Understanding and controlling electrical arcs has long been a challenge in both fusion research and electrical engineering. A breakthrough in modelling these arcs without introducing external disturbances has emerged from fusion plasma studies, offering new possibilities for industries reliant on circuit breakers and electrical safety systems.

The knowledge developed to model electrical arcs originated in fusion research, where scientists sought precise methods to study the behaviour of electrical arcs within tokamak plasmas. Given the constraints of the extreme environment inside reactors like WEST and JET, researchers needed to measure and model these arcs without physically interfering with them. This challenge led to the development of a magnetostatic inverse problem approach, where electromagnetic fields are measured externally and used to reconstruct the electrical arc’s behaviour.

This technique, rooted in Magneto Hydro Dynamics (MHD), has been the subject of numerous studies, with significant contributions from Francesca Rapetti, Senior Lecturer at the Mathematics Laboratory J.A. Dieudonné of Nice Sophia-Antipolis University. MHD equations, essential in plasma transport studies, played a key role in enabling this innovative method, which now extends its applications beyond fusion.

One of the most promising adaptations of this technology is its application in vacuum circuit breakers. The European Series in Applied and Industrial Mathematics (ESAIM) conducted a study demonstrating how this method could be used to model the electrical arcs created within circuit breakers with remarkable accuracy. Traditional optical methods used for arc analysis present challenges, including potential disturbances to the arc itself and difficulties in evaluating current density. By leveraging fusion-derived techniques, researchers aim to develop “magnetic cameras” capable of capturing and analysing arc behaviour without direct optical interference.

The adaptation of fusion-based arc modelling techniques to vacuum circuit breakers has resulted in significant improvements in safety and efficiency. Electrical arcs pose considerable risks to both personnel and equipment, and ensuring precise control and understanding of their behaviour is critical. This innovation allows for more accurate arc modelling, leading to enhanced circuit breaker designs that offer better protection and reliability for electrical networks.

Beyond improving safety, this technological transfer provides a pathway for developing superior circuit breaker products, minimizing wear and tear, and ultimately extending the lifespan of these critical components. By harnessing knowledge from fusion research, the electrical industry gains a powerful new tool to improve performance, reduce risks, and optimize the management of electrical networks.

This success story exemplifies how cutting-edge scientific advancements in one domain can drive innovation and safety improvements across entirely different industries, paving the way for a more reliable and secure electrical future.