Internal arc fault simulation using CFD to predict thermal behavior in switchgear

During an event of internal arc fault in LV/MV switchgears an electrical energy of the order of several Mega-joules is released which should be dissipated in the span of few milliseconds. Major portion of this energy is utilized in the heating of the enclosure gases resulting in the significant pressure rise inside the chamber. Objective of the simulation model developed is to improve design efficiency, increased safety, and especially to minimise real-world testing. Internal arc parameters such as pressure rise in various compartment, exhaust gas temperature, indicator temperature and pressure on panel walls are investigated with CFD simulation methodology. A 3-D CFD simulation of high temperature gases in LV/MV panel is carried out with coupled interactions between flow, temperature, turbulence and radiation fields taken into account. The internal temperature and pressure rise due to internal arc at different locations in breaker, cable and busbar compartment were compared. The same is used further to analyse structural forces and stresses on the panel members. Temperature rise at different locations on indicator walls which are modelled at a distance of 300 mm from panel were estimated from simulation. Visualization of the temperature, pressure and flow field is possible with CFD model.