Current status of pressure calculation methods for the development of relief concepts in buildings in the event of arc faults in type-tested SF ₆ -free switchgear

The grid expansion and shift to sustainable, F-gas-free medium-voltage switchgear are progressing. Can personnel protection and quick energy recovery be maintained with SF6-free systems? What impact do the new gases have on buildings and people during faults? Validated tools based on experiments help answer these questions by showing pressure development during arc faults and how relief concepts can minimize damage. Building Information Modelling (BIM) and CFD simulations enable precise room modelling. Simplified methods derived from these simulations allow quick assessments and are continuously improved for better accuracy and standardization.