The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application

Drawn from the author's more than four decades of practical experience in the industry, The Vacuum Interrupter: Theory, Design, and Application first discusses the design and manufacture of the vacuum interrupter before delving into its general application. The book begins with a review of the vacuum breakdown process and what to consider when developing a design for a high-voltage application. It then discusses the vacuum arc and how its appearance changes as a function of current. This section concludes with an overview of existing contact materials, a summary of their advantages and disadvantages, an analysis of vacuum interrupter contact design, and considerations for the manufacture of vacuum interrupters. The next section on application describes the interruption process for low- and high-current vacuum arcs, examines the voltage escalation event that occurs if the contact gap is very small at the ac current zero, and explores the phenomenon of contact welding. It also studies the application of vacuum interrupters to switch load currents, circuit breakers, and reclosers. Owing to the increasing need for environmentally friendly interrupting systems, the development of vacuum interrupters will only intensify over time. With extensive references in each chapter for further exploration, this comprehensive guide provides essential, up-to-date knowledge to fully understand this vital technology.

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
Eaton Electrical, Horseheads, New York, USA (retired)

Review :
"The author has produced a classic book. It contains all the essential background needed for a reader to become well-versed in vacuum interrupter technology and it will be referenced for many years to come . . . Those working in the field of vacuum interrupter design would obviously be interested in this book, and those who perform or are interested in the vacuum arc switching technology would also find it an outstanding book that will be used for many years to come." – In IEEE Electrical Insulation Magazine, January/ February 2009, Vol. 25, No. 1