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Computer Simulation of ZnO Varistors Failures

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Abstract

A simple thermo-mechanical model is applied to evaluate the influence of the nonuni-formity of ZnO varistor disks used in surge arresters on their energy handling capability. By solving heat transfer equations for a varistor disk with nonuniform electrical properties, we compute the time dependence of the temperature profile and the distribution of thermal stresses. The model can identify the energy handling limitations of ZnO varistors imposed by three different failure modes: puncture, thermal runaway, and cracking. It conforms to the available failure data, and explains the observation that energy handling improves at high current densities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, 37996-1200, USA

    M. Bartkowiak & G. D. Mahan

  2. Solid State Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, TN, 37831-6030, USA

    M. Bartkowiak & G. D. Mahan

  3. Hubbell Power Systems, 210 North Allen Street, Centralia, MO, 65240-1395, USA

    M. G. Comber

  4. Hubbell Incorporated, The Ohio Brass Company, 8711 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, OH, 44281, USA

    M. A. Alim

Authors
  1. M. Bartkowiak
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  2. G. D. Mahan
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  3. M. G. Comber
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  4. M. A. Alim
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Correspondence to M. Bartkowiak.

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Bartkowiak, M., Mahan, G.D., Comber, M.G. et al. Computer Simulation of ZnO Varistors Failures. MRS Online Proceedings Library 500, 253 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-500-253

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-500-253

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