Numerical research on switching arc of circuit breaker

Abstract

This paper focuses on the numerical investigation of arc plasma behaviour in arc chamber of direct current (DC) circuit breaker. A 3-D simulation model of arc chamber including ferromagnetic splitter plates is built and calculated, which is based on magneto-hydrodynamics theory. 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 roots. Therefore, the arc-splitting process with ferromagnetic plates can be included. To reduce the time consuming, the arc simulation results of arc commutation process from contact to arc runner is taken as the calculation initial condition in the model. Arc motion is described in detail by the temperature distribution. Moreover, the simulation result is compared with experimental result, which shows good agreement.