Direct current interruption with R L C circuit-convoluted arc interaction

Investigations are reported into the use of an electromagnetically convoluted arc, external to a magnetic field (B-field) producing coil, in combination with a parallel R, L, C resonant circuit for interrupting quasi-steady currents. In order to elucidate the complex interactions between the arc, B-field and R, L, C circuit, the B-field producing coil is energised independently from the current to be interrupted and the R, L, C circuit. Experimental results are presented for the time variation of the currents flowing through the arc gap, the B-field coil and the parallel R, L, C circuit, along with the voltage across the arc gap. An insight is gained into the role of various effects, which are produced by the complex interactions and which might be used to advantage for direct current interruption.