WO2014177874A2 - Appareil et procédé pour commander un courant continu - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé pour commander un courant continu Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014177874A2
WO2014177874A2 PCT/GB2014/051354 GB2014051354W WO2014177874A2 WO 2014177874 A2 WO2014177874 A2 WO 2014177874A2 GB 2014051354 W GB2014051354 W GB 2014051354W WO 2014177874 A2 WO2014177874 A2 WO 2014177874A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
conduction path
circuit breaker
current
mechanical switch
secondary conduction
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2014/051354
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2014177874A3 (fr
Inventor
Oliver Nicholas CWIKOWSKI
Mike Barnes
Roger Shuttleworth
Original Assignee
The University Of Manchester
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by The University Of Manchester filed Critical The University Of Manchester
Publication of WO2014177874A2 publication Critical patent/WO2014177874A2/fr
Publication of WO2014177874A3 publication Critical patent/WO2014177874A3/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
    • H02H3/02—Details
    • H02H3/025—Disconnection after limiting, e.g. when limiting is not sufficient or for facilitating disconnection
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/59—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switch and not otherwise provided for, e.g. for ensuring operation of the switch at a predetermined point in the ac cycle
    • H01H33/596—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switch and not otherwise provided for, e.g. for ensuring operation of the switch at a predetermined point in the ac cycle for interrupting dc
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/548—Electromechanical and static switch connected in series
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H7/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
    • H02H7/22—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systems; for switching devices
    • H02H7/222—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions for distribution gear, e.g. bus-bar systems; for switching devices for switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H7/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements specially adapted for specific types of electric machines or apparatus or for sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, and effecting automatic switching in the event of an undesired change from normal working conditions
    • H02H7/26—Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occured
    • H02H7/268—Sectionalised protection of cable or line systems, e.g. for disconnecting a section on which a short-circuit, earth fault, or arc discharge has occured for dc systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H9/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection
    • H02H9/02—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess current
    • H02H9/023—Current limitation using superconducting elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H9/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection
    • H02H9/02—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess current
    • H02H9/026—Current limitation using PTC resistors, i.e. resistors with a large positive temperature coefficient
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/08—Modifications for protecting switching circuit against overcurrent or overvoltage
    • H03K17/081—Modifications for protecting switching circuit against overcurrent or overvoltage without feedback from the output circuit to the control circuit
    • H03K17/0814—Modifications for protecting switching circuit against overcurrent or overvoltage without feedback from the output circuit to the control circuit by measures taken in the output circuit
    • H03K17/08148—Modifications for protecting switching circuit against overcurrent or overvoltage without feedback from the output circuit to the control circuit by measures taken in the output circuit in composite switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/10—Modifications for increasing the maximum permissible switched voltage
    • H03K17/107—Modifications for increasing the maximum permissible switched voltage in composite switches
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H3/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection
    • H02H3/08—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to excess current
    • H02H3/087—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for automatic disconnection directly responsive to an undesired change from normal electric working condition with or without subsequent reconnection ; integrated protection responsive to excess current for dc applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02H—EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS
    • H02H9/00—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection
    • H02H9/04—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess voltage
    • H02H9/041—Emergency protective circuit arrangements for limiting excess current or voltage without disconnection responsive to excess voltage using a short-circuiting device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H03—ELECTRONIC CIRCUITRY
    • H03K—PULSE TECHNIQUE
    • H03K17/00—Electronic switching or gating, i.e. not by contact-making and –breaking
    • H03K17/12—Modifications for increasing the maximum permissible switched current
    • H03K17/127—Modifications for increasing the maximum permissible switched current in composite switches
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E40/00—Technologies for an efficient electrical power generation, transmission or distribution
    • Y02E40/60—Superconducting electric elements or equipment; Power systems integrating superconducting elements or equipment

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a circuit breaker and method of controlling Direct Current (DC).
  • a circuit breaker makes and interrupts both load and fault currents, unlike other forms of switchgear which are not designed to interrupt fault current.
  • circuit breakers In the closed position, circuit breakers provide a passage for load current, whereas in the open position they provide electrical isolation. In the event of a fault, the circuit breaker must be capable of interrupting a fault current which is in excess of the load current.
