Experimental techniques used in the validation of a computational fluid dynamics model of the interruption process

A theoretical model encompassing both fluid flow and the arc within an interrupter enclosure was for some time considered too complex for mathematical analysis. Today, however, a generalised commercially available computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software package has been adapted to allow the transient movement of a puffer type of interrupter in the presence of an are to be studied on a PC. To provide validation evidence for the CFD model, an experimental programme was initially set up for no-load operations on a full scale single-phase interrupter assembly. The interrupter porcelain was replaced with a perspex tube which allowed complete optical access. To allow easy access of the optical equipment, however, it was necessary to lower the height of the interrupter to eye level; to achieve this it was necessary to house the mechanism below ground level.