Experimental characterization of pre-strike arc duration of a MV-LBS using N2/CO2: influence of closing speed, pressure and mixing ratio

Authors

  • M. Castiñeira Suárez IAEW at RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstr. 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
  • F. Mingers IAEW at RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstr. 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
  • W. Leterme IAEW at RWTH Aachen University, Schinkelstr. 2, 52056 Aachen, Germany
  • M. Schaak Siemens AG, Smart Infrastructure, Carl-Benz-Str. 22, 60386 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
  • K. Ermeler Siemens AG, Smart Infrastructure, Nonnendammallee 104, 13629 Berlin, Germany

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14311/ppt.2025.1.61

Keywords:

load break switch, medium voltage, SF6 alternatives, pre-strike arc, short-circuit current makin

Abstract

Short-circuit current making in a medium voltage load-break switch using N2/CO2 is expected to result in longer pre-strike arcs compared to SF6, due to lower dielectric strength, leading to increased contact degradation. Measures to limit impact of pre-strike arc on the contact system are needed. This paper aims to experimentally investigate the influence of closing speed, filling pressure and mixing ratio on pre-strike arc duration towards increasing contact system life time.

References

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Published

2025-08-26

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2025)

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 M. Castiñeira Suárez, F. Mingers, W. Leterme, M. Schaak, K. Ermeler

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