Evaluation and Optimization of Circuit Breaker Opening Performance Based on Arc Simulation

Circuit breakers play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and reliability of power systems by interrupting circuits during electrical faults. However, the matching between the operating mechanism design and the arc chamber airflow field has been seldom addressed in previous studies, which has somewhat constrained the enhancement and optimization of circuit breaker performance. Addressing this issue, this study employs arc simulation technology to qualitatively evaluate and propose optimization directions for circuit breaker opening performance. This paper delineates the pivotal role of arc simulation technology in circuit breaker design and evaluation and scrutinizes the prevailing challenges and constraints in current circuit breaker designs, particularly the mismatch between operating mechanism design and arc chamber airflow field. Subsequently, the establishment of the arc model is elaborated upon, encompassing the theoretical foundation, parameter settings, and applicable scope, laying the groundwork for subsequent simulation studies. Through arc simulation of the 80kA L90 break condition, this study monitors arc voltage, identifies critical arc extinction moments, and obtains critical arc temperatures at that moment, thereby delineating critical extinction regions. Subsequently, an analysis is conducted to ascertain whether peak pressure and velocity values in the arc chamber airflow field match the critical arc extinction moment, evaluating the effectiveness of arc extinction and highlighting the significance of matching the operating mechanism's motion characteristics with the airflow field structure design. The findings of this study underscore that the degree of matching between the operating mechanism design and arc chamber airflow field significantly influences circuit breaker performance. The utilization of arc simulation offers novel insights and avenues for optimizing circuit breaker design. Consequently, the research outcomes of this study hold profound theoretical and practical implications for enhancing circuit breaker performance and improving power grid safety.