  • Current DC circuit breakers can be classified as resonant circuit breakers, a solid-state circuit breakers or hybrid circuit breakers.
  • DC resonant circuit breakers inherently have a mechanical switch contact breaker with a relatively slow reaction time.
  • DC solid-state circuit breakers have one or more semiconductor switches and do not necessarily require a mechanical switch contact breaker.
  • DC Hybrid circuit breakers comprise three conduction paths connected in parallel. One of the paths includes a mechanical switch contact breaker, a second path includes one or more semiconductor switches and a third path includes a surge arrestor device.
  • a DC circuit breaker comprising: a primary conduction path comprising a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device, having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance, a mechanical switch member connected in series with the PTC device, the mechanical switch member configured to provide a low impedance path in a first configuration and a high impedance path in a second configuration; and a secondary conduction path arranged in parallel with at least the PTC device of the primary conduction path, the secondary conduction path comprising at least one semiconductor switching device, wherein the PTC device is arranged to commutate current to the secondary conduction path in response to an increase in current through the primary conduction path; and wherein the at least one semiconductor switching device of the secondary conduction path is controllable to break current flow through the secondary conduction path.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • a method of controlling a DC current comprising: a first conduction path for the DC current through a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance and a mechanical switch member connected in series with the PTC device; commutating the DC current to a secondary conduction path comprising at least one semiconductor switching device by the PTC device in response to an increase in the current through the primary conduction path; and controlling the at least one semiconductor switching device to break the current through the secondary conduction path.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a DC circuit breaker according to a general embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 2 to 5 are schematic circuit diagrams of DC circuit breakers according to embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of a circuit breaker system according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figures 7A to 7D and 8A to 8C are schematic circuit diagrams of DC circuit breaker commutating elements according to further embodiments of the invention;
  • FIG. 9 to 14 schematic circuit diagrams of further DC circuit breakers according to embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 15 is a schematic circuit diagram of a modular DC circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 16 a flow chart illustrating a method of controlling a DC current according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Embodiments of the present invention provide a hybrid circuit breaker capable of rapidly interrupting a DC fault current without generation of an electrical arc.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram outline illustration of a high power DC circuit breaker 100 according to a general embodiment of the present invention.
  • the circuit breaker 100 is arranged to be connected to a high voltage line 102 carrying a DC current 1 10, and having an inherent inductance.
  • the DC circuit breaker 100 consists of three potential conduction paths connected in parallel; a primary conduction path 106, a secondary conduction path 108, and an energy absorbing conduction path 104.
  • the line current 110 flows through the primary conduction path 106, which presents a low impedance path through the circuit breaker for the line current 1 10.
  • the primary conduction path 106 changes to a high impedance path without the need for an external control signal. This change in impedance commutates the line current 1 10 from the primary conduction path 106 to the secondary conduction path 108.
  • the circuit breaker acts to interrupt a fault current
  • the voltage across the circuit breaker will rise until the voltage across the energy absorbing path 104 exceeds a pre-determined level, at which point the energy absorbing path 104 begins to conduct a surge current, thereby absorbing energy from the high voltage line 102.
  • An example secondary conduction path 108 in accordance with embodiments of the invention consists of a semi-conductor member with turn-off capability.
  • the semiconductor member provides a relatively low impedance path conditions or a high impedance path depending on the state of a control signal. The low impedance is greater than the impedance of the primary conduction path at a normal (without fault) line current.
  • the semi-conductor member may contain one or more semiconductor switches with turn- off capability of any suitable type, for example gate turn-off (GTO) thyristors, insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) or integrated gate commutated thyristors (IGCT).
  • GTO gate turn-off
  • IGBT insulated gate bipolar transistors
  • IGCT integrated gate commutated thyristors
  • the semiconductor switches may be connected in series and/or parallel and/or anti-parallel.
  • the semiconductors may also have appropriate circuitry to evenly share the voltage across each device and snubber circuits
  • the primary conduction path 106 comprises a device having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistance.
  • the device may comprise one or more PTC elements, whose resistance increases when the line current 1 10 exceeds a predetermined "normal" current.
