Simulation Analysis and Test Results of Internal Fault Arc Pressure in Medium Voltage Air Insulated Switchgear

Abstract

The occurrence of internal arcing in metal-enclosed medium-voltage switchgear during its service life is rare. However, it remains a critical consideration for ensuring operational reliability and personnel safety. This study investigates the internal arc fault in medium-voltage air-insulated switchgear (AIS) and evaluates the pressure dynamics within switchgear compartments. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA) are performed to simulate and analyze the arc-induced thermal and mechanical effects on the enclosure. The simulations are conducted in accordance with International Electrotechnical Commission 62271-200 standards, considering a rated voltage of 24 kV and short-circuit current of 21 kA for 1 second, validated through internal arc fault tests performed in an accredited laboratory. The CFD results provided insights into pressure and energy distribution, while FEA simulations assessed structural strength under arc-induced stresses. Experimental verification demonstrated a strong correlation with the simulation results, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed modeling approach. The findings of this study contribute to the optimization of AIS design by enhancing safety measures, reducing testing costs, and improving product reliability for medium-voltage switchgear applications.

Cite this article as: A. Togay, G. Cantoro, H. Düzkaya, M. C. Taplamacıoğlu, S. Uzel, E. G.ksu, T. .nver. "Simulation analysis and test results of internal fault arc pressure in medium voltage air insulated switchgear," Electrica, 26, 0213, 2026. doi: 10.5152/electrica.2026.25213.