Micro-Arcing and Arc Erosion Minimization Using a DC Hybrid Switching Device

Abstract

Abstract-Hybrid switching devices utilize the advantages of both conventional electrical contacts and solid state electronics to minimize arcing during opening and closing operations. This can result in higher reliability and reduces the need for high cost specialist contact materials. The hybrid switch does not eliminate arcing completely, due to the inductive nature of circuits; micro-arcing is known to occur.An experimental dc hybrid switching device is introduced which minimizes arcing for 42 V applications. The characteristics of micro-arcing are investigated to determine the factors which influence the duration of micro-arcs. Surface profiling techniques are used to determine low level contact erosion. The magnitude of contact erosion is related to the micro-arcing.

Switch Hybridization: Micro-Arcing Model and Color Analysis

“…The hybrid switching device presented in Figure 1 can be modeled by the equivalent circuit of Figure 3 [3]. It consists of a resistance Rm of MOSFET in parallel with the contact resistance Rc of the switch.…”

“…Indeed, one can observe a contact wear after a few cycles [3] [4]. But this does not necessarily prove that micro-arcs are present.…”

“…But this does not necessarily prove that micro-arcs are present. Most of the voltage signals of micro arc [3] have shapes that can match other phenomenon. Like a melted bridge or a simple mechanical stress.…”

Investigation into limitation of electric arc energy in LV switch installed in AC circuit through application of time-controlled contact separation

“…an optimization of parameters of the quenching arc chamber, an application of an appropriate shape of the contacts, and a suitable type of the contact material) . On the other hand, there are electrical methods for limiting the electrical arc energy that are based on a connection of parallel branches to the operated switch . In AC systems, the electric arc energy can be also limited by the control of the time, when the contacts of the operated switch start to separate, which was presented in this paper in detail.…”

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] On the other hand, there are electrical methods for limiting the electrical arc energy that are based on a connection of parallel branches to the operated switch. [14][15][16][17][18] In AC systems, the A list of the symbols: e S , the energy of the electric arc [J]; i S , interrupting current [A]; p A , the power of the electric arc [W]; u N , the voltage of the voltage source [V]; u S , the measured voltage across the operated switch [V]; t 0 , time, when the contacts of the operated switch start to separate [ms]; TRV, Transient Recovery Voltage [V]…”