  • the primary conduction path 106 comprises a mechanical switch member which provides a low impedance path in the closed position, and blocks the majority of the voltage across the primary conduction path 106 in the open position.
  • the mechanical switch member contains one or more mechanical breakers connected in series and/or parallel, which can withstand the maximum permissible voltage which may occur across the mechanical switch member.
  • the function of the energy absorbing conduction path 104 is to limit the voltage across the secondary conduction path 108 to a pre-determined maximum level and de- energize part of the transmission system.
  • the energy absorbing conduction path 104 contains one or more individual devices (e.g. varistors), which may be connected in series and/or parallel.
  • the secondary conduction path 108 and the energy absorbing conduction path 104 may be configured so that a varistor is coupled across each semi-conductor switch in the secondary conduction path 108 or a varistor is coupled in parallel to a number of semi-conductor switches.
  • secondary conduction path 108 may be duly controlled to be in a low conduction state before, during or after the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) of resistance of the primary conduction path 106 increases during the presence of a current surge.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • the increase in current through the primary conduction path causes the resistance of the PTC device to increase which commutates the current to the secondary conduction path 108 which now provides a lower impedance path than the primary conduction path 106.
  • the secondary conduction path is arranged in parallel across only the PTC device and the semiconductor device(s) of the secondary conduction path are controlled to reduce the current 1 10 flow prior to opening the mechanical switch member, as will be explained.
  • the main advantage of this circuit breaker is the improved operating time compared to other hybrid circuit breaker designs.
  • HVDC High Voltage Direct Current
  • very fast operating times are required due to the very rapid rise of fault current.
  • faster designs may also result in significant smaller breakers, due to the reduced current carrying requirements.
  • any reduction in size and weight will have extra effects on reducing the costs.
  • the passive nature of the commutation method means that the operation time will be reduced, as the commutation will occur without a specific active detection requirement.
  • Negligible arcing takes place in any of the mechanical devices, which results in less damage to the mechanical switches.
  • the fact that no arc forms also means that the mechanical breakers do not need to be made using hazardous gases such as sulphur hexafluoride, which removes the environmental concern of the gas leaking.
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a DC circuit breaker 200 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the circuit breaker 200 has a primary conduction path 202 comprising a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device 203 (also referred to as a commutating element) having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance.
  • the primary conduction path also has a mechanical switch member (CB ⁇ 204, connected in series with the PTC device 203.
  • the mechanical switch member 204 is typically an isolating electromagnetically actuated switch; however other switching mechanisms may be used.
  • the mechanical switch member 204 is configured to provide a low impedance path in a first configuration (closed contacts) and a high impedance path in a second configuration (open contacts).
  • the secondary conduction path 210 comprises semiconductor switching devices, which in this embodiment are a first IGBT (Si) 21 1 with a parallel connected reversed biased diode D-i , and a second IGBT (S 2 ) 212 with a parallel connected forward biased diode D 2 .
  • semiconductor switching devices which in this embodiment are a first IGBT (Si) 21 1 with a parallel connected reversed biased diode D-i , and a second IGBT (S 2 ) 212 with a parallel connected forward biased diode D 2 .
  • suitable gating the secondary conduction path 210 may allow for DC current flow through the first IGBT 21 1 and forward biased diode D 2 .
  • suitable gating the secondary conduction path 210 may allow for DC current flow through the second IGBT 212 and diode D .
  • the DC circuit breaker 200 also includes another mechanical switch member (CB 2 ) 230 that may be used for power supply isolation as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Hence, mechanical switch member (CB 2 ) 230 provides additional isolation and breaks any leakage current that flows from paths 202, 210 and 220.
  • CB 2 mechanical switch member
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a DC circuit breaker 300 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the circuit breaker 300 has a primary conduction path 302 comprising a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device 303 (also referred to as a commutating element), having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • the secondary conduction path 310 comprises semiconductor switching devices, which in this embodiment are a first IGBT (S ⁇ l 1 with a parallel connected reversed biased diode and a second IGBT (S 2 ) 312 with a parallel connected forward biased diode D 2 .
