Prototype Current-Limiting Hybrid DC Circuit Breaker Incorporating a Fuse and a Semiconductor Device

Abstract

Owing to the increased demand for DC interruption, a prototype current-limiting hybrid DC circuit breaker incorporating a fuse and a semiconductor device was developed, based on a completely novel design concept. Recently, hybrid DC breakers have been attracting attention because of their low conduction loss and high-speed current interruption capability. The superiority of this hybrid DC circuit breaker lies in the simultaneous use of the high-speed current-limiting performance of the fuse and the highly reliable current-interruption performance of the semiconductor device. Furthermore, the hybrid DC circuit breaker performs the current interruption without any mechanical contact, thus preventing any delay in operation induced by the mechanical contact. The feasibility of the proposed concept was demonstrated by the successful application of the circuit breaker in a 1 kA fault current interruption procedure. Hence, the current-limiting hybrid DC circuit breaker is suitable for low voltage and medium voltage DC system protection. As the fuses and semiconductor modules progress, the hybrid DC circuit breaker may also adapt to HVDC systems.