Modeling Long Open-Air Electric Arcs

Abstract

This article presents a model of Sparking Gap to be used in the Alternative Transients Program (ATP). The model includes the simulation of breakdown and a representation of the electric arc. The arc will be non-constrained and burn in air at atmospheric pressure, thus a discussion of the model and parameters to be used is presented. The effect of the arc on the interruption of current will be studied. Examples of power arc interruption following an impulse impact on a 230 kV transmission line are presented. The effects of interphase capacitive coupling and line length are discussed, in order to establish guidelines to allow successful reclosing operations.