  • suitable gating the secondary conduction path 310 may allow for DC current flow through the first IGBT 31 1 and forward biased diode D 2 .
  • suitable gating the secondary conduction path 310 may allow for DC current flow through the second IGBT 312 and diode D-, .
  • the DC circuit breaker 200 also includes a mechanical switch member (CB 2 ) 304 connected in series with the PTC device 303, the mechanical switch member 304 being a switch configured to provide a low impedance path in a first configuration (closed contacts) and a high impedance path in a second configuration (open contacts).
  • CB 2 mechanical switch member
  • snubber circuit comprising a parallel coupled capacitor 330 and high impedance resistor 332 coupled across the first and second conduction paths 302, 310.
  • the secondary conduction path 310 can be turned off.
  • the line energy is partly dissipated within varistor 322, partly stored in capacitor 330 and partially dissipated in resistor 332 which also limits the transient recovery voltage.
  • the mechanical switch member (CB 2 ) 304 is then opened to break any residual current and provide full isolation.
  • FIG 4 is a schematic block diagram of a DC circuit breaker 400 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the circuit breaker 400 has a primary conduction path 402 comprising a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device 403 (also referred to as a commutating element), having a positive temperature coefficient of resistance.
  • the primary conduction path 402 also has a mechanical switch member (CB-i) 404 connected in series with the PTC device 403, the mechanical switch member 404 being a switch configured to provide a low impedance path in a first configuration (closed contacts) and a high impedance path in a second configuration (open contacts).
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • CB-i mechanical switch member
  • the secondary conduction path 410 comprises semiconductor switching devices, which in this embodiment are a first IGBT (S ⁇ 41 1 with a parallel connected reversed biased diode and a second IGBT (S 2 ) 412 with a parallel connected forward biased diode D 2 . Also, when a current flows in the direction as illustrated, with suitable gating the secondary conduction path 410 may allow for DC current flow through the first IGBT 41 1 and forward biased diode D 2 . Alternatively, if current flow is in the opposite direction to that illustrated, with suitable gating the secondary conduction path 410 may allow for DC current flow through the second IGBT 412 and diode D-, .
  • This energy absorption branch 420 includes a varistor 422 coupled across the secondary conduction path 410.
  • the DC circuit breaker 400 also includes another mechanical switch member (CB 3 ) 430 that may be used for power supply isolation as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.
  • the DC circuit breaker 400 also includes a switched snubber circuit 450 comprising anti-parallel thyristors S A , S B coupled across the PTC device 403 and a series coupled resistor and capacitor circuit R 1 7 Ci coupled across the mechanical switch member 404.
  • the switched snubber circuit 450 allows the secondary conduction path 410 to be turned off earlier resulting in a shorter breaking time of the circuit breaker 400.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a DC circuit breaker 500 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • This circuit breaker 500 is similar to that of circuit breaker 400 but has a further mechanical switch member (CB 2 ) 514 in the secondary conduction path 410 which is in series with the first IGBT 411 and second IGBT 412. Consequently, the first IGBT 41 1 and second IGBT 412 do not need to be rated for the full DC link voltage as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.
  • CB 2 mechanical switch member
  • This change in resistance commutates the current into the secondary conduction path 402.
  • the mechanical switch member (CB1 ) 404 is then opened. Once ⁇ is in the process of opening, the first IGBT 411 is turned off.
  • the mechanical switch member (CB 2 ) 514 is then opened and thyristor S 4 is turned on.
  • Capacitor Ci now starts to charge to the system voltage, the rate of increase is limited to be slower than the recovery rate of the dielectric material in the mechanical switch members.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of a circuit breaker system 600 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the system 600 as illustrated includes any one of the circuit breakers as described herein such as circuit breaker 200.
  • the system 600 includes a rectified Z Source with series connected first and second inductances 610, and 612 in series with an input node of the circuit breaker 200 and input terminal A of the system 600.
  • the system 600 also includes series connected thyristors S-i , S 3 and series connected thyristors S 2 , S 4 coupled across the input and output nodes of the circuit breaker 200.
