The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application

PREFACE INTRODUCTION VACUUM INTERRUPTER THEORY AND DESIGN HIGH-VOLTAGE VACUUM INTERRUPTER DESIGN Introduction The External Design Electrical Breakdown in Vacuum Internal Vacuum Interrupter Design X-Ray Emission Arc Initiation When Closing a Vacuum Interrupter References THE VACUUM ARC The Closed Contact The Formation of the Vacuum Arc during Contact Opening The Diffuse Vacuum Arc The Columnar Vacuum Arc The Transition Vacuum Arc The Interaction of the Vacuum Arc and a Transverse Magnetic Field The Vacuum Arc and an Axial Magnetic Field Overview References THE MATERIALS, THE DESIGN, AND THE MANUFACTURE OF THE VACUUM INTERRUPTER Introduction Vacuum Interrupter Contact Materials The Contact Structures for the Vacuum Interrupter Other Vacuum Interrupter Design Features Vacuum Interrupter Manufacture References VACUUM INTERRUPTER APPLICATION GENERAL ASPECTS OF VACUUM INTERRUPTER APPLICATION Introduction The Interruption of AC Circuits Interruption of AC Circuits When the Contacts Open Just before Current Zero Contact Welding References APPLICATION OF THE VACUUM INTERRUPTER FOR SWITCHING LOAD CURRENTS Introduction Load Current Switching Switching Inductive Circuits Vacuum Contactors Switching Capacitor Circuits Vacuum Interrupters for Circuit Switching, Circuit Isolation, and Circuit Grounding Summary References CIRCUIT PROTECTION, VACUUM CIRCUIT BREAKERS, AND RECLOSERS Introduction Load Currents Short-Circuit Currents Late Breakdowns and Nonsustained Disruptive Discharges Vacuum Circuit Breaker Design Vacuum Circuit Breaker Testing and Certification Vacuum Circuit Breakers for Capacitor Switching, Cable and Line Switching, and Motor Switching Application of Vacuum Circuit Breakers Concluding Summary References AUTHOR INDEX SUBJECT INDEX