The energy absorption capability and time-to-failure of varistors used in station-class metal-oxide surge arresters

Journal Article · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1996 · IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/61.568242· OSTI ID:477202

Ringler, K G; Kirkby, P; Erven, C C; Lat, M V; Malkiewicz, T A ^[1]

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1. Ontario Hydro Technologies, Toronto, Ontario (Canada)

Varistors for use in station-class surge arresters were tested to destruction to determine their energy absorption capability at current levels ranging from 0.8 A{sub peak} to 35 kA{sub peak}. Typical mean values increased from 400--600 J/cm{sup 3} at the lowest current end to 1,600--2,000 J/cm{sup 3} at 35 kA{sub peak}. The product of the mean time-to-failure and the mean current was found to be a constant over five orders of magnitude. The varistor failure mode was found to be a characteristic of the current magnitude. It is recommended that standard test methods be developed for the energy absorption capability of metal-oxide surge arresters, and be included in relevant standards.

• OSTI ID: 477202
• Report Number(s): CONF-960725--
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 12; ISSN ITPDE5; ISSN 0885-8977
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
DESTRUCTIVE TESTING
ELECTRICAL TRANSIENTS
OVERVOLTAGE
SEMICONDUCTOR RESISTORS
SURGES
VOLTAGE REGULATORS