Implementation of 99.96% Efficiency SSCB at 100 A/1hour Continuous Thermal Testing

Abstract

This paper presents an implementation of a modular medium-voltage direct-current (MVDC) solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB) with high efficiency. The proposed design methodology is modularity oriented, which includes busbar and structure design. This paper includes two major contributions. First, it presents a complete modular SSCB design procedure, showing parallel and cascade evolution process from a conduction unit to a tower structure. Second, this paper investigates the effect of stray resistances on SSCB efficiency and power loss. A medium-voltage SSCB prototype rated at 4 kV and 100 A is experimentally implemented. The 1 hour continuous conduction tests are conducted from 50 A to 100 A, the maximum steady-state case temperature is 59°C. The experimental results show a high efficiency of 99.96%.