Analysis of the Electric Arc in Low Voltage Circuit Breakers

Authors

  • A. Iturregi Author
  • E. Torres Author
  • I. Zamora Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24084/repqj09.325

Abstract

Low Voltage Circuit Breakers (LVCBs) play an important role in electric power systems as they are responsible for switching on and off electric currents, as well as for safety of equipment and human beings. Their working base is the electric arc that appears between their contacts when establishing or interrupting the electric current in the circuit. This electric arc is a complex phenomenon where lots of physic interactions take place in a very short time. Therefore, the optimization of the operation of LVCBs makes necessary a deep understanding of the phenomena involved in the appearance of the electric arc. This knowledge can be achieved by means of modelization and simulation tools. This option allows us to obtain the evolution of physical magnitudes which would be difficult to measure in laboratory tests. The aim of this paper is to describe the phenomena of the electric arc in LVCBs, as well as the specification of the mathematical, physical and software needs for its modelization and simulation.

Author Biographies

  • A. Iturregi

    Department of Electrical Engineering

    EUITMOP, University of the Basque Country

    Colina Beurko s/n, 48901 Barakaldo (Spain)

    Phone/Fax number: +34 94 601 4979/7800, e-mail: araitz.iturregi@ehu.es

  • E. Torres

    Department of Electrical Engineering

    ETSI, University of the Basque Country

    Alameda Urquijo s/n, 48001 Bilbao (Spain)

    Phone/Fax number: +34 94 601 7332/4200, e-mail: esther.torresi@ehu.es

  • I. Zamora

    Department of Electrical Engineering

    ETSI, University of the Basque Country

    Alameda Urquijo s/n, 48001 Bilbao (Spain)

    Phone/Fax number: +34 94 601 7332/4200, e-mail: inmaculada.zamora@ehu.es

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Published

2024-01-17

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Section

Articles