Arcing and interruption phenomena in ac vacuum switchgear and in dc switches subjected to magnetic fields

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1983 · IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.1983.4316247· OSTI ID:5082951

Kimblin, C W

Vacuum interrupters are extensively used in contactors, motor starters, tap-changers, distribution apparatus, and metalclad switchgear. The present paper reviews this growing technology with descriptions of the internal components of a vacuum interrupter, a brief history of the development steps, and a discussion of the range of application of these devices. The basic physical properties of cathode and anode spots are described, together with a discussion of the arcing and interruption phenomena which occur in vacuum interrupters during an ac wave. This includes a description of arc initiation, the high current arc mode, current zero phenomena, and dielectric recovery plus voltage withstand. The influence of electrode material and electrode configuration is included. The paper concludes with a brief description of dc applications for vacuum interrupters, where axial magnetic fields have been used in conjunction with current counterpulse in tokamak circuits, and transverse magnetic fields have been used to commutate current from vacuum arcs to parallel circuits. The extensive references have been selected to give the reader a broader overview of vacuum switching technology.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse R and D Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15235
• OSTI ID: 5082951
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States), Vol. 11:3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY
SWITCHES
ELECTRIC ARCS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
VACUUM SYSTEMS
ALTERNATING CURRENT
ANODES
CATHODES
CONFIGURATION
DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES
DIRECT CURRENT
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
ELECTRODES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SWITCHING CIRCUITS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT
TOKAMAK DEVICES
USES
CLOSED PLASMA DEVICES
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
EQUIPMENT
THERMONUCLEAR DEVICES
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