Avoiding internal arc explosions in data center power distribution

The data center power module, medium and low voltage switchgear, transformers, and UPS are concentrated inside a container. If an arc fault occurs inside the switchgear, the arc energy is sufficient to damage all equipment in the power module, including backup power equipment.

The power module switchgear is compact, with high installation density and high heat generation, which increases the risk of internal arc faults. Whether it is a medium voltage switchgear or a low voltage switchgear, the energy involved in internal arc faults is enormous. The busbar and ACB connection terminals of the low voltage switchgear have large electrical clearances and are close to the medium voltage switchgear. The arc energy is related to the arc length, and the short-circuit current of the low voltage switchgear is greater. Therefore, when an internal arc fault occurs in the low voltage switchgear, the degree of damage is also enormous.

Therefore, both high-voltage and low-voltage switchgear need to be equipped with arc protection monitoring systems and devices for quickly extinguishing arcs.

Arc protection system, continuous monitoring of arc light and overcurrent. When an internal arc fault occurs, the three-phase metal is short circuited and grounded through an arc extinguishing device.

Arc extinguishing time ≤ 10ms

Slight degree of damage

Quick start of backup power supply to maintain power continuity.

Active protection against internal arc faults - such as arc protection to quickly extinguish the arc, avoid explosion damage, and prevent systematic equipment damage.

The principle of quickly extinguishing the internal arc is to convert the "gas short circuit" into a "solid short circuit". The solid short circuit is caused by a conductor short circuit, which has low resistance and heat generation concentrated inside the conductor without affecting the outside. The conductor can withstand a short-term short circuit current of 3 seconds.

The rapid arc extinguishing device responds faster than lightning and uses special sensors to detect the arc. After the sensor responds, an electronic analysis unit will issue trip commands to both the arc extinguishing device and the incoming circuit breaker. The arc was extinguished within 5ms, long before causing serious consequences.

The essence of the rapid arc extinguishing device is an ultra fast knife that artificially creates a grounding short circuit, transfers the arc energy to the grounding copper bar, thereby extinguishing the arc and avoiding equipment damage. The detection and analysis of an arc only takes 2ms, and the entire arc extinguishing process, from the initial identification to the arc extinguishing, can be successfully completed after a maximum of 5ms. In this way, the consequences caused by the arc can be minimized. Once the fault is resolved, the switchgear can be reconnected, so the production downtime and resulting economic losses will be significantly reduced.

The experiment proved that the arc was extinguished within 6ms and the switchgear was almost undamaged. Generally, the pressure relief cover plate will be opened around 10ms to reduce pressure damage, but the arc energy still exists and continues to burn and damage the equipment in the form of thermal effects. Therefore, the arc extinguishing device can extinguish the arc before the pressure relief cover plate is opened, causing the arc energy to disappear and not causing harm to equipment and personnel.

By quickly converting air arc faults into conductor bolt connection faults.

Significantly reduce the mechanical and thermal stresses caused by internal arcs;

Prevent toxic effects caused by thermal pollution and environmental damage;

Quick restart;

Reduce downtime of switchgear and minimize economic losses;

Fast mechanical energy storage spring, electromagnetic operating mechanism;

Multiple closures;

Maintenance free;

Low overall cost;