Thesis
The initiation of electric arcs and the possible impact in industrial environments
- Creator
- Rights statement
- Awarding institution
- University of Strathclyde
- Date of award
- 2018
- Thesis identifier
- T14925
- Person Identifier (Local)
- 201369854
- Qualification Level
- Qualification Name
- Department, School or Faculty
- Abstract
- Advancing knowledge and understanding of electrical arc flash and arc blast hazards through experimentation, modelling and analysis is the main goal of the present thesis. To achieve this, initially, significant work has been carried out to analyse existing data on arc flash hazards and mitigation engineering practices in industrial premises. Then, experimental investigations on the electrical arc characteristics have been conducted which together with the development of an analytical model for quantification of arc's energy components have formed the core of the research project.;Electrical characteristics of the initial stage of the arc have been obtained experimentally using different test systems developed in the course of this study. Two different arc initiation mechanisms have been examined: self-breakdown spark gap (SBSG) and wire-guided spark gap (WGSG) discharge initiation. Data post-processing techniques have been developed to obtain arc voltage and current waveforms for calculating the electrical arc energy available in the discharge.;An analytical model has been developed based on the hydrodynamic approach, to further analyse the energy dissipated and to obtain the energy components associated with thermal, acoustic-kinetic and light emission processes. This analysis of the energy components provides data for safety considerations which are currently not taken into account by the existing standards. Furthermore, analysis and evaluation of the suitability of black-box models for predicting the arc characteristics during its initiation taking into account electric circuit parameters have been performed.;Initial conditions for analysis of the ratio of the arc current over voltage have been obtained from experimental waveforms to investigate the arc-electrical circuit interaction. This can be considered as a first step towards establishment of a complete accurate link between the microscale and macroscale manifestation of the arc flash and arc blast phenomena. It is envisaged that further understanding of the complex energy conversion processes taking place in the post-arc-initiation process can provide additional tools for quantifying arc energy components and improving arc flash and arc blast safety.
- Advisor / supervisor
- Judd, Martin
- Timoshkin, Igor
- Resource Type
- DOI
- Date Created
- 2018
- Former identifier
- 9912620275102996
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