Mitigation of high energy arcing faults in nuclear power plant medium voltage switchgear

Abstract

A high energy arcing fault event occurred in the medium-voltage (13.8 kV and 4.16 kV) metalclad switchgears in a nuclear power plant not only affecting switchgear but also connected equipment due to the arc energy. The high energy arcing fault also causes a fire that influences the safety function of the unit. Therefore, from the safety point of view, it is necessary to evaluate the influences of high energy arcing fault events on the safety functions of nuclear power plants. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate the characteristics of high energy arcing faults and propose a high energy arcing fault mitigation scheme for medium voltage networks in nuclear power plants. Keywords: Arc flash, High energy arcing fault, Medium voltage, Switchgear (SWGR), Insulation, Short circuit current