Short-circuit Events Research Articles

Test Methodology for Short-Circuit Assessment and Safe Operation Identification for Power SiC MOSFETs

The short-circuit (SC) immunity of power silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFETs is critical for high-reliability applications, where robust monitoring and protection strategies are essential to ensure system safety. Despite their superior voltage blocking capabilities and high energy efficiency, SiC MOSFETs exhibit greater sensitivity to SC-induced degradation compared to their silicon counterparts. This increased vulnerability necessitates the precise assessment of the key SC performance metrics, such as short-circuit withstand time (TSCWT), as well as a deeper understanding of the failure mechanisms. In this study, a comprehensive experimental methodology for evaluating the SC behavior of SiC MOSFETs is presented and validated using industrial references. The investigation further explores the concept of a Safe Operating Area (SOA) under SC conditions, highlighting the significant impact of quasi-simultaneous SC events on device lifetime. Additionally, an application case study demonstrates how these events can drastically reduce the device’s lifespan.

A novel SiC VD-MOSFET with optimized P-type shielding structure in JFET region for improved short circuit robustness

This paper investigates the short-circuit characteristics of Silicon Carbide (SiC) Vertical Double-Implanted Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (VD-MOSFET) utilizing TCAD tools. Expanding upon the conventional VD-MOSFET structure, a novel 900 V SiC VD-MOSFET with two P-type shielding layers introduced in JFET region (PW-MOSFET), is proposed and designed. In contrast to the traditional VD-MOSFET, PW-MOSFET not only significantly improves short-circuit (SC) reliability but also optimizes static performance. Simulation results reveal that PW-MOSFET demonstrates notably superior SC performance at a DC link voltage of 600 V compared to the traditional VDMOSFET, with a 63% increase in Short-Circuit Withstand Time (SCWT) and a 25% enhancement in Baliga Figure of Merit (FOM). The key factor contributing to this performance enhancement is attributed to the advantageous role of the P-type shielding layers, facilitating adjustments in the current flow path, thereby suppressing saturation current and enhancing the reliability of short-circuit events. Furthermore, the issue of increased characteristic on-state resistance (Ron,sp) resulting from the introduction of the P-type shielding layers is addressed by augmenting the doping concentration in the JFET region.

A novel hardware implementation approach to enhanced stable island operation of hybrid distributed generation using superconducting fault current limiters

In this research study, we have explored the transformative potential of integrating Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (SFCLs) and Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage (SMEC) systems in hybrid distributed generation setups. Through a meticulous series of experiments, simulations, and detailed analyses, we have delved into the dynamic responses of these advanced technologies amidst various grid disturbances and fault scenarios. Our investigations encompassed a spectrum of grid disturbance scenarios, including voltage sags, frequency variations, and short circuits, revealing the crucial role that SFCLs and SMEC play in maintaining stable islanded operation. The numerical results showcased in this study demonstrate the pivotal role of SFCLs and SMEC in swiftly responding to grid disturbances, effectively limiting fault impacts and ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted power supply to critical loads. For instance, SFCLs reduced fault currents by up to 60 % within 15 ms during short circuit events at Node A, while voltage sags of 20 % were mitigated within 75 ms, showcasing a fault clearing time of 45 ms. Additionally, the SMES system's energy capacity of 10 kWh played a significant role in voltage and frequency stabilization, reducing fault impacts by over 50 % during various fault scenarios. Furthermore, our detailed analyses provide valuable insights into the SFCL performance, including activation times and fault current reduction capabilities. The transient responses of the system exemplify the remarkable ability of SFCLs to expedite fault recovery and stabilize microgrids. This study presents a novel hardware implementation approach aimed at enhancing the stable island operation of hybrid distributed generation systems through the integration of SFCLs and SMEC. The research addresses the pressing need for innovative solutions to ensure grid stability and reliability amidst the increasing penetration of renewable energy sources. Through hardware simulations, the effectiveness of SFCLs in limiting fault currents and improving system stability is demonstrated. Moreover, a quantitative comparison with existing solutions highlights the superiority of the integrated SFCL-SMES system in enhancing stable island operation, with fault tolerance improvements of up to 56 % compared to traditional methods. Overall, this research contributes to advancing the field of hybrid distributed generation and fault management, offering valuable insights into the practical implementation of SFCLs and SMES for grid resilience and reliable renewable energy integration.

