Contribution à l’étude du comportement thermo-électromécanique des connecteurs de puissance

Abstract

Electrical connectors play a crucial role in modern electrical systems, ensuring the connection and transmission of powerful electrical currents between various components. In satellites, they link solar panels to batteries and other subsystems. In launchers, they connect the power supply stages. In airplanes, drones and hybrid or electric automobiles, they link batteries and electric motors.

Résumé

170 The increasing power in modern electrical systemes poses new challenges to connectors. High currents generate significant heat due to the Joule effect, which can damage contact surfaces by softening or melting them. Additionally, the separation of connectors, whether intentional or unintentional, can create intense electrical arcs, accelerating erosion, corrosion, and material transfer between contact surfaces, irreversibly affecting connector performance. This research aims to experimentally analyze the impact of electrical arcs on the performance of electrical connectors. The main objective is to identify the most erosion and degradation-resistant materials and contact geometries caused by electrical arcs. An experimental test bench has been developed to simulate contact opening under controlled conditions, faithfully reproducing real-world usage conditions. This bench allows for the application of precise electrical currents and the measurement of physical properties of generated arcs, such as arc’s duration and length, arc’s energy and power.... SEM analysis and MHD numerical calculation using Fluent software enabled us to analyze and understand the arc phenomenon and compare the numerical results with the experimental results. This research makes a significant contribution to understanding the degradation mechanisms of electrical connectors under the influence of electrical arcs. The results obtained will help optimize the design and material selection of connectors to improve their reliability and durability in the demanding environments.