Safe vacuum breaker
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Hughes Power System AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 490 000 |
| Project duration | June 2016 - February 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
Electric vacuum interrupters operate according to Paschen curve, where electrical arcing voltage increases dramatically when the pressure is less than 10-3 mbar. At higher pressures it will be impossible for an electric vacuum interrupter to operate and as a consequence, dangerous to use in the electrical mid and high voltage installations. The project has a simple and functional sensor that acts as the "online" sensor when the vacuum interrupter is in operation and under voltage.
Expected results and effects
The result follows the project plan. The outcome is a working method to determine whether an electric vacuum interrupter is capable of vacuum perspectives to break a rated current. The aim of the project was to develop a cheap and simple vacuum sensor for electric vacuum interrupters that can determine if the interrupter is working with sufficiently low pressure.
Planned approach and implementation
It started with a theoretical study of different methods to establish different levels of electrical break down in vacuum. After the theoretical study, the project was tested in the laboratory in order to come up with a working model of a vacuum sensor. It was discovered that it was very difficult to find consultants specializing on the development of electric vacuum interrupters.