Simulation Study on SF6 Circuit Breaker Arc-Extinguishing Chamber Based on Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM)

The SF6 circuit breaker is an essential piece of high-voltage equipment in ensuring the safe operation of the power grid. Regarding the arc-extinguishing chamber, as the most essential component, its performance is directly related to the breaking capacity of the circuit breaker. This study applies the Double Distribution Function Lattice Boltzmann Method (DDF-LBM), combined with the Smagorinsky sub-grid scale (SGS) model, to systematically simulate the dynamic breaking process of a 252 kV SF6 arc-extinguishing chamber under 50 kA breaking current conditions. Two independent distribution functions are employed to describe the fluid field and the temperature field, respectively, thereby simulating the physical flow–heat coupling process. A dynamic simulation framework is constructed using the D2Q9 model to describe the mechanical motion of the contacts and the fluid flow. The description of contact movement is achieved by dynamically updating the geometric mesh, thereby realizing fluid–solid transformation. The research results indicate that the proposed method can simulate the pressure variation of the fluid field during the breaking process. The value of the Smagorinsky constant (Cs) exhibits a non-negligible influence on the pressure field predictions. The optimal value of Cs = 0.10 is determined through analysis, and the peak pressures at the upstream and throat measurement points reach 1.11 MPa and 1.37 MPa, respectively. Numerical simulations are conducted on the dynamic breaking process of the arc-extinguishing chamber, revealing the evolution of the pressure field upstream of the nozzle and at the throat regions. This study provides new numerical simulation methods for the investigation of SF6 arc-extinguishing chambers and establishes a foundation for the application of the Lattice Boltzmann Method in the field of high-voltage electrical appliances.