Characterisation of a corona-stabilised switch in alternative gas mixtures

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Abstract

This paper informs on the characterisation of a corona-stabilised switch in environmentally-friendly alternative gases to SF 6 . A DC high voltage is applied to an electrode with a sharp edge within the sealed switching system, upon which, the non-uniform electrical field establishes a corona discharge, creating an ionization region. The electrical field strength at this region is low enough that breakdown will not occur, until triggered by an impulsive trigger voltage. It is common that SF 6 (Sulphur hexafluoride) is used within these switches, although, due to its high global warming potential, other gases are being tested in order to find suitable, environmentally-friendly, alternatives. The gas tested was the refrigerant 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene, also known as HFO-1234ze, in mixtures with nitrogen (N 2 ). Characterisation of the triggering range, delay times and jitter in the single-shot regime reveals that, with the use of HFO-1234ze, the breakdown voltage can be increased to ~280%, ~290% and ~306% of that using N 2 alone, over the pressure range 0-3 bar gauge; these results were achieved with 5%, 10% and 20% of HFO-1234ze by pressure, respectively. The calculated jitter was found to vary between 0-3.3 μs with 100% N 2 (at 98% self-breakdown voltage); 0.2-6.4 μs for 5% HFO-1234ze; 1.7-5.9 μs for 10% HFO-1234ze; and 1.8-3.2 μs for 20% HFO-1234ze (all taken at 75% self-breakdown voltage). The maximum triggering range in N 2 was 1 kV, compared to a maximum of 10 kV with 5% HFO-1234ze; 13.6 kV with 10% HFO-1234ze; and 12.2 kV with 20% HFO-1234ze.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2017 IEEE 21st International Conference on Pulsed Power (PPC)
Place of PublicationPiscataway, N.J.
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages5
ISBN (Electronic)9781509057481
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Feb 2018
Event2017 IEEE 21st International Conference on Pulsed Power (PPC) - Brighton, United Kingdom
Duration: 18 Jun 201722 Jun 2017
http://ece-events.unm.edu/ppc2017/

Conference

Conference2017 IEEE 21st International Conference on Pulsed Power (PPC)
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityBrighton
Period18/06/1722/06/17
Internet address

Keywords

  • pulsed power switches
  • corona
  • electric breakdown
  • electrodes
  • gas mixtures
  • global warming
  • jitter
  • nitrogen
  • organic compounds
  • refrigerants

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