DC arc suppression in the improved multichamber structure

In order to apply the multichamber structure to DC lines, it’s necessary to know the principle of arc quenching and the arc development process in the multichamber structure. Through analyzing the quenching characteristics of DC arc and establishing the 2-D geometric model of multichamber structure based on the magnetohydrodynamics theory in COMSOL Multiphysics simulation platform, this paper reveals and explains the principle of arc quenching in the multichamber structure. The simulation result shows that the strong self-expanding airflow which caused by the instantaneous temperature rise in the chambers can cut off the arc channel and block the energy supply of the arc. Then the Impulse-DC arc quenching test is carried out to verify the arcing performance of the improved multichamber structure. The arc is finally extinguished at 1.5ms, which manifests that the improved device can effectively suppress DC arc development.