Calculation of involved energies in thermal plasma at the opening of high voltage breakers

Abstract

Usually, calculations of involved energies in thermal plasma at the opening of high voltage breakers are led by using dimensional type models (1D, 2D and 3D) founded on assumptions sufficiently precise. This survey deals with the determination of temperature and thermal transfers of arc plasma quenching in a high voltage breaker by coupling a 0D (time dependent) arc model with the heat equation. This approach enabled to refine the thermal balance and to evidence the particular importance of the thermal radiation. Also, investigations are focused on the influence of the deionisation constant of the extinguisher gas on the plasma conductance and temperature variations which are checking parameters of the extinction. The obtained results are in good agreement with measurements performed by other authors.