Estimation of Current Density Using High-Speed-Camera Recordings in a Model Spark Gap during Surge Currents

Authors

  • T. H. Kopp Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute for High Voltage Technology and Electrical Power Systems
  • E. Peters Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute for High Voltage Technology and Electrical Power Systems
  • M. Kurrat Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institute for High Voltage Technology and Electrical Power Systems

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14311/ppt.2019.1.60

Keywords:

spark gap, plasma, surge protective device, high speed camera, current density, narrow gap

Abstract

For experimental investigations of short time plasma in spark gaps, as used in surge protective devices, high-speed camera recordings are used frequently. The analysis of these recordings provides further details regarding the plasma state and distribution. These deduced details are used to assist research and development processes.
To increase the benefit of high-speed camera recordings an empirical model is presented to improve the picture analysis. In this model the recorded radiation intensity is empirically related to the current density within a spark gap. Therefore a specially adapted model spark gap was developed and tested. In this model spark gap areas with homogenous current densities occur. These current densities are determined in the experimental setup through current measurements with separated electrodes. Additionally, the relative radiation intensity between the electrodes is identified using high-speed camera recordings. An empirical correlation between these two measurement values was found and is discussed.
It confirmed that the determined correlation improve the mostly intuitive interpretation of high speed camera recordings in spark gaps.

References

Electrical installations of buildungs – Part 5-53: Selection and erection of electrical equipment – Isolation, switching and control. Geneva, Switzerland, 2002. IEC 60364-5-53.

Surge protective devices connected to low-voltage power systems – Requirements and test methods. Geneva, Switzerland, 2011. IEC 61643-11.

L. Hüttner, L. Jurcacko, F. Valent, A. Ehrhardt, S. Schreiterand, and M. Rock. Fundamental analysis of encapsulation of a low-voltage spark gap with deion chamber. In XVIXth Symposium of Physics of Switching Arc, Nove Mesto na Morave, Czech Republic, 2011.

G. Finis, R. Durth, C. Depping, and M. Wetter. Laboratory for the qualification-testing of spds combining highest power performance parameters with unique fine adjustment possibilities. In International Conference on Lightning Protection (ICLP), Shanghai, China, 2014. doi:10.1109/ICLP.2014.6973145.

B. Schottel. Plasmavorgänge im engen Spalt beim Ableiten hoher Stoßströme bis 25 kA. PhD thesis, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 2014.

A. Ehrhardt and S. Beier. New deion chamber for encapsulated switchgear. In 27th International Conference on Electric Contacts, Dresden, Germany, 2014.

S. Ait-Amar, G. Serrie, J. B. Docourneau, and M. Abplanalp. Arc extinguishing method of spd type 1. In 29th International Conference on Lightning Protection, Uppsala, Schweden, 2008.

B. Schottel, T. H. Kopp, T. Runge, and M. Kurrat. Experimental investigation of short-time plasma propagation recorded by high speed camera. In International Conference on Gas Discharges and their Applications, Orleans, France, 2014.

T. Kopp, T. Runge, and M. Kurrat. Analysis of arc behavior in a model spark gap after surge currents. IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology, 8(6):958–965, 2018. doi:10.1109/TCPMT.2018.2811940.

T. Runge, S. Franke, S. Gortschakow, and M. Kurrat. Optical investigations on plasma temperature estimation in a model spark gap for surge currents. Plasma Physics and Technology, 4(2):108–111, 2017. doi:10.14311/ppt.2017.2.108.

T. Runge, T. Kopp, and M. Kurrat. Novel approach for maximum plasma pressure estimation at surge current based on experimental investigations. IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, 46(8):2935–2941, 2018. doi:10.1109/TPS.2018.2850364.

T. Runge, T. Kopp, and M. Kurrat. Experimental investigations on electrical plasma conductivity in a model spark gap for surge currents. Plasma Physics and Technology, 4(1):24–27, 2017. doi:10.14311/ppt.2017.1.24.

A. D’Angola, G. Colonna, C. Gorse, and M. Capitelli. Thermodynamic and transport properties in equilibrium air plasmas in a wide pressure and temperature range.The European Physical Journal, 46(1):129–150, 2008. doi:10.1140/epjd/e2007-00305-4.

T. Runge. Plasmaeigenschaten in Funkenstrecken unter Stoßstrombelastung. PhD thesis, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 2018.

O. Kerfin, T. H. Kopp, and M. Kurrat. Parasitic magnetic coupling in voltage measurement setups for impulse current tests. In International Symposium on Electromagnetic Compatibility EMC Europe, 2018. doi:10.1109/EMCEurope.2018.8485117.

Downloads

Published

2019-07-31

Issue

Vol. 6 No. 1 (2019)

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).