Investigating the impact of magnetic air gap variations on short circuit characteristics of partially high temperature superconducting generator

Partially high-temperature superconducting generators (PHTSGs) feature large magnetic air gaps imposed by using cryostats for HTS field windings. This increased air gap significantly affects end winding inductance and can lead to elevated fault torque levels. This study investigates the influence of magnetic air gap variation on generator design and end winding inductance and its implications for short-circuit faults in PHTSGs. Through a combination of numerical simulations and analytical analysis, the study explores how changes in the magnetic air gap affect end winding inductance and subsequently influence short-circuit fault behavior. The results reveal a direct correlation between magnetic air gap length, end winding inductance, and key short-circuit parameters such as stator current, field currents, and electromagnetic torque. Notably, an increase in the magnetic air gap is observed to elevate stator and field currents and electromagnetic torque during short-circuit events. These insights underscore the importance of considering magnetic air gap variation and its impact on end winding inductance and its relationship with short circuit characteristics in the design and operation of PHTSGs, providing valuable insights for enhancing the resilience and performance of high-temperature superconductor-based generator systems.

The Implementation and Evaluation of Virtualized Protection Intelligent Electronic Devices into a Virtual Substation

This paper presents an investigation into the virtualization of substation protection IED functions using a sophisticated co-simulation environment that integrates virtual intelligent electronic devices (vIEDs) with a real-time power grid simulation. Anchored by the IEC 61850 protocol, this study constructs a virtualized IED framework, emphasizing the encapsulation of protection schemes using the example of different types of overcurrent protection within a containerized vIED. Using open-source software, this study aims to replicate the communication and functional aspects of physical IEDs. This study uses a co-simulation environment that couples virtualized network components with a real-time power grid simulation to validate the vIEDs against real substation hardware. Simulation results from induced short-circuit events confirm the operational congruence of the vIEDs with their physical counterparts, demonstrating their potential to serve as cost-effective and adaptable testbeds for substation automation. This paper concludes that virtualized IEDs represent a cost-effective, flexible alternative for substation automation testing, with future research directed towards increasing the functional complexity and real-world applicability of these virtual systems.

Machine Learning Classifier for Supporting Generator’s Impedance-Based Relay Protection Functions

Transient stability of the electric power system still heavily rests on a timely and correct operation of the relay protection of individual power generators. Power swings and generator pole slips, following network short-circuit events, can initiate false relay activations, with negative repercussions for the overall system stability. This paper will examine the generator’s underimpedance (21G) and out-of-step (78) protection functions and will propose a machine learning based classifier for supporting and reinforcing their decision-making logic. The classifier, based on a support vector machine, will aid in blocking the underimpedance protection during stable generator swings. It will also enable faster tripping of the out-of-step protection for unstable generator swings. Both protection functions will feature polygonal protection characteristics. Their implementation will be based on European practice and IEC standards. Classifier will be trained and tested on the data derived from simulations of the IEEE New England 10-generator benchmark power system.

Highly Reliable Short-Circuit Protection Circuits for Gallium Nitride High-Electron-Mobility Transistors

This paper presents a circuit for detecting and protecting against short circuits in E-mode gallium nitride high-electron-mobility transistors (GaN HEMTs) and analyzes the protection performance of the circuit. GaN HEMTs possess fast switching characteristics that enable high efficiency and power density in power conversion devices. However, these characteristics also pose challenges in protecting against short circuits and overcurrent situations. The proposed method detects short-circuit events by monitoring an instantaneous drop in the DC bus voltage of a circuit with GaN HEMTs applied and uses a bandpass filter to prevent the malfunction of the short-circuit protection circuit during normal switching and ensure highly reliable operation. Using this method, the short-circuit detection time of E-mode GaN HEMTs can be reduced to 257 ns, successfully protecting the device without malfunctions even in severe short-circuit situations occurring at high DC link voltages.