  • FIGs 7A to 7D illustrates embodiments of various DC circuit breaker commutating elements, which could replace the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device 203, 303 or 403 (which can also be also referred to as an R sc ) according to further embodiments of the invention.
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • FIG 7A there is shown a series connected capacitor d and anti-parallel thyristors ⁇ , T 2 are connected in parallel across a mechanical switch member CB 4 which is a switch configured to provide a low impedance path in a first configuration (closed contacts) and a high impedance path in a second configuration (open contacts).
  • FIG 7B there is shown a series connected capacitor Ci and semiconductor switching devices, which in this embodiment are a first IGBT Si with a parallel connected reversed biased diode and a second IGBT S 2 with a parallel connected forward biased diode D 2 .
  • the series connected capacitor C-i and semiconductor switching devices are connected in parallel across a mechanical switch member CB 4 which is a switch configured to provide a low impedance path in a first configuration (closed contacts) and a high impedance path in a second configuration (open contacts).
  • FIG 7C there is shown a series connected capacitor Ci and semiconductor diode device Di connected in parallel across a mechanical switch member CB 4 which is a switch configured to provide a low impedance path in a first configuration (closed contacts) and a high impedance path in a second configuration (open contacts).
  • FIG 7D there is shown a series connected capacitor d and a parallel circuit of a semiconductor diode device and high impedance resistor
  • the branch comprising the capacitor Ci with the parallel circuit of the semiconductor diode device ⁇ and high impedance resistor R-i are connected in parallel across a mechanical switch member CB 4 .
  • FIG. 8A to 8C show additional possible embodiments of a replacement positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device 203, 303 or 403 (which can also be also referred to as an R sc ).
  • PTC positive temperature coefficient
  • FIG 8A there is illustrated a semiconductor device in the form a Gate Turn Off thyristor GT01 connected in parallel across a mechanical switch member CB 4 .
  • FIG 8B there is illustrated a semiconductor device in the form a diode connected parallel with an IGBT S-
  • FIG. 8C there is illustrated a capacitor Ci connected parallel across a mechanical switch member CB 4 .
  • Figure 9 is a schematic circuit diagram of a DC circuit breaker 900 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the DC circuit breaker 900 is similar to that of circuit breaker 200. Additionally, the circuit breaker 900 comprises a capacitor 940 coupled across the first and second conduction paths 202, 210, a capacitor 950 arranged in parallel across the mechanical switch member (CB ⁇ 204 and an inductor 960 in series with the first and second conduction paths 202, 210.
  • the voltage across the mechanical switch member (CB-i) 204 will grow towards the voltage across the varistor 222 governed by an RC time constant.
  • the voltage across the varistor 222 acts like a voltage source for the primary conduction path 202. This results in the initial rate of rise of voltage across the mechanical switch member (CB ⁇ 204 being much I lower than the initial rate of rise of voltage across the secondary conduction path 210.
  • the current that flows through the capacitor 940 is of an exponential form, the restrictions on equivalent series inductance and resistance of the capacitor 940 are reduced.
  • This embodiment decouples the mechanical switch member (CB ⁇ 204 voltage from the rest of the circuit; hence the demands on the mechanical switch member (CB-i) 204 design are significantly reduced.
  • Each of the components within this embodiment can be made from a single device or a number of devices connected in series and/or parallel. This device can also be connected in series for a modular embodiment.
  • FIG. 10 is a schematic circuit diagram of a DC circuit breaker 1000 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the DC circuit breaker 1000 is similar to that of circuit breaker 200. Additionally the circuit breaker 1000 comprises a snubber circuit 1050 coupled in parallel across the mechanical switch member (CB ⁇ 204.
  • the snubber circuit 1050 comprises antiparallel thyristors S A , S B in series with a capacitor 1060.
  • the snubber circuit 1050 limits the rate of voltage rise across the mechanical switch CB ! 204.
  • the snubber circuit 1050 will also allow the secondary conduction path 210 to be turned off earlier, resulting in a shorter breaking time.
  • Figure 1 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a DC circuit breaker 1 100 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the DC circuit breaker 1 100 is similar to that of circuit breaker 400.
  • the snubber circuit 450 is replace with a snubber circuit 1 150.
