An Improved Arc Model Based on the Arc Diameter

Abstract

This paper introduces an improved electrical arc model based on the arc diameter variation. In the conventional arc models, the arc diameter is considered as an implicit parameter in arc model constants. In case of decreasing arc diameter along with the arc extinction, the arc voltage decreases as well. The arc diameter can be implemented as a function of current into the arc model. The results illustrate that by applying the arc diameter as a function of arc current in the arc model, the simulated arc voltage is much closer to the measured values. In particular, the arc voltage behavior at the zero crossing can be controlled more precisely. However, based on the model considered for the arc diameter, additional parameters of the arc model should be estimated using measured data. The results confirm that even applying a simple arc diameter model can improve the arc voltage simulation.