Operational performance and metal droplet formation in pulsed-shielded metal arc underwater welding

Underwater Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is highly affected by the welding depth. The arc and molten metal in contact with the surrounding environment cause operational and metallurgical challenges regarding arc stability, metal transfer, gas formation, high-cooling rates, and diffusible hydrogen uptake. The hydrostatic pressure causes losses in consumable fusion efficiency, constricts the arc, increases the number of short-circuit events, and consequently decreases the welded joint’s process quality. In the present study, the novel approach of pulsed welding current is applied to wet shielded metal arc welding and is operational characteristics are evaluated in detail. Automated welding using an arc-voltage control system was used to obtain reproducible results. For the pulse conditions, two values of pulse current combinations, taking 140 A as the mean value, were set (ΔI of 40 A and 80 A). The same pulse and base duration were chosen, giving pulsing frequencies of 2.5 Hz and 25 Hz. The voltage and current signals were acquired and the short-circuit numbers and melting rates were calculated by processing the data stability factors. As a result, it was possible to weld with lower average welding currents through pulsed-current technology. This new approach can improve the stability of the wet SMAW process and contribute to obtaining better-quality welds without any changes for the underwater welder.

Modeling of an Integrated Traction Motor Protection System

Purpose. The article is devoted to the creation of traction motor protection by modern methods and means based on a programmable logic controller (PLC). Methodology. To simulate motor fault monitoring in laboratory conditions, magnetic field and temperature sensors were installed on a small powerful induction motor, and then the data obtained from the sensors in normal and overloaded motor modes were analyzed. Based on the research, protection methods were developed. Findings. Previously used simple motor protection systems based on components such as timers, contactors, electromagnetic switches, voltage and current transformers were slow and inaccurate, and had low sensitivity. However, the production of PLCs and their application in this industry has eliminated these problems. The intensive operation of motors as the main executive equipment requires the creation of modern automated protection systems to ensure their reliable and stable operation. Originality. The paper improves the method of protection of traction motors based on the use of programmable logic controllers. In addition to the voltage and current parameters, the proposed method involves monitoring the magnetic field. It also provides for the possibility of adjusting the protection response time. As a result, in the event of overload, short circuit, and other non-standard situations, the improved method provides the system with the ability to make more accurate and reliable decisions. Practical value. The TIA Portal software package has modeled a traction motor protection system by temperature and current and considered its practical application. To make such systems more effective, in the future, comprehensive protection systems based on the diagnostic state of the traction motor can be developed. In addition, an effective system can be created by providing SCADA control of the engines of several vehicles simultaneously.

The effect of Fault Ride-Through requirements on voltage dips and post-fault voltage recovery in a Dutch Distribution Network

In this paper the possibility to use Decentralized Generation (DG) units for voltage support in Distribution Networks during and after a Short Circuit (S/C) event is discussed. Two types of DG units will be examined, Combined Heat-Power (CHP) plants and Doubly-Fed Induction Generators (DFIG). Earlier approaches would oblige the disconnection of these units during grid disturbances, in order to avoid unwanted conditions such as interference with the protection system and islanding [1]. Newer grid codes for Transmission Networks like [2], taking into consideration the increased share of these units in energy production have set specific Fault Ride-Through (FRT) criteria which oblige them to stay connected during SC events when they are combined to large plants directly connected to the transmission grid, such as (off shore) wind farms.. If ever more DG is connected directly to distribution grids, the same reasoning leading to applying rault ride through criteria to DG connected in large groups to transmission grids, may be applied to DG connected to distribution grids, as a loss of a a large amount of DG connected to distribution grids has the same adverse effect as using DG connected directly to the transmission grid. In order to examine the effects of applying FRT criteria to DG connected to the distribution grid, simulations with a detailed modeled network for different types of outages were carried out. In the simulations, the application of FRT criteria currently only used for DG connected to the transmission grid is discussed. From the specific test case, which corresponds to a strong network with extended cable connections and locally high penetration level of DG in distribution system it was shown that application of strict fault ride-through criteria combined with active voltage support is not necessary in case of DG connected to distribution networks.

