Gunvor: Vicoma Develops Solution to Reduce Arc Energy

About the Project

An electric arc occurs when an electric current jumps between two conductors. For example, due to a short circuit. This can lead to intense heat with dangerous consequences. The energy released in this process is called arc energy.

Gunvor asked us to assess the arc energy of all their high- and low-voltage distribution panels. This revealed that the arc energy was very high in the majority of the distributors. Consequence: On-site operation was not permitted. A solution had to be found for this. Vicoma provided a solution.

Vicoma’s Role

We performed the calculations for the arc energy and analyzed the results. The high arc energy was partly caused by

because the safety mechanisms shut off the arc too late. Gunvor’s goal was to solve this problem with minimal investment.

We explored the possibilities through a selectivity study. In doing so, we reconfigured all safety systems with the goal of keeping shutdown times as short as possible. We then recalculated the expected arc energy per distributor, this time using the new trip times.

Result

With our energy, we reduced the energy of the arc. In our selectivity study, we demonstrated that the arc energy could be reduced in 85% of the distributors. By lowering the security “settings” without compromising normal operations.

For a limited number of distributors, this proved impossible. We conducted additional research for these distributors and came up with practical, customized solutions.