A Review of Progress Towards Simulation of Arc Quenching in Lightning Protection Devices Based on Multi Chamber Systems

Abstract

Abstract. Two distinct modes of follow current suppression were observed in multi-chamber systems (MCS) under lightning overvoltage: Zero Quenching (ZQ) and Impulse Quenching (IQ). Sufficiently lower erosion of electrodes and evaporation of discharge chamber walls makes the IQ more preferable as a mechanism of arc quenching. Since experimental search for best MCS design is both difficult and expensive numerical modeling is considered as a prospective method for geometry optimization. Several steps were made towards development of efficient arc model. This article highlights most important results of arc quenching simulation and current status of arc model development.

Axial Blast Type Discharge Chamber with Moving Electrode

“…Gas leaves from the discharge chamber into receiver volume after break of a diaphragm (8). The cavity behind the piston plays a role of the shock-absorber since gas is squeezed out from it through a narrow slit between a tube (5) and the fluoroplastic cartridge (9). Windows (10) are purposed for optical diagnostics.…”

“…Besides needs of the electric power industry, research of powerful arc of variable length and methods of its quenching has the great importance for the development of various technologies of lightning protection [7][8][9], plasma chemistry [10,11], aerodynamics [12,13] and others. The carrying out of experimental researches of the high current discharges at high pressure requires the creation of complicated testing systems [14].…”