Numerical simulation of electrical problems in a vacuum disjuntor

Abstract

A vacuum circuit breaker is a device that allows the cutting of electrical power. This device consists essentially of two electrodes, one of them being mobile and is subject to a mechanical force produced by a spring, giving rise to the contact between the two electrodes. The current passing between two electrodes is determined by the extension of the contact zone. Moreover, the passage of current generated Laplace forces in areas bordering the contact, but not yet in contact. Due to the curved geometry of the electrodes, these Laplace forces are opposite and therefore cause the repulsion of the electrodes. This means that for a given power we have to evaluate the electric potential, the magnetic field corresponding to the contact zone.