Estimation of Electric Arc Incident Energy in Electric Power Distribution Grids

Marina Camponogara (), Daniel Pinheiro Bernardon, Tiago Bandeira Marchesan, Vitor Cristiano Bender, Fernando Cesar Pepe, Gilnei José Gama dos Santos, Lucas Melo de Chiara and Martin Wolter
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Marina Camponogara: Technology Center (CT), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria 97105-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Daniel Pinheiro Bernardon: Technology Center (CT), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria 97105-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Tiago Bandeira Marchesan: Technology Center (CT), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria 97105-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Vitor Cristiano Bender: Technology Center (CT), Federal University of Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria 97105-900, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Fernando Cesar Pepe: Engineering Board, CPFL Paulista, Piracicaba 13401-795, São Paulo, Brazil
Gilnei José Gama dos Santos: Engineering Board, Rio Grande Energia (RGE), São Leopoldo 93032-525, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Lucas Melo de Chiara: Strategy and Innovation Board, CPFL Jaguari, Campinas 13087-397, São Paulo, Brazil
Martin Wolter: Institute for Electrical Energy Systems (IESY), Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU), 39106 Magdeburg, Sachsen-Anhalt, Germany

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 7, 1-23

Abstract: The occurrence of an electric arc is an inherent possibility when working in a live line. Thermal risk is considered one of the most relevant risks associated with this type of event, so every worker who performs daily activities in the electricity distribution sector is subject to this risk to a lesser or greater degree. The quantification of the thermal risk is based on estimating the energy generated by the electric arc, and focuses on a surface called incident energy. Therefore, the incident energy estimate is used to define thermal protection strategies applicable to workers who carry out activities in the distribution sector. In light of this, the present work proposes a review of incident energy estimation methods for electric arcs in electric power distribution grids, highlighting the applicability of each of these methods in terms of voltage, short circuit type, and environment. Finally, five case studies are presented in which adequate methods are used to estimate the incident energy. Their results concerning incident energy and selected protective equipment (PPE) are compared. From the review of existing incident energy estimation methods in the literature and the case studies presented, the importance of selecting a suitable method for the type of system analyzed, considering electric, spatial, and intervention aspects, is observed. Finally, considering that the primary objective of incident energy estimation is to determine the need and selection of arc-rated PPE, the selected estimation method must be aligned and integrated with the clothing selection procedures and applicable PPE.

Keywords: electric arc; electric power distribution grids; estimation; incident energy; personal protective equipment (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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