Arc characteristics of triggered vacuum switch with multi-rod electrode under high current

A triggered vacuum switch (TVS) with multi-rod electrode is proposed. The switch adopts three pairs of rod electrodes to enhance the arcing area of main electrode, leading to the promotion of current carrying ability. The arc development of the switch is discussed under different high currents. The parallel arcing and arc transfer process in the multiple channels are discussed according to the change of arc voltage. The arc transfer process helps to keep the vacuum arc in diffusion mode. In experiments, the TVS sample carried a peak current of 225 kA and realized charge transfer of 45 C in one pulse.