developed in this paper can efficiently simulate the arc motion. The results indicate that the insulation barrier plate close to the top of the splitter plate is conducive to the arc splitting, which leads to the significant increase of the arc voltage, so it is better for arc interruption. The research can provide methods and references to the optimization of ACB design.

Transient Ablation Regime in Circuit Breakers

Nozzle wall ablation caused by high temperature electric arcs is studied in the context of high voltage SF6 circuit breakers. The simplified ablation model used in litterature has been updated to take into account the unsteady state of ablation. Ablation rate and velocity are now calculated by a kinetic model using two layers of transition, between the bulk plasma and the ablating wall. The first layer （Knudsen layer）, right by the wall, is a kinetic layer of a few mean-free path of thickness. The second layer is collision dominated and makes the transition between the kinetic layer and the plasma bulk. With this new coupled algorithm, it is now possible to calculate the temperature distribution inside the wall, as well as more accurate ablation rates.

Method of Mechanical Fault Intelligent Diagnosis Based on Vibration Signal of High Voltage Circuit Breaker

Based on vibration signal of high voltage circuit breaker,a new method of intelligent fault diagnosis that wavelet packet extracts energy entropy which are used as characteristic vector of the support vector machine(SVM)to construct classifier for fault diagnosis is presented.The acceleration sensors are applied to collecting the vibration data of different states of high voltage circuit breakers based on self-made experimental platform in this method.The wavelet packet are fully applied to analyze the vibration signal and decompose vibration signal into three layers,and wavelet packet energy entropy of each frequency band are as the characteristic vector of circuit breaker failure mode.Then the intelligent diagnosis network is established on the basis of the support vector machine theory.It is verified that the method has a better capability of classification and a higher accuracy compared with the traditional neural network diagnosis method through distinguishing the three fault modes which are tripping device stuck,the vacuum arcing chamber fixed bolt looseness and too much friction force of the transmission mechanism of circuit breaker in this paper.

Simulation of Arc Rotation and Its Effects on Pressure of Expansion Volume in an Auto-Expansion SF_6 Circuit Breaker

A 3D Magnetohydrodynamics （MHD） arc model in conjunction with an arc move- ment model is applied to simulate the arc rotation as well as to solve its effect on the pressure in an auto-expansion circuit breaker. The rotation of the arc driven by an external electromagnetic force is simulated in the case with 200 kA of the short circuit current and 16 ms of arc duration. The arc rotating process and the speed of arc rotation have been obtained in the simulation. A comparison of the pressure in the expansion volume with and without an external magnetic field has been carried out based on the calculation results of two cases. The results of the simulation reveal that the arc rotation, which causes more energy exchange between the arc and its sur- rounding gas, can evidently bring about the pressurization in the expansion volume, which would contribute to more effective arc quenching at current zero and further reducing operation power.

Key stress extraction and equivalent test method for hybrid DC circuit breaker

Firstly, relevant stress properties of millisecond level breaking process and microsecond level commutation process of hybrid HVDC circuit breaker are studied in detail on the basis of the analysis for the application environment and topological structure and operating principles of hybrid circuit breakers, and key stress parameters in transient state process of two time dimensions are extracted. The established digital simulation circuit for PSCAD/EMTDC device-level operation of the circuit breaker has verified the stress properties of millisecond level breaking process and microsecond level commutation process. Then, equivalent test method, circuits and parameters based on LC power supply are proposed on the basis of stress extraction. Finally, the results of implemented breaking tests for complete 200 kV circuit breaker, 100 kV and 50 kV circuit breaker units, as well as single power electronic module have verified the accuracy of the simulation circuit and mathematical analysis. The result of this paper can be a guide to electrical structure and test system design of hybrid HVDC circuit breaker.