Contact Resistance Behavior of Silver-Based Contact Materials Under Short Break Arc Conditions of a Hybrid Switch

Along with the implementation of low-voltage DC grids and microgrids as part of the energy transition, there is an increasing focus on hybrid switching technologies. These technologies, which combine the advantages of both electromechanical contacts and semiconductors, can be an optimal solution for possible future DC networks. This is expected to result in achieving high switching frequency, long lifetime because of low arc erosion, high switching performance in small frame sizes, and low on-state losses. The present work continues studies on switching conditions of a hybrid switch via a model-switch simulation. The contact resistance after short arcs was examined for various silver-based contact materials, with emphasis on providing a metallurgical explanation for their distinct behavior during testing.