Hybrid model of electric arcs in high voltage circuit breakers

In this work, a 0D hybrid model for arc quenching in a high voltage (HV) SF6 circuit breaker is developed. It integrates the thermal radiation of the plasma and enables to simulate the arc voltage and the conductance evolution through varying current ranges. We also show that the overvoltage peaks due to the transition between the developed model and Mayr model decrease when gases of weak ionization constant are used. The numerical solving of the model equations is based on the direct programming of Runge–Kutta method for default currents of about 90% of the breaking capacity in an SF6 circuit breaker (245 kV/50 kA/50 Hz).

► This work develops a hybrid model of arc quenching in high voltage circuit breakers.
► It enables to take into account both phases of high and low current region.
► It improves the thermal balance especially during the high current phase.
► This will enable a better dimensioning of the breakers.
► It enlightens the gas deionization constant effect on the breaking quality.