Evaluation Method of Contact Erosion Degree of Reactive Power Switching Circuit Breaker

Reactive power switches break special types of loads and are frequently operated. Accurately mastering their arc extinguishing performance is of great significance for the rational formulation of maintenance plans and the effective prevention of breaking failures, circuit breaker explosions and other serious accidents. The degree of erosion of the arc contact is the most important factor affecting its arc extinguishing performance. In this study, we crafted arc contact models exhibiting varying levels of erosion, specifically five distinct stages, within a laboratory setting. We then conducted simulations to observe the breaking process across a range of capacitive load scenarios. Concurrently, we captured and quantified the electromagnetic wave signals emitted throughout these breaking events before proceeding to analyze the collected data. Our findings indicate a pronounced correlation: as the severity of arc contact erosion escalates, there is a significant rise in both the quantity and intensity of the emitted electromagnetic waves. This approach offers a viable method for assessing the erosion level of arc contacts in reactive power switches when subjected to energized conditions.