Low Cost AC Solid State Circuit Breaker

Abstract

This paper presents a solid state circuit breaker (SSCB) for a low distribution level. When voltage disturbances occurred, the SSCB operates for keeping the system limitations. Power semiconductor devices are compared and selected by using the performances of their devices. SSCB is provided with circuitry for permitting off/on/reset operations actuated by a mechanical toggle control switch for close simulation of magnetic circuit breaker operation. A power continuity feature is provided for load power by locating the control switch so that it opens all of the circuit, except the static power switch branch, between the source and the load, to provide a high degree of fail-safe protection for the apparatus. The synchronous reference frame is used to detect the current disturbances and control the switches. Simulation results are shown that SSCB offers advantages when compared to present solutions. A switching circuit that is particularly applicable to high voltage 3 phases solid state circuit breakers (SSCB). The circuit comprises a solid state switch; an energy absorbing device connected in parallel with said switch to form a parallel combination; an inductor connected in series with said parallel combination; and a control circuit connected to said solid state switch and adapted to turn off said switch in response to a predetermined voltage/current condition.