Vacuum Arc Behavior in Transversal Magnetic Field Electrode of Vacuum Interrupter

Vacuum Interrupters have been widely used for power distribution systems through the development of vacuum arc control technology by magnetic field. There are two major types of electrode: transversal magnetic field (TMF) type electrodes and axial magnetic field (AMF) type electrodes. In the first type of electrode, the vacuum arc column is rotated by the magnetic force generated by the transversal magnetic field, which is the radial direction to the electrode, and the current flowing in the arc. Transversal magnetic field electrodes are researched experimentally. To increase the interruption ability by preventing local heating of the electrode, the relationship among the arc behavior, the arc voltage waveform and the electrode structure was researched. The arc behavior and the arc voltage waveform are observed and measured by using a test circuit and a high speed video camcorder. The experimental results indicate the relationship among the arc behavior, the arc voltage waveform and the electrode structure.