>I also find it fascinating that the mathematics it takes to describe AC circuits is far more complex than for DC
Why? The math is exactly the same as for DC once you substitute complex numbers for current, voltage and impedances.
Things get more complicated in the time domain, which becomes relevant once you want to look into problems like switching HVDC on and OFF. The nonlinearities of the switching devices lead to differential equations that can only be solved numerically.
I don't know the physics modelling switching devices or arcs, but I do recall reading long ago that once an arc starts, its resistance drops dramatically, continuing to drop as more current flows through it (within limits).
So an arc becomes a runaway situation if current flow isn't ballasted or elsewhere interrupted. But if current flow is controlled, an arc has practical application in fluorescent lighting and arc welding.
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Very interesting article indeed!
>I also find it fascinating that the mathematics it takes to describe AC circuits is far more complex than for DC
Why? The math is exactly the same as for DC once you substitute complex numbers for current, voltage and impedances.
Things get more complicated in the time domain, which becomes relevant once you want to look into problems like switching HVDC on and OFF. The nonlinearities of the switching devices lead to differential equations that can only be solved numerically.
Thank you kken for your clarifications.
I don't know the physics modelling switching devices or arcs, but I do recall reading long ago that once an arc starts, its resistance drops dramatically, continuing to drop as more current flows through it (within limits).
So an arc becomes a runaway situation if current flow isn't ballasted or elsewhere interrupted. But if current flow is controlled, an arc has practical application in fluorescent lighting and arc welding.
A visual demonstration: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9S64r-MjBN4