Current Sharing Characteristics Study of Parallel IGCTs Module in a DC Circuit Breaker

Abstract

Hybrid DC circuit breaker (HDCCB) has the advantages of low on-state loss and fast breaking speed, so it is an important development direction in the field of DC breaking. The integrated gate commutated thyristor (IGCT) has the advantages of low on-state voltage, fast turn-off speed and strong anti-surge capability, so it is suitable for power electronic switch which is the core breaking component of the HDCCB. In this paper, a parallel IGCTs module as the power electronic switch in a HDCCB is designed. The fundamental principle of current sharing of parallel IGCTs is analyzed. A test platform is set up to investigate the influencing factors of current sharing of parallel IGCTs, including electrical characteristics of IGCTs, clamping force, current rise rate and current amplitude. Finally, the conclusion of the current sharing characteristics of parallel IGCTs under different factors is obtained by tests.