WHAT IS VACUUM CIRCUIT BREAKER?
A vacuum circuit breaker utilizes vacuum as the medium for arc extinction, comprising a fixed and moving conductor within a permanently sealed vacuum interrupter. With the vacuum's voltage breakdown capacity reaching approximately 10^12 MV/m, this technology offers superior insulation and eco-friendly benefits, positioning it as a potential replacement for SF6 circuit breakers in applications up to 230 kV, requiring minimal maintenance. However, the effectiveness of a vacuum circuit breaker is highly sensitive to the distance between its conductors. Ensuring this distance is optimized for worst-case scenarios is crucial, as inadequate spacing may compromise the breaker's integrity and functionality.
Vacuum circuit breaker [1]
3D CAD model of the vacuum circuit breaker built inside SOLIDWORKS
Electric field plots – high spot is noticed in the gap between the terminals
Animation of the electric field versus the distance between the terminals
Voltage plot
THE SAFETY FACTOR
EMWorks’s EMS software innovates vacuum circuit breaker design by introducing a safety factor, calculated by comparing the electric field strength in the vacuum to its breakdown threshold of 10^12 MV/m. This reveals potential breakdown areas, enhancing design safety. Additionally, EMS's parametric study feature dynamically adjusts conductor distances for worst-case voltages, streamlining the design process and ensuring reliability.
Iso plot of the Safety Factor - 1 mm gap
Animation of the Safety Factor results versus the gap between the conductors
SUMMARY AND TAKEAWAYS
Discover expert strategies and innovative techniques to ensure the reliability and safety of vacuum circuit breakers. With these solutions, you can optimize performance and mitigate risks effectively, ensuring uninterrupted operations in critical applications.
