Model-based analysis and evaluation of 48 V automotive power supply systems regarding to electric arc faults

The introduction of 48 V power supply systems into automotive vehicles may lead to critical arcs when a 48 V connection is interrupted (series arc) or shorted to ground or 12 V (parallel arc) and opened again. The high energy dissipation in the arc might damage connectors or even cause fire. The energy dissipation during arc events strongly depend on the power network. In order to understand the arc behavior, a deeper look inside the processes going on during arc faults in typical automotive supply configurations is required. Experimental research on arcs is extensive, and computer simulations are more promising but in the past no appropriate arc models were available. With a new accurate modelling approach complete power network investigations can be done. This paper makes use of the new arc model and analyzes the interaction between the arc and typical power supply systems. Approaches to identify worst-case situations are suggested, both for series and parallel arcs. Furthermore, it is shown, how the influences from the power network on the arc behavior can be utilized in order to suppress arcs in the moment of ignition based on the oscillating circuit properties, or delete arcs through load control.