The Analysis of the Thermal Processes Occurring in the Contacts of Vacuum Switches During the Conduction of Short-Circuit Currents

Karol Nowak (), Krzysztof Nowak and Slawomir Rabczak
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Karol Nowak: Institute of Electric Power Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, Piotrowo 3A, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
Krzysztof Nowak: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Environment and Architecture, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland
Slawomir Rabczak: Faculty of Civil Engineering, Environment and Architecture, Rzeszow University of Technology, 35-959 Rzeszow, Poland

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 21, 1-17

Abstract: This article presents the results of research on the thermal state of vacuum switch contacts during the conduction of short-circuit currents. This state is directly related to the value of the flowing current and the operating conditions of the switch. These conditions are mildest in the case of the conduction of operating currents through closed contacts. The situation worsens significantly when short-circuit currents are conducted, and the greatest destructive effects occur during commutation processes. Exceeding a certain level of contact destruction usually leads to the loss of the switching capacity of the switch. In vacuum switches, tracking the thermal state of the contacts is particularly difficult due to the inaccessibility of transducers or measurement sensors inside the chamber. In such a case, simulation studies verified by experimental results are important. This paper presents the results of such studies, directed at their practical implementation in the design and operation of vacuum switches. Simulation studies were conducted to analyze the thermal processes occurring in the contacts of vacuum switches during the conduction of short-circuit currents. Special attention was paid to the influence of contact parameters on the thermal processes occurring during the conduction of short-circuit currents. In addition to simulations, experimental studies were carried out to verify the simulation results. Ultimately, the research results presented are intended to provide practical knowledge of the design and operation of vacuum switches, particularly with regard to the contact heating processes during the conduction of short-circuit currents.

Keywords: electrical contacts; contact heating; contact temperature; short-circuit current heating; Agros2d; vacuum interrupters; vacuum chambers (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: 2024
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