INTERNAL ARC MANAGEMENT AND VENTILATION FOR ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

摘要

An electrical enclosure is configured for passive self-extinguishing arc protection and cooler operation of enclosed equipment. The enclosure has a channeled ventilation system with arc channels in fluid communication with exhaust channels. The arc channels around each phase of the enclosed conductors are of sufficient length to help attenuate an arc. The exhaust channels are placed in communication with the arc channels. The geometry and materials of the arc channels and exhaust channels cause the energy balance of the enclosure to favor passive arc interruption. Ventilation channels may be in fluid communication with the arc channels and the exhaust channels to provide cooling airflows over enclosed power conductors during normal non-arcing operation.

主权项

1. An electrical apparatus for management of arc faults, the apparatus comprising:
an electrical enclosure; electrical equipment within the enclosure and having one or more electrical phases with respective electrical conductors; arc channels having fixed barriers surrounding each of the electrical conductors at an conductor joint thereof, each arc channel being of sufficient length to attenuate an arc produced at the conductor joint; and an exhaust channel connected in fluid communication to each arc channel at the end of its sufficient length.