Numerical simulations of explosive arc suppression used in fast fault current limiters

Abstract

Numerical simulations are presented for physical behavior of the explosive current interrupter system consisting of two parallel half tube-shaped conductors (bursting bridge). The magnetohydrodynamic approach, together with the detailed explosion equations for the expanding electrodes, is used to describe the behavior of explosive arc suppression. Bursting bridge conduct a 50Hz high current (up to 200kA) filled with high explosive charge. After tripping, the explosive charge is detonated, explodes the tube-shaped conductors (bursting bridge), separates the electrodes and suppresses the plasma flow in an extremely fast manner. Such configuration has been used recently as a fast current limiter in electrical distribution networks with very high short circuit current levels.