Detailed electro-dynamic model of an ultra-fast disconnector including the failure mode

Abstract

Ultra-fast disconnector (UFD) is a key component of hybrid DC circuit breakers and it is also studied as the main switch in some DC grid topologies. A UFD model suitable for DC grid studies and considering both normal operation and failure mode is presented. The dynamic motion of contacts is analysed in detail and it is concluded that Thomson coil inductances including parasitic parameters play an important role and it is recommended to use finite element modelling. The arcing mode of UFD is repressed using a variable resistance in series with an ideal switch. The variable resistance is calculated analytically based on the instantaneous position of contacts and the circuit conditions. Two different arc models are recommended: for the air-insulated UFD and SF(6) UFD, and in each case, two operating regimes should be considered: high and low currents. The UFD model is verified for both normal operation and failure mode using measurements on a 5 kV laboratory UFD and the results show very good matching. The 320 kV SF6 UFD model is evaluated using limited reported results from manufacturers.

Keywords

• arcs (electric)
• finite element analysis
• coils
• circuit breakers
• failure analysis
• electrodynamics
• power grids
• air insulation
• sf(6) insulation
• voltage 320.0 kv
• voltage 5.0 kv
• electro-dynamic model
• sf6 ufd model
• air-insulated ufd
• finite element modelling
• thomson coil inductances
• dc grid topologies
• hybrid dc circuit breakers
• failure mode
• ultra-fast disconnector