The use of shape memory alloys in fuses for the protection of electrical installations

Problem. The degree of damage to electrical installations during short circuits depends on the response time of the protection. An effective way to enhance the current-limiting effect in electrical fuses (reducing their response time) may be the use of shape memory alloy (SMA) elements. However, this requires careful study and research. The goal of the work is to establish the patterns of strengthening the current-limiting effect of a fuse (reducing the response time) when using thermosensitive elements made of shape memory alloys. The achievement of this goal is based on the analysis of experimental studies conducted by the authors and mathematical models of the characteristics of a fuse containing an SMA element. Methodology. The article presents mathematical modelling of the parameters and characteristics of fuses with thermomechanical destruction of the fuse element, as well as a thermophysical model of a fuse with a thermosensitive SMA element. The article presents the results of experimental studies of a traditional fuse and a fuse equipped with a thermosensitive SMA element. For each current, the response time of the modified fuse was shorter than that of the traditional fus