Plasma Arc Mitigation Device Impedance Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc flash mitigation techniques, such as standard fuses and circuit breakers, have slow response times and can cause extreme stress on upstream transformers, necessitating a more effective and cost-efficient solution for preventing arc flashes in electrical power systems.
Innovation Solution
An arc mitigating device comprising plasma generation devices that create a plasma bridge between main electrodes, using a combination of high voltage, low current and low voltage, high current energy sources to establish and maintain an arc, thereby reducing impedance and diverting energy away from the fault location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard fuses and circuit breakers are used for arc flash mitigation, then equipment protection is provided, but response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation devices are pre-positioned between the main electrodes and configured to activate upon detection of arc flash conditions. The devices contain energy storage elements (capacitors) that are charged in advance, enabling immediate plasma generation when triggered, thus providing fast response time while maintaining equipment protection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical operation of traditional circuit breakers with a plasma-based electrical system. Instead of mechanically opening contacts to interrupt fault current, the system uses plasma generation devices that create a conductive plasma bridge to divert current, eliminating mechanical response time limitations and providing faster arc flash mitigation
2Reliability
If mechanical crowbar switches are used to mitigate arc fault, then energy diversion is achieved, but extreme stress is placed on upstream transformers
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation devices serve as an intermediary element between the main electrodes and the upstream power system. When activated, they create a controlled plasma bridge that diverts fault current through a defined path, preventing direct arcing between main electrodes while avoiding the bolted fault condition that mechanical crowbar switches create, thus protecting upstream transformers from extreme stress
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful arc flash energy into a controlled plasma state that can be safely diverted. By generating plasma at a controlled location between the main electrodes, the system redirects the fault energy through a predictable path that triggers upstream protective devices without creating the destructive bolted fault conditions associated with mechanical crowbar switches
3Loss of time
If plasma generation devices are used to create plasma bridge, then response time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc flash mitigation function is divided into separate plasma generation devices positioned at strategic locations between the main electrodes. Each device operates independently with its own trigger mechanism and energy storage, allowing modular installation and maintenance while achieving fast response time through distributed plasma generation rather than a single complex switching system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves rapid and controlled arc mitigation, reducing the risk of damage to electrical equipment by creating a protective arc that activates upstream circuit breakers and diverts energy, while minimizing the need for expensive high voltage components.
Implementation Method 1
The plasma generation devices can be configured to emit plasma generated therein so as to provide a plasma bridge between main electrodes that are separated by at least about 50 mm
Implementation Method 2
a high voltage, low current energy source configured to generate a potential difference between the first electrode and the base electrode sufficient to cause breakdown of air therebetween
Implementation Method 3
A low voltage, high current energy source can be connected between the second electrode and the base electrode, where the second and base electrodes are disposed so as to induce breakdown of air therebetween when an arc exists between the first and base electrodes
Implementation Method 4
an ablative material configured to be ablated when an arc exists between the second and base electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus, such as an arc mitigating device, which can include a first plasma generation device and a second plasma generation device. The second plasma generation device can include a pair of opposing and spaced apart electrodes and a low voltage, high current energy source connected therebetween. A conduit can be configured to direct plasma between the first and second plasma generation devices, such that the second plasma generation device receives plasma generated by the first plasma generation. The plasma from the first plasma generation device can act to reduce the impedance of an area between the pair of opposing electrodes sufficiently to allow an arc to be established therebetween due to the low voltage, high current energy source.