Open AccessUsing fault current limiting mode of a hybrid DC breaker
Author(s) -
Wang Mian,
Leterme Willem,
Beerten Jef,
Van Hertem Dirk
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the journal of engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2051-3305
DOI - 10.1049/joe.2018.0184
Subject(s) - circuit breaker , modular design , current limiting , computer science , electrical engineering , fault current limiter , grid , fault (geology) , engineering , voltage , electronic engineering , electric power system , power (physics) , physics , geometry , mathematics , quantum mechanics , seismology , geology , operating system
Fast DC breakers are essential components to realise future high‐voltage DC grids. Recent development in the industry shows great feasibility in achieving such DC breakers using various technologies. In particular, hybrid DC breakers with modular design have the potential to operate in fault current limiting (FCL) mode, which can provide added functionalities in DC grid protection. However, the degrees of freedom in breaker design and control, and their impact on the transients associated with the FCL operation has not yet been addressed in the literature. Understanding the characteristics of the FCL operation is crucial to achieve interoperability between various technologies in a multivendor environment. This study investigates the impact of design and control parameters on the transients during the FCL operation. Possible applications of the FCL operation in DC grid protection are discussed and demonstrated in a four‐terminal test system.