Analysis of Multi Chamber Arc-Quenching Arrester Performance under Different Lightning Waveform Characteristics Based on Finite Element Method

• A 2-D model of a Multi Chamber Arc-Quenching Arrester (MCAA) is simulated using FEM and also magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) theory. • The effect of changes in lightning current amplitude and time constants on MCAA's operation and arc behavior is also assessed. • The arc parameters such as Electric field, current density, velocity and total heat flux are analyzed. • The results indicate that when the lightning impulse with a current amplitude of 10 kA and shorter tail time (8/18 μ s ) hits to MCAA, it has a better performance than other states. Because the electric arc has been discharged from the chambers in a shorter time. Lightning is a significant arc discharge that causes a high current to flow through a channel. Lightning protection systems are designed to protect structures, equipment, and individuals from lightning strikes and their associated risks. One of the power network protective devices is Multi Chamber Arc-Quenching Arrester (MCAA) which is installed on transmission lines. They have certain characteristics that are mentioned in this paper. Therefore, in this paper, the first, a two-dimensional model of an MCAA featuring 9 discharge chambers has been developed utilizing Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) theory and based on COMSOL Multiphysics simulation platform. Then the effect of changing lighting characteristics on arc electric and dynamic parameters, such as electric field, current density, velocity and total heat flux are studied at different times. According to the results, it has been observed that MCAA performance depends strongly on lightning surge amplitude and also wave tail time. The worse state is when the lightning impulse 8/22 µs hits to the MCAA. On the contrary the best performance of MCAA is under lightning impulse 10 kA with a shorter tail time (8/18 µs). In this state, the electric arc discharges faster and also the arc quenching occurs at a shorter time.