Diagnostics of Electric Arc versus the Development of Universal Mathematical Models

Abstract

The article presents universal mathematical static current-voltage characteristics- based models of electric arc and indicates primary issues concerned with arc diagnostics related to the determination of the above-named models. Particular attention was paid to the experimental determination of AC-powered arc voltage. Diagnostics-related purposes involved the use of bridge systems with one or two sources of current. Computer-aided simulations involving sinusoidal and trapezoidal current-based excitations made it possible to demonstrate the possibility of obtaining minimum values of bridge unbalance voltage. Such a condition indicated the proper determination of AC-powered arc ignition voltage.