Research on the Dynamic Characteristics of Vacuum Arc Under Halbach Arrays-Based AMF

Utilizing an axial magnetic field to control arcs is an effective method for developing high-voltage vacuum circuit breakers. The objective of this paper is to analyze the dynamic characteristics of vacuum arcs under axial magnetic field (AMF) based on the Halbach Arrays. A combined form of flat contacts and permanent magnets is proposed, using eight annular permanent magnets arranged in a Halbach array to create a high-intensity and uniform AMF across the contact gap. The vacuum arc diffusion process under various currents is recorded using a high-speed camera and compared with arcs without the AMF. The transition time of the vacuum arc from a constricted mode to a diffuse mode can be reduced to within 1.0 ms by employing Halbach array-based AMF, thereby effectively enhancing the arc-breaking capability, with no arc reignition observed at 16 kA current. This improvement establishes a solid theoretical foundation for the design of AMF vacuum interrupters in high-voltage breaking applications.