  • the snubber circuit 1 150 a modified version of the snubber circuit 450 in which the resistor Ri has been replaced by a wire.
  • current flows from points A to point B primarily through the primary conduction path 402.
  • suitable gating the secondary conduction path 410 may allow for DC current flow through the first IGBT 411 and forward biased diode D 2 .
  • the fault current increases and causes the PTC device 403 to increase its impedance once the quench current level has been reached.
  • the voltage across the PTC device 403 will now rise and can be used to trigger the appropriate snubber switch (S A and/or S B ), or a threshold can be set before the quench current of the commutating element is reached and the secondary conduction path 410 turned on prior to quenching of the PTC device 403.
  • the mechanical switch member (CBi) 404 will be opened. If an arc forms the circuit can then wait for the arc to be extinguished. Further time may be added to allow the mechanical switch member (CB ⁇ 404 to open.
  • the secondary conduction path 410 can then be turned off as well as the trigger switch to switch S A .
  • Current will now commutate into switch S A for a short period of time until a current zero is forced in the switch resulting in complete turn off of the switch S A .
  • This transient commutation into switch S A is only for semiconductor devices which do not have full turn-on and turn-off capability.
  • the energy absorbing conduction path 420 includes voltage limiting comprising varistor(s) or a switched resistance, or a combination thereof. This could be used to limit the voltage across the entire breaker 1 100 and/or allow capacitor d to be discharged via S A or S B .
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of a DC circuit breaker 1200 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the DC circuit breaker 1200 is similar to that of circuit breaker 1 100.
  • the snubber circuit 1 150 is replace with a snubber circuit 1250.
  • the snubber circuit 1250 is arranged across the entire circuit breaker 1200 to allow the earlier turn off of the secondary conductive path 410.
  • the snubber circuit is used to control the rate of rise of the voltage across the entire circuit breaker 1200.
  • FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of a DC circuit breaker 1300 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the DC circuit breaker 1300 is similar to that of circuit breaker 400.
  • the snubber circuit 450 is replace with an active snubber circuit 1350.
  • the active snubber circuit 1350 a modified version of the snubber circuit 450 in which the resistor F has been replaced by anti-parallel thyristors S c , S D .
  • the active snubber circuit 1350 will prevent oscillations between the snubber capacitance C-i and other elements in the transmission network by isolating the capacitance during normal operation of Ci .
  • FIG 14 is a schematic circuit diagram of a DC circuit breaker 1400 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the DC circuit breaker 1400 is similar to that of circuit breaker 1200 and includes a resistor Ri coupled across the anti-parallel thyristors S A , S B .
  • the resistor R-i is used to help control the recharge rate of the capacitor C-
  • Resistor R-i will also reduce transient voltage overshoots across the commutating element or to reduce the power demands of the superconducting element.
  • Resistor R- may be a fixed resistor value or a non-linear resistor, such as a varistor or a switched resistor.
  • Figure 15 is a schematic circuit diagram of a modular DC circuit breaker 1500 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Secondary conduction path semiconductors S to S 3 i can be turned off individually at different times when breaking current flow, or in groups of series and/or paralleled devices.
  • the devices could be IGBTs, GTOs, Photoconductive Elements, BJTs, MOSFETs, thyristors, diodes or IGCTs. Positive temperature coefficient resistances and superconductors materials could also be used to form the commutating element.
  • Nonlinear elements, such as non-linear capacitors and nonlinear resistors could also be used in parallel with mechanical or semi- conductive switches to form the commutating element. It must be noted that any individual device may be made from a number of series or paralleled, or series and paralleled devices to construct a device with a higher voltage and current rating.
  • FIG. 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method 1600 of controlling a DC current according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • the method 1600 by way of a non-limiting example will be illustrated with reference to the circuit breaker 200.
  • the method 1600 provides a first or primary conduction path 202 for the DC current through the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device 203 the mechanical switch member (CB1 ) 204.
  • the method 1600 monitors for a fault (current surge) condition at block 1615 by monitoring a change in resistance across the positive temperature coefficient (PTC) device 203.
