The Arc Behavior and the Interruption Ability of the Transversal Magnetic Field Electrode in the Vacuum Interrupter

Vacuum interrupters have been widely used for power distribution systems with the development of vacuum arc control technology by magnetic field. There are two major electrode types: transversal magnetic field electrode and axial magnetic field (AMF) electrode. In the former, the vacuum arc column is rotated by the magnetic force generated by the transversal magnetic field, which is radial direction to the electrode, and the current flowing in the arc. In the latter, the vacuum arc is diffused and stabilized by the axial magnetic field, which is parallel to the arc current. Transversal magnetic field electrodes have been researched experimentally. To increase interruption ability by preventing local heating of the electrode, the relationship between the arc behavior and the interruption ability was researched. A high speed video camcorder was used to observe the arc behavior. The interruption ability of the transversal magnetic field electrode was evaluated using Weil test circuit. The arc observations and interruption test results indicate the relationship between the arc behavior, the magnetic field, and the interruption ability