Current Limiting Fuse Study. Final Report

摘要

A study of current limiting fuses aimed to improve performance with corresponding higher current ratings in a single barrel is presented. The overall program was directed toward new element design, gas impregnation, and composite polymer sand fillers. The new element design is based on a freestanding cylinder approach with a large surface area-to-volume ratio. The new element design provides better heat transfer and higher arcing gradients. New filler mixtures also increase arcing gradients and improve interruption capability. Better heat transfer, higher arcing gradients and improved interruption capability will improve overall performance of the fuse and increase the current rating. The full-size experiments (15 kV, 200 A) demonstrated significant improvements in the average arc voltage and rating capability when compared to existing state of the art technology. The information, ideas, and technical data disclosed in this report do not necessarily represent practicable or thoroughly tested devices and should not be used as the basis for manufacture or construction without further investigation as to safety and suitability. The experiments also revealed some critical problem areas which must be addressed before significant fuse progress can be made available to the utility market. (ERA citation 02:059013)