DC Arc Flash - Transient Analysis


DC Arc Flash Transient Analysis

DC Arc Flash Transient Analysis

Perform dynamic time-based analysis using IEC-61660

Overview

The DCAF Transient Analysis method provides an accurate dynamic representation of DC power systems under arc fault conditions. This method can be used for a for special class of DC equipment that utilizes time-based transient short circuit currents using the IEC-61660 standard.

DCAF Transient Analysis combines the system short circuit characteristics and DC arc equations to estimate the arc voltage and resistance for DC incident energy calculations. It provides an estimate of how those characteristics can change under varying bolted fault currents. The theory and background of this module can be referenced in “Methods for Evaluating DC Arc-Flash Incident Energy in Battery Energy Storage Systems,” 2023 IEEE IAS Electrical Safety Workshop (ESW), Reno, NV, USA, 2023, pp. 19-29, doi: 10.1109/ESW49992.2023.10188335 by Albert Marroquin and Terry McKinch.

DC Arc Flash Transient Analysis IEC-61660

Key Features

  • Evaluate arc currents based on dynamic behavior of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) considering the battery type, such as Li-Ion or Lead Acid, Nickel Cobalt, etc.
  • Utilize accurate battery models available from the ETAP library 
  • Calculate short circuit and arc current profile for the following equipment:
    • Batteries
    • DC Capacitors
    • DC Loads
  • Evaluate incident energy based on rise, peak and steady state time of BESS using the IEC 61660 standard and Stokes and Oppenlander and DGUV-I-203-077 methodologies.
IEC-61660 - AF Calculator

Key Features (continued)

  • Arc Flash plots that include:
    • Bolted Fault Current
    • Arc Current
    • Arc Voltage
    • Arc Energy
    • Incident Energy
  • Consider the effect of arc erosion based on conductor cross section
  • Consider arc elongation effect
  • Evaluate the incident energy for DC capacitors
  • Standalone arc flash calculator to determine effect of gap based on arc erosion
DC Arc Flash

Benefits

  • Realistic modeling for enhanced safety analysis for BESS
  • Ensure hazard assessments are in compliance with recognized standards and methodologies
  • Optimize system design & protection, accounting for real-world effects such as arc erosion and elongation, and DC capacitor profiles
  • Improve equipment reliability through insight into potential fault conditions
  • Flexible and comprehensive analysis using accurate battery models and ‘what-if’ scenario studies
DC Arc Flash for Transient Analysis

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