Interaction between vacuum arcs and transverse magnetic fields with application to current limitation

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1109/TPS.1980.4317333· OSTI ID:6626765

Emtage, P R; Kimblin, C W; Gorman, J G; Holmes, F A; Heberlein, J V.R.; Voshall, R E; Slade, P G

The interaction between diffuse vacuum arcs and magnetic fields applied transverse to the electrode axis has been investigated both theoretically and experimentally. For arc currents < 6 kA, Hall electric fields, generated by the interaction, bow the plasma out of contact with the anode and raise the arc voltage. In the presence of a parallel capacitor, the arc current falls to zero and the arc is extinguished. For arc currents of 6 to 15 kA, arc extinction can be achieved with an oscillatory magnetic field; during such extinctions the arc voltage remains in phase with the magnitude of the field. Arc extinction via magnetic field/vacuum arc interaction could have applications to ac-current limiters and dc breakers. The fault current limiter application is discussed in this paper.

• Research Organization: Westinghouse R and D Center, Pittsburgh, PA
• OSTI ID: 6626765
• Journal Information: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: IEEE Trans. Plasma Sci.; (United States) Vol. PS-8:4; ISSN ITPSB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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200300* -- Electric Power Engineering-- Power Transmission &amp; Distribution-- (-1989)
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ELECTRIC DISCHARGES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
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