Failure modes and energy absorption capability of ZnO varistors

Journal Article · Thu Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1998 · IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/61.736708· OSTI ID:346807

Bartkowiak, M; Mahan, G D ^[1]; Comber, M G ^[2]

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1. Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States). Solid State Div.
2. Hubbell Power Systems, Centralia, MO (United States)

Thermal and mechanical behavior of ZnO varistors used in surge arresters is simulated for current pulses of various magnitude and duration. Time dependence of the temperature profile and of the distribution of thermal stresses is computed by solving heat transfer equations for varistor disks with nonuniform electrical properties. The simulations identify failure processes and determine energy absorption capability of varistor elements. The results are in excellent agreement with experiment and provide fundamental explanation of the energy handling dependence upon current surge intensity and duration.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-96OR22464
• OSTI ID: 346807
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 14; ISSN 0885-8977; ISSN ITPDE5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
ENERGY ABSORPTION
FAILURE MODE ANALYSIS
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
SEMICONDUCTOR RESISTORS
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES