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| The Influence of Wall Materials on the Arc Interruption Behavior of DC Molded Case Circuit Breakers |
| Duan Wei1, Li Jing1, Zhang Xingfei2, Shi Bingjie1, Yang Juncheng1 |
1. Key Lab of Special Electric Machine and High Voltage Apparatus College of Electrical Engineering Shenyang University of Technology Shenyang 110870 China;
2. Sieyuan Electric Co. Ltd Shanghai 201108 China |
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Abstract With the rapid development of new energy DC distribution systems, there are increasing demands on the breaking performance of DC molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs). During the breaking process of MCCBs, gassing materials are often used to assist in arc extinguishing. The high-temperature arc can erode the chamber walls, generating polymer vapor, which alters the composition of the arcing medium within the arc chamber. Therefore, it is critical to study the dynamic breaking process of MCCBs and analyze the influence of gassing materials on the internal environment of the arc chamber and the characteristics of arc movement.
The phenomena of “arc recoil” and “arc temperature rise” during the breaking process of MCCBs were identified experimentally. For rotating-type DC MCCBs, considering the microscale energy transfer and heat exchange between the arc and the electrodes, a magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) coupling model was established. Using dynamic grid technology, the real contact rotation and breaking process were simulated, and the effects of different gas-producing materials and vapor diffusion concentrations on the arc chamber environment and the dynamic characteristics of the arc were investigated.
Through simulation analysis, the following conclusions can be drawn. (1) The phenomena of “arc recoil” and “arc temperature rise” during the breaking process cause an increase in arc current, extend arc extinction time, exacerbate the erosion of metal grids and contacts by the arc, hinder reliable breaking, and reduce the lifespan of the MCCB. (2) Compared to other gas-producing materials, the ablation of PA66 produces hydrogen cyanide, leading to a higher concentration of hydrogen ions in the arc chamber. As a result, the electron attachment cross-section and energy dissipation rate are increased, and heat transfer between the arc and the electrodes is accelerated, effectively preventing the occurrence of “arc recoil” and “arc temperature rise”. The pressure difference from PA66 vaporization reduces plasma viscosity and conductivity. The thermal conductivity and specific heat ratio of the mixed gas are increased, and the temperature and airflow distribution in the arc chamber are altered, which elongates the arc column. Therefore, the fluctuation amplitude and frequency of the arc voltage curve are reduced, speeding up arc extinction. (3) Due to physical/chemical parameter changes and pressure differences, the arc extinction time does not exhibit a fully linear relationship with PA66 vapor concentration. When the PA66 vapor concentration is below 10%, the arc extinction time is shortest at a 3% PA66 vapor concentration. When the PA66 vapor concentration exceeds 10%, the arc extinction time is inversely proportional to the vapor concentration. Therefore, by optimizing the gas production target based on 3% PA66, the MCCB contact gap, breaking speed, arc chamber volume, and structure can be configured accordingly to control gas production and enhance arc extinction capability effectively.
This research provides an accurate prediction of arc behavior under different polymer vapor concentrations in MCCBs. It offers insights into the selection of gassing materials and the optimization of MCCB arc extinction performance, which can guide improvements for MCCBs used in medium and low voltage power systems.
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Received: 08 July 2024
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2025, Vol. 40 