Modeling Competitive Reaction Heat Sources and Variable Cooling Rates Applicable to Thermal Runaway Onset in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Two main types of exothermic processes are known to initiate thermal runaway in Lithium-Ion batteries. If mechanical failure of the separator causes an electrical short circuit, the cell’s energy can be released through electrochemical discharge reactions. The full stored energy can be released as heat within the cell for internal short circuits, raising the cell temperature by several hundred degrees Celsius. Different thermochemical reactions occur when Lithium-Ion cells are heated; the anode and cathode materials decomposing with the electrolyte can result in similarly large temperature rises. Our work shows that thermodynamics constrain key reactant species for both decomposition paths to be in common. Interactions and competition between these chemical pathways for heat release are considered in this modeling study, including relative magnitudes of thermal contributions from each reaction pathway and limiting reactant effects. An effective oven temperature concept is defined, which allows thermal runaway initiation via internal short circuits versus external heating to be compared. Temperature and reaction inhomogeneities occurring in the presence of internal localized internal short circuits lead to variations in the balance between electrochemical and thermochemical reactions across the domain of the cell. A simple homogeneous analysis is compared to a higher-dimensional inhomogeneous analysis. The effectiveness external cooling strategies to mitigate an internal short circuit event is investigated. Acknowledgements: This article has been authored by an employee of National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). The employee owns all right, title and interest in and to the article and is solely responsible for its contents. The United States Government retains and the publisher, by accepting the article for publication, acknowledges that the United States Government retains a non-exclusive, paid-up, irrevocable, world-wide license to publish or reproduce the published form of this article or allow others to do so, for United States Government purposes. The DOE will provide public access to these results of federally sponsored research in accordance with the DOE Public Access Plan https://www.energy.gov/downloads/doe-public-access-plan. This abstract has been approved for release as SAND2023-01585A.

Measurements and Review of Failure Mechanisms and Reliability Constraints of 4H-SiC Power MOSFETs Under Short Circuit Events

Measurements and Review of Failure Mechanisms and Reliability Constraints of 4H-SiC Power MOSFETs Under Short Circuit Events

Electro-thermo-mechanical modelling of a SiC MOSFET transistor under non-destructive short-circuit

This article presents an electro-thermo-mechanical simulation of a SiC MOSFET transistor. The simulation was performed using Synopsis TCAD for electric modelling and ANSYS for thermo-mechanical modelling. A method upgrading stress estimation of a SiC MOSFET chip is suggested. It includes a bridge between Sentaurus TCAD and ANSYS mechanical, an aluminium's fusion model and a multiscale simulation. Finally, a difference between an isolated cell and a cell within a chip has been noticed. The results of the simulation provide valuable insights into the behaviour of SiC MOSFET transistors during short-circuit events.

Sound energy-based surface contribution analysis for the vehicle interior noise problem

Booming noise is a major comfort problem in vehicle cabins occurring in lower frequencies. The method of panel or surface analysis serves as a viable tool to trace the sound emitting components on the enveloping chassis. Traditional techniques evaluate the surface contributions with respect to the sound pressure level at the driver’s position. However, using the sound pressure level as the control objective implies two major drawbacks: Firstly, the local sound pressure is highly sensitive to the position of the evaluation point. As a consequence, the predictions of the surface contributions become unreliable at frequencies or areas with low sound pressure levels. Secondly, surface contributions in existing techniques can be positive or negative, which facilitates the event of acoustic shortcircuits. This talk presents an accurate and robust contribution analysis method for the vehicle interior noise problem. For this purpose, the sound energy density is used as the control objective. A quadratic form yields energy-based contributions, which are always non-negative and thus avoiding acoustic shortcircuits. These findings demonstrate that contributing surface are effectively identified even in regions with sound pressure levels. As such, the evidence from this study suggests that the sound energy density provides an accurate and robust control objective.