  • the method 1600 proceeds to a block 1620 and commutates the DC current to a secondary conduction path 210 comprising at least one semiconductor switching device by the PTC device in response to an increase in the DC current through the primary conduction path 202. There is then performed, at a block 1625, a process of controlling the semiconductor switching device (the first IGBT 21 1 ) to break the current through the secondary conduction path 210. In response to the controlling the semiconductor switching device at block 1625, the circuit breaker 200 is in a non-conductive state when the primary conduction path and secondary conduction path are both in a non-conductive state.
  • embodiments of the present invention provide for use of temperature dependent impedances to force current commutation typically by passively commutating current to the secondary conduction path. Consequently, embodiments of the invention provide for commutation without necessarily requiring the need for external control.
  • the snubber circuits are also beneficial in which in some embodiments the commutating element impedance may be part of the snubber circuit.
  • the embodiments described herein are configured so that the semiconductor switching device(s) of the secondary conduction path is/are controllable to break current flow through the secondary conduction path to zero current flow. Accordingly, the circuit breaker of any of the embodiments described herein is configured to be in a non- conductive state when the primary conduction path and secondary conduction path are both in a non-conductive state.
  • embodiments of the present invention can be realised in the form of hardware, software or a combination of hardware and software. Any such software may be stored in the form of volatile or non-volatile storage such as, for example, a storage device like a ROM, whether erasable or rewritable or not, or in the form of memory such as, for example, RAM, memory chips, device or integrated circuits or on an optically or magnetically readable medium such as, for example, a CD, DVD, magnetic disk or magnetic tape. It will be appreciated that the storage devices and storage media are embodiments of machine-readable storage that are suitable for storing a program or programs that, when executed, implement embodiments of the present invention.
  • embodiments provide a program comprising code for implementing a system or method as claimed in any preceding claim and a machine readable storage storing such a program. Still further, embodiments of the present invention may be conveyed electronically via any medium such as a communication signal carried over a wired or wireless connection and embodiments suitably encompass the same.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un disjoncteur et un procédé pour commander un courant continu. Le disjoncteur comprend un chemin de conduction primaire comprenant un dispositif à coefficient de température positif (PTC) ayant un coefficient de température de résistance positif, et un interrupteur mécanique est connecté en série au dispositif PTC. Il existe un chemin de conduction secondaire comprenant un interrupteur à semi-conducteur agencé en parallèle au dispositif PTC. Le dispositif PTC est conçu pour commuter le courant vers le chemin de conduction secondaire en réponse à un accroissement du courant dans le chemin de conduction primaire. L'interrupteur à semi-conducteur est commandable pour interrompre la circulation du courant dans le chemin de conduction secondaire.
PCT/GB2014/051354 2013-05-03 2014-05-01 Appareil et procédé pour commander un courant continu WO2014177874A2 (fr)

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GB201308051A GB201308051D0 (en) 2013-05-03 2013-05-03 Apparatus and method for controlling a DC current
GB1308051.0 2013-05-03

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WO2014177874A3 WO2014177874A3 (fr) 2015-09-17

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CN106207953A (zh) * 2016-07-26 2016-12-07 中国科学院等离子体物理研究所 大功率混合式直流断路器
WO2017017240A1 (fr) * 2015-07-30 2017-02-02 General Electric Technology Gmbh Équipement électrique
