Abstract
The increasing viability of wide band gap power semiconductors, widespread use of distributed power generations, and rise in power levels of these applications have increased interest and need for medium voltage converters. Understanding the definitions of insulation coordination and their relationship to applications and methodologies used in the test environment allows system engineers to select the correct insulation materials for the design and to calculate the required distances between the conductive surfaces, accessible parts and ground accurately. Although, design guidelines are well established for low voltage systems, there are some deficiencies in understanding and meeting the insulation coordination requirements in medium voltage, medium frequency applications. In this study, an overview on standards for insulation coordination and safety requirements is presented to guide researchers in the development of medium voltage power electronic converters and systems. In addition, an insulation coordination study is performed as a case study for a medium frequency isolated DC/DC converter that provides conversion from a 13.8 kV AC system to a 4.16 kV AC system.
Highlights
Electrical safety standards define the tests and procedures of electrical devices to prevent dangerous situations such as electrical current, electrical arc, ignition, electromagnetic field and static that will endanger human life and health as well as assets
When a Power Electronic Converter (PEC) comprises sub-circuits that are electrically isolated from each other by the high frequency transformer, the transformer is designed to a distinct set of standards (i.e., IEEE C57.12.01) than those that apply to the system and operational reliability is verified through a battery of component-level tests before it is integrated into the system
Since, most of the existing insulation coordination and safety standards are recommended for low voltage systems, medium voltage (MV) converter designers have difficulties in understanding definitions of insulation coordination and safety design
Summary
Electrical safety standards define the tests and procedures of electrical devices to prevent dangerous situations such as electrical current, electrical arc, ignition, electromagnetic field and static that will endanger human life and health as well as assets. A range of national and international standards has been applied to define the requirements and provide a pathway for conducting insulation coordination studies These standards provide definitions and methodologies for design and testing at different voltage levels across a range of applications. Applications involving the direct connection of power semiconductors to medium voltage (MV) have grown exponentially These include adjustable speed drives [19]–[21], Power Electronic Converter (PEC) interfaces to Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) [22]–[28] and solid-state transformers [29]–[32] within specific application environments (i.e., DER interface, shipboard) and as power system components. A general overview of different standards defining the safety requirements and insulation coordination are provided to gain a better understanding and to guide on methodologies for insulation coordination of MV power electronic systems. The procedure and standards that are followed are explained in detail to provide a guideline for future studies
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