AC and DC Arc Flash Analysis for an Industrial Electrical System Infrastructure and Its Importance

Understanding the amount of incident energy produced by any AC and DC electrical faults using an arc flash hazard study will help abate injuries to operating personnel. This paper presents a case study of an industrial electrical infrastructure including simulation of system modelling and arc flash hazard assessment performed on both the AC and DC components. The power system model of the infrastructure was simulated and analysed using SMK Power Tools software. The system model was fed from 2 sources, the grid and from a battery bank energy storage unit which served as backup power source. The amount of incident energy produced when there is a fault in the system, the severity of the arc flash incident energy when fed from AC grid as well as the high current DC system is evaluated. Ensuing safety measures to be taken to mitigate these arc flash hazards are recommended.