3-D finite element nonlinear analysis and experimental investigation of electro-dynamic repulsion force in molded case circuit breakers

For the optimization design of molded case circuit breakers (MCCBs), it is necessary and important to calculate the electro-dynamic repulsion force acting on the movable conductor. With 3-D finite element nonlinear analysis, according to the equations among current-magnetic field-repulsion force and taking into account the ferromagnet, we introduce contact bridge model to simulate the current constriction between contacts, so Lorentz and Holm force acting on the movable conductor and contact, respectively, can be integrated to calculate. Coupled with circuit equations, the opening time of movable contact also can be obtained using iteration with the restriction of contact force. Simulation and experiment for repulsion force and opening time of five different configuration models have been investigated. The results indicate that the proposed method is effective and is capable of evaluating new design of contact systems in MCCBs.