DIGITAL SIMULATION OF FAULT ARCS IN MEDIUM-VOLTAGE DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

This paper deals with the digital simulation of the fault arc in air in a 10-kV medium-voltage distribu- tion network with earth fault compensation via arc sup- pression coil connected to the neutral point. The arc model enables studies on the interaction of the earth fault arc with the electrical power system. The arc has a damping effect on the earth fault current and on overvoltages caused by the initiation of earth faults. The arc model is validated by a comparison of simulation results with arc tests performed in a high-power test laboratory.