Impedance-Source DC Solid-State Circuit Breakers: An Overview

Abstract

Comparatively to an ac grid, it is easy to integrate distributed energy sources when implementing a dc microgrid. In addition, the efficiency and the reliability of the dc microgrid systems are higher than those of the ac system. However, the protection of the dc microgrid system including interruption and isolation of short-circuit fault currents remains an important concern. The traditional mechanical and hybrid circuit-breakers for dc fault protection have the drawback of slow operation, which requires a high rating power equipment. Solid-State Circuit Breaker (SSCB) is an optimal solution for fast dc fault interruption. Among different SSCBs, Impedance-Source Circuit Breakers (ISCBs) benefit from automatic fault detection and clearance because of using thyristors. In this paper, ISCBs are classified into five categories. These circuit breakers are reviewed by explaining the performance of each and mentioning some of their merits and drawbacks.