High voltage vacuum interrupter - QuickField simulation example
This example is inspired by Karthik Reddy Venna dissertation A Simulation Analysis to Improve the Dielectric Strength Inside High Voltage Vacuum Interrupters.
How to find electric field distribution in high-voltage vacuum interrupters?
Answer Typical applications Geometry
Given
Task
Solution
Results
Metal shields between the ceramic blocks of the interrupter body protect the ceramic from the metal vapor deposition during the arcing process. But they also influence the electric field distribution and may decrease the dielectric strength of the device. So a detailed analysis of the electric field is required.
Engineering question
Set up an axisymmetric QuickField Electrostatics problem for a high-voltage vacuum interrupter and evaluate electric field distribution from computed field results.
vacuum interrupters, high-voltage switching devices, ceramic vacuum envelopes
Download
Simulation problem
Problem Type
Axisymmetric problem of electrostatics.
Relative permittivity of air, vacuum ε = 1;
Relative permittivity of insulator ε = 9;
High voltage potential HV = 325 kV.
Calculate the electric field stress distribution
Electric field stress distribution is calculated using QuickField and dangerously high electric stress areas are seen on the field map.
Electric field strength distribution in the interrupter.
Related examples