Improved Formulations for Ceramic Varistor Devices: Electrical Results
School Name
South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Engineering
Presentation Type
Mentored
Abstract
A varistor is an electrical component commonly used in surge protection. Varistors are placed in parallel and have a high resistance until a power surge causes the resistance to drop, allowing current to flow through the varistor. The objective of this research was to create a cost-effective varistor that had better degradation properties than the current industry standard. This would be achieved by mixing Compound X, a compound commonly used for its cost-effectiveness and the more expensive Compound Y. Compound Y is known for its preservation of degradation properties after testing. Although the research was conducted in an industrial setting, the processes were catered towards small scale production. One test we used is best understood with the creation of a graph that displayed current versus voltage across the varistor. This graph shows resistance values and degradation properties for various currents. After analyzing data, it was concluded that the incorporation of Compound Y improved performance of varistors.
Recommended Citation
Campbell, Joshua, "Improved Formulations for Ceramic Varistor Devices: Electrical Results" (2020). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 14.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2020/all/14
Location
Johns Hall 109
Start Date
3-28-2020 9:00 AM
Presentation Format
Oral Only
Group Project
No
Improved Formulations for Ceramic Varistor Devices: Electrical Results
Johns Hall 109
A varistor is an electrical component commonly used in surge protection. Varistors are placed in parallel and have a high resistance until a power surge causes the resistance to drop, allowing current to flow through the varistor. The objective of this research was to create a cost-effective varistor that had better degradation properties than the current industry standard. This would be achieved by mixing Compound X, a compound commonly used for its cost-effectiveness and the more expensive Compound Y. Compound Y is known for its preservation of degradation properties after testing. Although the research was conducted in an industrial setting, the processes were catered towards small scale production. One test we used is best understood with the creation of a graph that displayed current versus voltage across the varistor. This graph shows resistance values and degradation properties for various currents. After analyzing data, it was concluded that the incorporation of Compound Y improved performance of varistors.