WO2017032687A1 (fr) * 2015-08-21 2017-03-02 General Electric Technology Gmbh Ensemble électrique
WO2017106535A1 (fr) * 2015-12-18 2017-06-22 Bourns, Inc. Disjoncteur électromécanique et boîtier de batterie
CN110663180A (zh) * 2017-06-02 2020-01-07 通用电器技术有限公司 开关设备
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US10734834B2 (en) 2018-06-04 2020-08-04 Abb Schweiz Ag Static transfer switch with resonant turn-off
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US10985552B2 (en) 2018-06-22 2021-04-20 Bourns, Inc. Circuit breakers
CN112840517A (zh) * 2020-06-15 2021-05-25 香港应用科技研究院有限公司 用于低压直流（lvdc）电网的电气保护装置
US11070045B1 (en) 2020-06-15 2021-07-20 Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited Electrical protective device for low-voltage direct current (LVDC) network
US11211816B1 (en) 2020-11-20 2021-12-28 Abb Schweiz Ag Delta connected resonant turn off circuits
EP3893348A4 (fr) * 2018-12-28 2022-01-19 Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd. Dispositif de coupure de courant continu photovoltaïque
US11258296B1 (en) 2020-11-20 2022-02-22 Abb Schweiz Ag Shared resonant turn off circuit
RU209772U1 (ru) * 2020-08-17 2022-03-23 Акционерное Общество "Наука И Инновации" Сверхпроводниковый ограничитель токов короткого замыкания
US11651922B2 (en) 2019-08-27 2023-05-16 Bourns, Inc. Connector with integrated thermal cutoff device for battery pack
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US10439196B2 (en) 2015-12-18 2019-10-08 Bourns, Inc. Electromechanical circuit breaker
WO2017106535A1 (fr) * 2015-12-18 2017-06-22 Bourns, Inc. Disjoncteur électromécanique et boîtier de batterie
US20170179462A1 (en) 2015-12-18 2017-06-22 Bourns, Inc. Battery housing
US10707475B2 (en) 2015-12-18 2020-07-07 Bourns, Inc. Battery housing
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CN110663180A (zh) * 2017-06-02 2020-01-07 通用电器技术有限公司 开关设备
CN110663180B (zh) * 2017-06-02 2023-07-28 通用电器技术有限公司 开关设备
US10734834B2 (en) 2018-06-04 2020-08-04 Abb Schweiz Ag Static transfer switch with resonant turn-off
US10985552B2 (en) 2018-06-22 2021-04-20 Bourns, Inc. Circuit breakers
CN112868179A (zh) * 2018-08-24 2021-05-28 通用电器技术有限公司 电子阀装置
US11777307B2 (en) 2018-08-24 2023-10-03 General Electric Technology Gmbh Electronic valve apparatus
WO2020038796A1 (fr) * 2018-08-24 2020-02-27 General Electric Technology Gmbh Appareil à valve électronique
EP3614562A1 (fr) * 2018-08-24 2020-02-26 General Electric Technology GmbH Appareil de soupape électronique
US11776784B2 (en) 2018-09-21 2023-10-03 North Carolina State University Control of direct current circuit breakers with series semiconductor switches
AU2018455569B2 (en) * 2018-12-28 2022-11-17 Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd. Photovoltaic direct-current breaking apparatus
EP3893348A4 (fr) * 2018-12-28 2022-01-19 Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd. Dispositif de coupure de courant continu photovoltaïque
US11539326B2 (en) 2018-12-28 2022-12-27 Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd. Photovoltaic direct-current breaking apparatus
US11651922B2 (en) 2019-08-27 2023-05-16 Bourns, Inc. Connector with integrated thermal cutoff device for battery pack
WO2021253317A1 (fr) * 2020-06-15 2021-12-23 Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited Dispositif protecteur électrique pour réseau à courant continu à basse tension (ccbt)
CN112840517B (zh) * 2020-06-15 2023-07-04 香港应用科技研究院有限公司 用于低压直流（lvdc）电网的电气保护装置
US11070045B1 (en) 2020-06-15 2021-07-20 Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited Electrical protective device for low-voltage direct current (LVDC) network
CN112840517A (zh) * 2020-06-15 2021-05-25 香港应用科技研究院有限公司 用于低压直流（lvdc）电网的电气保护装置
RU209772U1 (ru) * 2020-08-17 2022-03-23 Акционерное Общество "Наука И Инновации" Сверхпроводниковый ограничитель токов короткого замыкания
CN112086939A (zh) * 2020-08-21 2020-12-15 清华大学 一种机械开关并联的自然换流型直流断路器及控制方法
US11258296B1 (en) 2020-11-20 2022-02-22 Abb Schweiz Ag Shared resonant turn off circuit
US11211816B1 (en) 2020-11-20 2021-12-28 Abb Schweiz Ag Delta connected resonant turn off circuits
CN116667345A (zh) * 2023-07-31 2023-08-29 广东电网有限责任公司佛山供电局 一种串并联型多端口柔性互联设备的充电控制方法及装置
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