Mobile QR Code QR CODE : The Korean Institute of Power Electronics
Title Bifurcation Characteristics of Arc Extinction Distance of Capacitive Load in LVDC System
Authors Hyosung Kim
DOI https://doi.org/10.6113/TKPE.2023.28.4.282
Page pp.282-290
ISSN 1229-2214
Keywords LVDC (low voltage dc) systems; Brass contactor type switch; Socket-outlet & plug; Capacitive load; Break (series) arc; Arc extinction distance; Bifurcation; Chaotic behavior.
Abstract As an essential electrical component of low-voltage direct current (LVDC) systems for residential houses, socket-outlet plugs or switches have an important function of supplying or shutting off power to the load, as needed. However, contact-type electrodes generate breaking arcs at both ends of the electrode when the circuit is cut off, and the breaking arc phenomenon is longer and stronger in DC power systems than in alternating current power systems. Sustained breaking arcs can develop into high-temperature and high-pressure plasma, which can cause injuries or house fires. DC/DC converters and various variable-speed devices are typically used to drive resistive loads or adjust the voltage level of the DC load for houses, and smoothing capacitors are used as input terminals for such converters. This type of load can be equated to the parallel load of a resistor or capacitor. In an LVDC environment, the breaking arc of a capacitive load exhibits bifurcation characteristics owing to the chaotic nature of the arc and resonant phenomenon caused by the capacitance of the load. In this study, the characteristics of a breaking arc of a capacitive load in an LVDC system in which a capacitor and resistor are connected in parallel are tested and analyzed to confirm the effect of the capacitor on the breaking arc.