Abstract:
The vacuum circuit breaker plays a crucial role in driving the clean and low-carbon energy transition. The transverse magnetic field technology, as a key means of magnetically controlled interruption, effectively controls vacuum arc behavior and reduce contact ablation. Currently, the interaction mechanism between the vacuum arc and the anode in transverse magnetic (TMF) contact gap is unclear, and it is difficult to comprehensively observe the evolution process between the arc and the anode in experiments. Therefore, a two-dimensional transient simulation model of arc-root motion and the anode dynamic behavior between the TMF contacts is developed. The model realizes the interface tracking of the vacuum arc-anode surface. Through simulation analysis, the regular characteristics of the interaction between arc root motion and anode molten pool thermal processes under the action of the TMF are revealed; furthermore, the specific influences of evaporation effect, contact material properties, and the variation of the heat flux density are discussed. It is found that the overall increase in the anode surface temperature will accelerate the arc root movement, while the movement behavior of the arc root will affect the temperature and melting state distribution of the anode. When the heat flux density input to the anode increases to a certain level, although the speed of the arc root movement increases, the ablation is still aggravated due to insufficient cooling time. This model resolves the interaction mechanism between arc and the anode between the TMF contacts. The results have a certain significance for the selection of contact materials, structural design, and further optimization of vacuum circuit breaker performance.