The experimental research of 170kV VCB using single-break vacuum interrupter

A newly developed coil-type electrode structure for high voltage vacuum interrupter (VI) of 170kV voltage level is presented in this paper. To evaluate the design results of electrode structure, magnetic field distributions on the center plane of gap between electrodes and on the surface of contact electrodes are measured, and the vacuum arc behaviors during the current interruption in the vacuum chamber are observed. The multi-shield structure is suggested as the internal floating shield. The experimental results of the sample electrode and internal shield structure are compared with FE analysis results. The current interrupting tests are performed to evaluate the current breaking performance of 170kV VI according to IEC 62271-100.