Westinghouse Electric

About: Westinghouse Electric is a company organization based out in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, United States. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Brake & Circuit breaker. The organization has 27959 authors who have published 38036 publications receiving 523387 citations.

Impedance of the Residential Power-Distribution Circuit

Abstract: This paper presents measurements and analysis of the impedance of residential power-distribution circuits at frequencies from 5 to 20 kHz. These frequencies are used by systems such as distribution-line carriers which use the power distribution circuit as a communications medium. Residential impedances are determined by the distribution transformer secondary windings, entrance cables, house wiring, and electrical loads. Impedance measurements of these components and measurements at four residences are presented.

The mechanical properties of an epoxy resin with a second phase dispersion

Abstract: The mechanical strength of an anhydride-cured epoxy resin was studied by means of tensile tests as a function of particle size and volume fraction of an alumina trihydrate particulate-dispersed phase. These results and those of the microscopic examination imply that the poor strength of the system may be attributed to the intrinsically low strength of the dispersion. The tensile strength can be maximised by correct formulation on the basis of either particle size or volume fraction of the dispersed second phase. The modulus increases with increasing volume fraction, but is unaffected by particle-size variation at a constant volume fraction. The addition of a silane coupling agent increases the modulus of the composite, while having a negligible or adverse effect on the other properties.

Interruption ability of vacuum interrupters subjected to axial magnetic fields

Abstract: Two vacuum interrupters equipped with 7 cm-diameter electrodes have been power tested with and without the presence of an axial magnetic field during arcing. The field strength was 2×10−5 teslaper arcing ampere, with a negligible field at a current zero. Observations with both interrupters at arc currents of 10–25 kA (r.m.s.) revealed that the field suppressed the peak arc voltage at electrode spacings of approximately 0.4 cm by about 30%. The current-interruption ability of one interrupter increased by at least 20%, and the magnetic field also increased the interruption probability of the second interrupter. These effects are attributed to plasma confinement by the field, which reduces the total input power to the interrupter and increases the threshold current associated with anode-spot formation. The plasma confinement also reduces the probability of arcing to the vapour-condensation shield.

Effect of Conducting Particles on AC Corona and Breakdown in Compressed SF6

Abstract: This paper describes studies of the effects of conducting particles on breakdown phenomena in compressed SF6 under alternating voltage conditions. Results with free particles of different shapes and materials are compared with those obtained with fixed particles for both parallel-plane and coaxial electrode geometrics. Calculations of the particle motion and of the energy in microdischarges between particle and electrodes are used to suggest mechanisms by which breakdown is initiated. It is shown that the breakdown voltage, which can be as low as 10% of the uncontaminated value, is markedly dependent on particle shape, size and material, and that the nature of the motion in alternating fields is important in establishing conditions for free- particle-triggered breakdown.