Abstract
In this study, a low voltage solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) was implemented for a DC distribution system using commercially available components. The design process of the high-side static switch was enabled through a voltage bias. Detailed functional testing of the current sensor, high-side switch, thermal ratings, analog to digital conversion (ADC) techniques, and response times of the SSCB was evaluated. The designed SSCB was capable of low-end lighting protection applications and tested at 50 V. A 15 A continuous current rating was obtained, and the minimum response time of the SSCB was nearly 290 times faster than that of conventional AC protection methods. The SSCB was implemented to fill the gap where traditional AC protection schemes have failed. DC distribution systems are capable of extreme faults that can destroy sensitive power electronic equipment. However, continued research and development of the SSCB is helping to revolutionize the power industry and change the current power distribution methods to better utilize clean renewable energy systems.
Highlights
Clean renewable energies have laid a platform for practical DC distribution systems in applications such as commercial buildings, data centers, microgrids, and shipboard power systems [1,2,3,4,5]
The solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB)’s response time, when compared to the generalized curve of its mechanical circuit breaker (MCB) counterpart depicted in Figure 11, shows that the average total clearing time (TCT)
Slower MCBs often have an instantaneous trip time between 40 and 55 ms, faster units will trip within 16 ms or one 60 Hz cycle [25,26]
Summary
Clean renewable energies have laid a platform for practical DC distribution systems in applications such as commercial buildings, data centers, microgrids, and shipboard power systems [1,2,3,4,5]. Solid-state circuit breakers (SSCBs) have been deemed the most ideal form of protection in developing DC systems due to inadequacies in standard AC protection methods. AC breakers work in connection with the zero crossing of the alternating voltage and current to mechanically extinguish a fault through arcing. Arcing in DC systems is indefinitely sustained unless larger airgaps are used for the same AC rating. Attempts have been made to reduce an AC breaker’s voltage and current ratings by as much as half for use in DC systems, but their overall effectiveness remains scrutinized due to the speed at which they operate [6,7,8,9,10]. DC microgrids rely on power electronic converters to operate and are often unable to sustain prolonged faults, making it necessary to reduce instantaneous trip ratings. The comparison of an SSCB and thermomagnetic circuit breaker can be found in Figure 1 [11]
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