Temperature Distribution of HBC Fuses with Asymmetric Electric Current Ratios Through Fuselinks

Abstract

In many industrial applications high breaking capacity (HBC) fuses are used to protect electrical installations against overcurrents, especially in the power distribution network. At high rated current, HBC fuses have more parallel fuselinks mounted inside. The technological and mounting processes of the fuselinks inside the fuse results in an asymmetrical current distribution through the parallel fuselinks. In this article a model of a high breaking capacity fuse using two parallel fuselinks is proposed. The influence of electric current, cross-section of the notches, distance between notches and current imbalance through fuselinks on the maximum temperature rise of both fuselinks, has been investigated. Also, a 3D thermal model for the same HBC fuse has been developed. The temperature spread into the fuse and its elements has been obtained. In order to prove the validity of the mathematical and 3D model different tests have been considered. The experimental, simulation and computed results give similar values and it results that this model can also be used for fuses with many parallel fuselinks and it permits the design of new fuse elements with optimal thermal distribution.