A switching arc in a model chamber is investigated by means of optical emission spectroscopy. Ignition wire is applied to initiate an arc of several kiloampere between tungsten−copper electrodes. Radiation emitted by the arc plasma is absorbed by a surrounding PTFE nozzle, leading to an ablation–dominated discharge. Video spectroscopy is carried out using an imaging spectrometer combined with a high–speed video camera. Carbon ion and fluorine atom line emission from the heating channel as well as copper, oxygen and nitrogen from ignition wire and ambient air are analyzed with focus on the low–current phases at the beginning of discharge and near current zero. Additionally, electrical parameters and total pressure are recorded while the general behavior of the discharge is observed by another video camera. Considering rotational symmetry of the arc the corresponding radial emission coefficients are determined. Finally, radial temperature profiles are calculated.
A model circuit breaker in a high-pressure chamber filled with CO<sub>2</sub> atmosphere is used to operate a wall-stabilized arc of several kilo-amperes between tungsten-copper electrodes surrounded by polytetrafluoroethylene nozzles. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is carried out via quartz plates inserted into the nozzles using a combination of an imaging spectrometer either with a high-speed video camera or with an ICCD camera. Depending on the nozzle geometry and the current, continuum from C<sub>2</sub> Swan bands was detected as absorption as well as emission pattern. After current zero, optical absorption spectroscopy (OAS) using a xenon flashlamp as broadband background radiator was applied. An absorption around 493 nm was detected and attributed to CuF molecules. The study proofs the existence of C<sub>2</sub> in the active phase and the formation of CuF near to current zero.
Abstract:Internal arcs cause a rapid increase in pressure in electrical installations. The type of insulation gas has influence on pressure development. Typically SF 6 is used incompact metal-clad switchgear, however, it has a high global warming potential. Because of this, the replacement of SF 6 by alternative gases such as CO 2 is under discussion. The pressure developments in a closed vessel filled with air, SF 6 and CO 2 are measured and compared. During internal arcing in gas-insulated switchgear, overpressure causes a rupture of a burst plate and hot gas escapes into the surrounding room mixing with air. In order to predict the pressure development in electrical installations reliably, the portion of energy causing pressure rise, arc voltage as well as reliable gas data i.e., thermodynamic and transport properties, must be known in a wide range of pressure and temperature. These data are up to now not available for CO 2 /air mixtures. The thermodynamic properties are directly calculated from the number densities, internal partition functions and enthalpies of formation. The transport coefficients are deduced using the Chapman-Enskog method. Comparing measured and calculated pressure developments in a test arrangement demonstrates the quality of the calculation approach.
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