Characteristics´ optimization of gas-filled surg arresiers by using gas mixtures

The increasing trend of electronic components´ miniaturization makes them unresisting to overvoltage occurrences. Therefore, it is necessary to pay special attention to overvoltage protection at the low-voltage level. Overvoltage protection components at the lowvoltage level may be divided into linear and non-linear. Non-linear components of overvoltage protection include overvoltage diodes, varistors and gas-filled surge arresters. Gas-filled surge arresters operate on the principle of electric breakdown of (noble) gases at subpressure. An advantage of gas filled surge arresters over the other overvoltage protection components is found in the range of protection levels, large impulse current conduction capability and dissipation strength. Disadvantages comprise somewhat slower response speed, operating point instability and long-term deconditioning. The aim of this paper is to optimize the characteristics of gas-filled surge arresters by using the gas mixture. The paper is both of theoretical and experimental type. The theoretical part considers the operating mechanism of a gas-filled surge arrester by taking the assumption that the free electrons gas specter is of Maxwell´s type. The experimental part tests the theoretically assumed effects on the model of a gas-filled surge arrester. Noble gases mixture content and percentage share, pressure, the interelectrode distance, electrode material, topography and shape will be used as parameters within the experiment.