Motorized Circuit Breaker by using Arduino

Circuit breakers are the primary devices for the protection and switching operations of electrical systems. B. If the building burns down or the control panel is damaged by exposure to direct impact from an electrical short circuit or overload, to limit these risks: It is necessary to take more advanced measures such as B. Intelligent and fast reacting circuit breaker. Protect your system from overloads and short circuits through this project. The concept of electronic circuit breakers came to the fore when it was discovered that traditional circuit breakers such as MCBs take a long time to trip. Therefore, it is very important for sensitive loads to activate the trigger mechanism as soon as possible, preferably immediately. Electronic circuit breakers are based on the voltage drop across a series element (usually a low value resistor) proportional to the load current. This voltage is detected and converted to direct current. It is then compared to a preset voltage by a level comparator and produces an output that drives a relay through the Arduino Uno to trigger the load. Since such solid-state switches will inevitably fail in the event of an accidental short circuit, it is preferable to use relays instead of solid-state switches. This project is very fast and overcomes the shortcomings of thermal circuit breakers. In this project, a motorized circuit breaker is built based on an Arduino and the necessary sensors, so you can print the voltage and current results with the help of current and voltage sensors and an LCD. In a short circuit condition, the current is very high and the voltage is almost zero. The Arduino receives these values from the sensors and compares them to thresholds to make the correct decisions to protect the system from damage. The same principle applies. to increase the load limit. Additionally, this project can be extended by using a current transformer (CT) for galvanic isolation between mains and control circuits. The use of power electronics devices such as high-power transistors enables faster operation compared to conventional ones

A robust single ended disturbance detection scheme for superconducting fault current limiter integrated UPFC compensated line

The occurrence of short circuit events in a high voltage or extra high voltage transmission system may result in a fault current with high magnitudes. Additionally, the inclusion of Unified Power Flow Control (UPFC) contributes to fault current. In such a scenario, the use of Superconducting Fault Current Limiters (SFCLs) is very vital because of their better technical performance to limit fault currents. However, inclusion of SFCL may cause difficulties for existing disturbance detection units. To overcome such an issue, this manuscript aims for a new disturbance detection approach based on sliding window Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA). The proposed method begins with the reconstruction of the fault signal using SSA and then computes the transient error by subtracting the reconstructed fault signal from the original signal. This transient error is used as a fault detection index (FDI) which is also used to classify the faulty section. The superiority of the presented technique is tested for two different UPFC compensated power networks equipped with two different SFCLs, modeled using EMTDC/PSCAD 5.0. The obtained results show the effectiveness of the addressed method, obtained by simulating different adverse scenarios (fault and non-fault) which justify the real-time application of the proposed protection method.

A Comprehensive Analysis of the Penetration of Detailed Type 4 Wind Turbine Generators in the Two-Area Benchmark System

The shift towards RES introduces challenges related to power system stability due to the characteristics of inverter-based resources (IBRs) and the intermittent nature of renewable resources. This paper addresses these challenges by conducting comprehensive time and frequency simulations on the IEEE two-area benchmark power system with detailed type 4 wind turbine generators (WTGs), including turbines, generators, converters, filters, and controllers. The simulations analyse small-signal and transient stability, considering variations in active and reactive power, short-circuit events, and wind variations. Metrics such as rate of change of frequency (RoCoF), frequency nadir, percentage of frequency variation, and probability density function (PDF) are used to evaluate the system performance. The findings emphasise the importance of including detailed models of RES in stability analyses and demonstrate the impact of RES penetration on power system dynamics. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of RES integration challenges and provides insights for ensuring the reliable and secure operation of power systems in the presence of high levels of RES penetration.

