Comparative Analysis of Experimental DC Arc Flash Results to Industry Estimation Methods

With the utilization of DC systems increasing, and constant emphasis for worker safety as a top priority for all companies, arc flash feasibility for DC systems is a growing concern. This article details the feasibility of DC arc flash events with experimental scouting tests for a 130 VDC system. Sensitivity studies are experimentally performed on the impact of bus gap distance and bolted fault current level on incident energy. Test results are analyzed and conclusions drawn on the results, in particular incident energies. Details of the tests performed including the setup, procedure, and system parameters are also provided. Theoretical methods of determining incident energy for the testing conditions are also explored. Specifically, these are Doan's and NFPA 70E's maximum power models, and Stokes and Oppenlander's and Paukert's arc resistance models. A comparative analysis of the test results to industry standard, NFPA 70E, and software analysis methods using ETAP, an industry leading software used for arc flash studies, is performed.