Computational Investigation of Arcing Phenomena in 245 kV Hybrid Circuit Breaker

In this study, the computation analysis of the arc behavior in a 245 kV class 40 kA rated hybrid gas circuit breaker model has been performed. The model includes radiation transport, poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) nozzle ablation, contact movement and turbulence-enhanced momentum and energy transport processes. It has been found that the ablated PTFE vapor from the nozzle in the breaker is mainly responsible for the high pressure buildup inside the thermal expansion chamber. This high pressure buildup helps in the strong blowing of the arc in the arcing chamber during the second current zero period.