Behavior of vacuum arcs between spiral contacts with reduced spacing

M. Bruce Schulman

doi:10.1117/12.174635

1 May 1994 Behavior of vacuum arcs between spiral contacts with reduced spacing

M. Bruce Schulman

Proceedings Volume 2259, XVI International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum; (1994) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174635
Event: XVI International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, 1994, Moscow-St. Petersburg, Russian Federation

Abstract

The use of reduced gaps in applications of high-current vacuum arc devices presents a number of interesting challenges. Specifically, standard contact designs have been developed over several decades to achieve controlled motion of high-current ac arcs in vacuum interrupters. For medium-voltage applications, the optimal maximum contact gap can typically range from about 6 mm to about 2 cm. However, the influence of the contact design may be gap dependent, so additional research may be appropriate if the contacts are to be used at smaller gaps. For example, the current through spiral contacts produces a magnetic field perpendicular to the arc column, but this will force the arc to move outward and run along the periphery of the petals only if a threshold separation is achieved. In this investigation, a framing camera was used to record the appearance and motion of drawn vacuum arcs between spiral-petal contacts with final gaps of 2 to 3 mm. After the rupture of the molten bridge, a high-pressure arc column formed and expanded across the width of the spiral arm. At the reduced gap, an intense anode spot formed if the peak current exceeded approximately 15 kA. Compared to results previously obtained at larger gaps, the arc motion was greatly reduced, and severe contact damage was observed at lower currents.

Citation Download Citation

M. Bruce Schulman "Behavior of vacuum arcs between spiral contacts with reduced spacing", Proc. SPIE 2259, XVI International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, (1 May 1994); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.174635

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available