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Het welzijn van werknemers tijdens het uitvoeren van hun werk is een belangrijk aspect in elke onderneming. Toch gebeuren er op de werkplaats nog steeds veel arbeidsongevallen. Het aantal arbeidsongevallen waarbij elektriciteit aan de basis ligt, is over de jaren heen zelfs toegenomen. Om deze stijgende trend een halt toe te roepen, is de verplichting tot het uitvoeren van een risicoanalyse op elke elektrische installatie in het leven geroepen. Ondanks de regelgeving omtrent elektrische installaties en veiligheid zijn er nog steeds onduidelijkheden en gevaren verbonden aan elektrische installaties die zouden vermeden kunnen worden. In dit werk worden de verschillende interpretaties van de regelgeving rond elektrische installaties en risicoanalyses onderzocht. Dit onderzoek gebeurt aan de hand van een analyse van verscheidene risicoanalyses. Deze bestudeerde risicoanalyses zijn uitgevoerd door verschillende organisaties en personen met elk een eigen systematiek. Deze analyse geeft de sterke en zwakke punten van alle bestudeerde risicoanalyses weer, als ook de knelpunten van de bestaande risicoanalyses. Uit de analyse kunnen verplichtingen en aandachtspunten opgesteld worden, die kunnen bijdragen tot het opstellen van een kwaliteitsvolle risicoanalyse voor elektrische installaties.

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The electrical grid of BASF Antwerp feeds chemical installations that have high damage costs when the voltage is lost. BASF Antwerp is interested in increasing the dependability of their electrical grid and thus reducing the average damage cost that is suffered from production loss. The main objective of this thesis is to expand an existing Discrete Absorbing Markov model which describes the behaviour of the electrical grid of BASF Antwerp. The model creates probabilities for entering into damage states after the simulation time. The expansion of this model results in more correct probabilities which provide a better resemblance of the behaviour of the electrical grid of BASF Antwerp. Topologies on the 6/10 kV level are compared which increase the voltage and production availability of the downstream loads. The two and three legged topologies are compared with a topology which includes a Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SFCL). Discrete Absorbing Markov models are made for the three topologies. The results of the models show that the SFCL topology performs best on a small scale. The two legged topology has the least promising results. The same results are achieved when a comparison is made between the different topologies whereby an equal amount of load capacity is available. The main advantage of the SFCL topology is the ability to take over loads that are connected to a 6/10 kV busbar without any production loss. The models of the topologies made it possible to expand the original model that describes the electrical grid of BASF Antwerp, with the 6/10 kV voltage level. Also, the 35 kV voltage level is adjusted. The simulation of the improved BASF model is performed for different grid configurations. In each grid configuration, the load capacity is increased with the same amount by adding identical substations. A different substation topology is used for adding load capacity in every grid configuration. The output of the simulations combined with an economic analysis, concludes that the SFCL topology is also the least damage cost intensive solution on large scale. This conclusion aids BASF Antwerp in future investment decisions for expanding their electrical grid. Scenarios are made to investigate the impact of certain specific double fault combinations. The starting grid configuration of BASF Antwerp is adjusted to a grid configuration where one or multiple components are unavailable. The results of the scenarios combined with an economic analysis, indicate that the loss of a supply transformer (150/35 kV) and a 150 kV busbar doesn't cause a large increase in the average damage cost that BASF Antwerp can expect after the simulation time. The loss of a grid transformer (35/6 kV) has a slightly higher impact on the average damage cost. The most significant conclusion of these scenarios is that the presence of a standby supply transformer is highly important. The average damage cost of the electrical grid increases strongly when there is no standby supply transformer present in the grid when multiple faults occur. When replacing the standby supply transformer, this information becomes very useful.

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Arcing faults in switchgear equipment can escalate into an arc flash, if the arc is sustained for a long enough time. An arc flash is a sudden, violent release of energy. This release of energy has numerous effects: a bright light is emitted by the arc, shrapnel and molten metal droplets are violently expelled from the equipment and due to then intense heat, the metal conductors evaporate, creating a pressure wave. This pressure wave is known as the arc blast. The arc blast is capable of propelling people several meters away from the arc source, as well as destroying the surrounding walls, ceilings and even floors. The purpose of this Master thesis was to discuss some models which have tried to evaluate the behaviour of the pressure wave generated by an arc flash at different distances from the arc source. Three models have been elaborated on in this Thesis, a comparison between the different models is made and the strengths and weaknesses of each model have been addressed. Eventually proper protection measures are presented in order to prevent or mitigate the effects of arc flash and arc blast.