Determine the Electrode Configuration and Sensitivity of the Enclosure Dimensions when Performing Arc Flash Analysis.

Journal Article · 30 August 2020 · IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TIA.2020.3020531 · OSTI ID:1670738

Zia, Kaynat ^[1]; Papasani, Anusha ^[1]; Rosewater, David ^[1]; Lee, Wei-Jen ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Texas, Arlington, TX (United States)

Arc flash hazard prediction methods have become more sophisticated because the knowledge about arc flash phenomenon has advanced since the publication of IEEE Std. 1584-2002. The IEEE Std. 1584-2018 has added parameters for more accurate arc flash incident energy (IE), arcing current, and protection boundary estimation. The parameters in the updated estimation models include electrode configuration, open circuit voltage, bolted fault current, arc duration, gap width, working distance, and enclosure dimension. The sensitivity and effect changes of other parameters have been discussed in the previous literatures. This article explains the fundamental theory on the selection of electrode configurations and performs sensitivity analysis of the enclosure dimension that have been introduced in the IEEE Std. 1584-2018. According to the newly published model for IE estimation, the IE between vertical conductors inside a metal box (VCB) and horizontal conductors inside a metal box (HCB) can differ by a factor of two with other parameter constants. Using HCB as the worst-case scenario to determine the personal protection requirements may not be the best practice in all circumstances. This article provides guidance for electrode configuration selection and a sensitivity analysis for determining a reasonable engineering margin when actual dimension is not available.

• Research Organization: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE), Power Systems Engineering Research and Development (R&D) (OE-10)
• Grant/Contract Number: AC04-94AL85000
• OSTI ID: 1670738
• Alternate ID(s): OSTI ID: 1836383; OSTI ID: 1861226
• Report Number(s): SAND--2020-7245J; 687389
• Journal Information: IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Journal Name: IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 56; ISSN 0093-9994
• Publisher: IEEECopyright Statement
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English