Pressure Transients in a Model Gas-Blast Circuit Breaker Operating at Extra High Current Levels

Test results for model circuit breakers operating at high current levels and with large diameter nozzles show evidence of pronounced pressure transients although the circuit breaker nozzle is not severely blocked. The magnitude and duration of these transients are sufficient to affect the arc properties and hence influence arc control during the peak current phase and to influence arc extinction at current zero. However, despite their inherent importance there exists only limited information concerning such pressure variations. The purpose of this contribution is to identify the nature and sources of the transients, to establish typical thresholds for the onset of the transients, and to determine the influence of different operating conditions upon the transients. Measurements of pressure and thermal mantle variations are used in conjunction with an electrical analog model of the aerodynamic test facility to show that the pressure transients arise not only from arc generated flow impedance effects but also aerodynamic resonances. The resonant pressure transients are shown to be pronounced during the high current phase even below the thermal blocking threshold. Above the threshold, excitation of negative increment resonance following current peak produces depressed pressures during the current-zero period which may lead to a deterioration in circuit breaker performance. Higher frequency resonances also occur and become more pronounced with electrode wear. Activation of such resonances is symptomatic of axisymmetric arc instabilities which also may cause a deterioration in performance.