Application of Z-Source Circuit Breaker in a Solar PV based DC Microgrid with Battery Storage

Abstract

With the increase in need for power supply, distributed generation and subsequently the microgrids are attracting more attention. Among the different types of microgrids, DC microgrids have attained an upper hand in terms of efficiency, reliability, simplicity of control and integration of renewable energy sources. But simultaneously there are certain downsides of this system which include design and implementation of an appropriate protection system for DC microgrids to limit and clear the rapidly rising fault current in a timely manner. This paper aims to analyze the fault clearing and current limiting characteristics of modified bi-directional Z-source breaker with coupled inductor and modified uni-directional Z-source breaker with coupled inductor when incorporated in a DC microgrid system. Moreover the strategy for an increased reliability during the fault condition, in terms of uninterrupted power supply to the load, is also proposed here. A MATLAB simulation is carried out in order to evaluate the performance of the breaker.