Efficiency assessment of arc suppression reactors based on the energy criterion carried out on a test bench

Abstract

The efficiency of the arc suppressing reactors (ARSs) is studied under conditions of intermittent single-phase arc earth faults (SPAEFs). Based on theoretical analysis specifying the obtained calculated ratios, the conclusion is drawn that there is a strong influence of ASR tuning accuracy on the voltage recovery period on the faulty phase after the SPAEF arc extinction in the region of compensation small detuning, which serves as confirmation of the need to make requirements for tuning accuracy stricter. Thee given considerations are proven by physical modelling of intermittent arc earth faults carried out on an experimental–test bench of at Ramenskoe Electrotechnical Plant Energy (RETZ Energy) with a capacitive current of the single-phase arc earth fault of 43 A. The test took into account the network active earth conductivity, which was modelled with the help of the water resistors providing the change of the active resistance by their heating under operating voltage in between tests. An energy criterion was proposed for ASR evaluation under conditions of the intermittent SPAEFs for interpretation of the measurement results and possibilities of quantitative comparison of the efficiency of reactors of the different types; this criterion is based on evaluating the average power coming out at the location of the arc fault. Measurement results of the average SPAEF powers show that it is effective to restrict the allowable detuning level of an ARS with a 3% regulated gap. Analysis of ASR operation with biasing under the conditions of intermittent SPAEF was carried out, and comparison was performed of efficiency under this mode for the RZDPOM-300/6.6 and RUOM-300/6.6 reactors.