Quasi-Flying Gate Concept Used for Short-Circuit Detection on SiC Power MOSFETs Based on a Dual-Port Gate Driver

The proposed dual-port gate driver architecture relies on a quasi-flying gate concept to protect SiC power MOSFETs against short-circuit events. Hard Switching Faults (HSF) extract charges from the gate by causing a leakage current towards the source, while Faults Under Load (FUL) lead to charge injection into the gate through the reverse transfer capacitance (C <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">GD</sub> ). Such phenomena lead to perturbations of the gate-source voltage (V <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">GS</sub> ) which are amplified by the gate resistor, acting as an enhancer of short-circuit signatures. Thus, a small gate resistance is used to ensure high switching dynamics, while a larger one is switched on during PWM on-state operation to identify possible faults. A dual-port gate driver is then proposed to ensure fast switching with HSF and FUL monitoring. The fault detection scheme relies on comparing two thresholds to V <sub xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">GS</sub> relative changes to the nominal gate voltage. Experimental results using TO-247 package 1.2 kV/36 A SiC MOSFETs exhibit promising inverter leg short-circuit detection and protection against faults in less than 300 ns.

Development and validation of a real-time testbed for renewable energy integration studies: South African grid code case study

Purpose Despite South Africa’s ailing electrical grid, substantial renewable energy (RE) integration is planned for the country. As grid-integrated RE affects all grids differently, this study aims to develop an adaptable grid code-guided renewable power plant (RPP) control real-time simulation testbed, tailored to South African grid code requirements to study grid-integrated RE’s behaviour concerning South Africa’s unique conditions. Design/methodology/approach The testbed is designed using MATLAB’s Simulink and live script environments, to create an adaptable model where grid, RPP and RPP guiding grid codes are tailorable. This model is integrated with OPAL-RT’s RT-LAB and brought to real-time simulation using OPAL-RT’s OP4510 simulator. Voltage, frequency and short-circuit event case studies are performed through which the testbed’s abilities and performance are assessed. Findings Case study results show the following. The testbed accurately represents grid code voltage and frequency requirements. RPP point of connection (POC) conditions are consistently recognized and tracked, according to which the testbed then operates simulated RPPs, validating its design. Short-circuit event simulations show the simulated wind farm supports POC conditions relative to short-circuit intensity by curtailing active power in favour of reactive power, in line with local grid code requirements. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first design of an adaptable grid code-guided RPP control testbed, tailored to South African grid code requirements in line with which RPP behavioural and grid integration studies can be performed.

Application of an Artificial Neural Network for Detecting, Classifying, and Making Decisions about Asymmetric Short Circuits in a Synchronous Generator

Fast and accurate detection of emerging faults in synchronous generators, which have found wide application in power and transport systems, contributes to ensuring reliable operation of the entire system. This article presents a new approach to making accurate decisions on the continuation of the operation of damaged generators in accordance with the requirements of IEEE standards. The necessity of limiting the duration of operation of the generator in conditions of asymmetric short circuits in the stator windings is substantiated. The authors of the article, based on an artificial neural network in the Matlab software environment, have developed a model for detecting, classifying, and making quick and accurate decisions about the operation of the generator in the event of asymmetric short circuits in the stator windings of the generator. This makes it possible to simulate the operation of the generator at various parameters. Prior to training the neural network, the database formed by phase current and voltage signals was analyzed by various features. The neural network was trained using the back-error-propagation algorithm. The output 10 neurons of the network showed the state of the phase windings of the stator. The recorded information of the output neurons was evaluated, in terms of meeting the requirements of the IEEE standard, and decisions were made about continuing or interrupting the generator operation. Tests of the effectiveness of the model showed that it could achieve the desired result at step 49, and the calculated accuracy was 99.5833%. The results obtained can be successfully used in the development of high-speed and highly reliable diagnostic systems and control and decision-making systems for generators for various purposes.