Arc-Flash Energy Mitigation by Fast Energy Capture

The predominant technologies for reducing arc-flash incident energy today rely on the speed of protective devices, remote operation, encapsulating arc-flash energy in arc-resistant enclosures, and that channel energy where it is less dangerous, and on crowbars to divert the arc energy into a bolted fault. Though more thoughtfully applied than they may have been in the past, none of these methods has provided a solution for all situations, particularly in existing installations. This paper will describe a method, with test results, for arc-flash energy sequestration that is able to divert an arcing fault´s energy into a specific environment within a half-cycle after initiation of the arc, without the need to introduce bolted fault current like a crowbar or for fast current interruption, such as a current-limiting fuse. The system protection provided is similar to that of arc-resistant switchgear without reliance on equipment sheathing and can be added after normal equipment is installed. Further advantages include the protection system and switchgear´s ability for reuse after an event, as well as the ability to easily test in situ without the need for cumbersome high-current test equipment.