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Triggering breakdown voltage of a high-current, two-electrode graphite gas switch assisted by ultraviolet
Li Chen1, Lanjun Yang1, Dong Huang1
1State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|December 3, 2017
Summary
Ultraviolet pre-ionization of gas switches reduces triggering breakdown voltage and jitter by providing initial electrons. This method extends switch lifetime, though its effectiveness decreases at higher pressures due to increased UV absorption.
Area of Science:
- Electrical Engineering
- Plasma Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- High current gas switches are crucial components in various electrical systems.
- Extending the operational lifetime of these switches is essential for reliability and cost-effectiveness.
- Graphite electrodes in gas switches can degrade over time, limiting their lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the use of ultraviolet (UV) pre-ionization to enhance the performance and lifetime of a high-current, two-electrode graphite gas switch.
- To analyze the theoretical and experimental effects of UV illumination on the triggering breakdown voltage and jitter.
- To understand the influence of gas pressure on the efficacy of UV pre-ionization.
Main Methods:
- Development of a simple UV pre-ionization device.
- Theoretical analysis of electron emission and molecular excitation caused by UV light.
- Experimental measurements of triggering breakdown voltage and jitter under varying pressures.
- Evaluation of the impact of UV pre-ionization on switch operational gap distance and shot lifetime.
Main Results:
- UV pre-ionization significantly reduces the triggering breakdown voltage and jitter.
- UV illumination provides initial electrons and excites air molecules, facilitating discharge initiation.
- The positive effects of UV pre-ionization diminish at higher pressures due to increased UV absorption.
- A maximum reduction of 13.5 kV in triggering breakdown voltage was observed at 100 kPa.
- The operational gap distance was extended by 1.2 mm, equivalent to 500 additional shots.
Conclusions:
- UV pre-ionization is an effective method for improving the performance of graphite gas switches.
- The technique enhances switch reliability by reducing breakdown voltage and jitter.
- Pressure-dependent UV absorption limits the application of this method in very high-pressure environments.
- The extended operational gap distance and increased shot count demonstrate a significant improvement in switch lifetime.
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