Application of coaxial cable lengths for capacitor protection in large capacitors banks

The results of research into the possibility to use coaxial cable lengths for protection of capacitors in large capacitor banks are presented. The pulsed current value permissible for cables in normal operation is estimated in view of the strength of the outer conductors under the action of electrodynamic forces. The motion of the outer conductors and cable sheath caused by electrodynamic forces arising in the emergency modes at capacitor breakdown was observed. The experiments revealed that the outer conductors disintegrate in the emergency modes because of overheating, softening, and subsequent break of the outer conductors in the points of interlacing and electrical contacts between these conductors. It was found that the polyethylene sheath of the cable provides conditions for arc extinction and current interruption in emergency modes.