About the project
A research project within the Doctoral Centre for Advanced Electrical Power Engineering will consider a complex set of plasma phenomena and physical processes taking place during contact opening in DC switches as well as an optimisation of the devices design to extend its applicability for higher currents and voltages.
Expansion of PV generation and growing numbers of press for the development of cheap, light but still reliable switches and breakers for mid-voltage DC loads, ~ few kV. Multi-stage commutative devices with additional semiconductor switch which (a) commutate current to a capacitor (b) isolate the mechanical switch quickly by a small semiconductor gate (c) cools the air gap by air blast (d) release the excess voltage via MOV allow frequent current disconnections. They've already showed the potential for low voltages and currents (hundreds of Volts and Amps).
Extension of the method to higher currents/voltages faces the challenges of the arc reignition. Addition of a synchronise air blast is expected to eliminate the issues. This device will show some short arcing, but it should be cheap, light and reliable. It is something which would be very useful for an electric aircraft or large electric vehicles. Air blast is required for the fast cooling of air plasma in the contact gap, otherwise it may not hold such high voltages.
The School of Electronics & Computer Science is committed to promoting equality, diversity inclusivity as demonstrated by our Athena SWAN award. We welcome all applicants regardless of their gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or age, and will give full consideration to applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy, onsite childcare facilities, and offers a range of benefits to help ensure employees’ well-being and work-life balance. The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and has been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.
