Thermal Diagnostics of a High Power Fuse with Thermovision Camera

This paper presents a study of the heating of a high-power low-voltage fuse by means of a thermal imaging camera. An experimental setup has been developed for the purpose of the study. The tests have been conducted at rated and higher current loads for the fuse-link, as well as at normal and increased contact resistances between the knife contacts and the base of the fuse. Results are given for the temperature distribution along the surface of the knife contacts and the fuse body in transient thermal mode of the fuse. The influence of the current and the contact resistance on the fuse heating and its actuation time has also been considered.