Interconnecting Power-Electronic Buck Converter Modules in a Novel High-Power Test Bench for MVDC Circuit Breakers

Abstract

Advances in medium voltage direct current (MVDC) technologies and the penetration of extended MVDC systems are still significantly hindered by the lack of adequate direct current (DC) switching equipment. The fundamentally different fault current behavior in case of a DC fault, compared to faults in alternating current (AC) systems, with regard to the characteristics and development of fault currents and their interruption make dedicated test procedures necessary. One testing approach is the application of a power-electronic buck converter (PEBC) to simulate relevant stresses on DC switching equipment during a DC fault current interruption. Since the associated requirements, especially regarding current ratings of several kiloamperes, cannot be fulfilled by using a singular PEBC, a modularization becomes necessary. However, particularly in high-power applications, the interconnection of several PEBC modules poses significant challenges. In this article, a demonstrator PEBC-based high-power test circuit for the provision of relevant testing parameters is presented. The underlying challenges and respective solutions with regard to the interconnection of, in total, 120 individual PEBC modules are discussed. It can be shown that the harmonization of connection busbar inductances is the main contributor towards a stable and safe test circuit operation.

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“…However, environmental robustness and reliability are major issues in their research work. The implemented research work could not thoroughly address the robustness and reliability of digital control techniques [65]. Scientists Moon Jiho, Lee Jaeseong, Javed Khurram, and Hong Jupyo did research work for Buck-Boost Converter for Automotive LED Matrix Headlights.…”

Design of Power Supply Based on Inductive Power Transfer System for Medium Voltage Direct Current Sensor

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Two-Level Excitation Current Driver to Reduce the Driving Power of an Electromagnetic Contactor

“…Recently, the importance of direct current (DC)-type electromagnetic contactors (MCs) has increased owing to the activation of renewable power sources, microgrids, electric vehicles, and the like [1][2][3]. In the future, when the full DC power demand is achieved, many MCs are expected to be driven by DC power owing to the lack of sufficient alternating current (AC) power [4,5]. Moreover, in the existing AC networks, the use of DC-type MC is increasing to prevent the malfunction of the surrounding electronic devices owing to arcs generated when the MC is turned off [6,7].…”