Sulfur Hexafluride (SF6) Replacement or Reduction in High Voltage Switchgear and Airborne Radar

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is currently used in high voltage switchgear and airborne radar systems to prevent arcing between electrical contacts. SF6 is potentially damaging to the environment; solutions to the challenge of SF6 replacement in airborne radar systems are proposed with a high probability of success. Permanent gases with the desirable electron attachment properties will be evaluated and are predicted to be more effective than SF6 used at lower quantities, lower pressures and lower leak rates thus lowering the Global Warming Potential (GWP). Another concept provides in situ generation of gaseous metal oxides or micro to nanosize particulates (aerosols) known to be extremely efficient electron getters and plasma suppressors, even in high temperature environments. Methods to generate such unique species are proposed as well as measurements to screen and evaluate performance relative to SF6.