Method for Detection and Limitation of Short-Circuit Currents for Semiconductor Circuit Breakers in LVDC Grids Using a Pre-Saturated Inductor

Gehring J, Schwanninger R, Nowak A, Wunder B, Lorentz V, März M (2025)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2025

Journal

IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics IEEE

DOI: 10.1109/OJPEL.2025.3555797

Abstract

This paper introduces an innovative non-destructive device designed to detect and limit short-circuit currents in LVDC grids. The proposed solution utilizes a transformer fully saturated by a permanent magnet during normal operation. When a short-circuit condition occurs, the transformer desaturates, reducing the rise in current and triggering the detection and protection mechanism. The structure and functionality of the device, along with the design criteria, are discussed. Additionally, optimization measures are presented, examined, and validated. Experimental results from the advanced device prototype demonstrate its effectiveness in detecting and limiting overcurrents. The device features a stable tripping threshold and can safely and reliably interrupt even low time constant capacitive short-circuits. This hardware-based detection solution is ideally suited for installation in a semiconductor circuit breaker.

Authors with CRIS profile

Raffael Schwanninger Lehrstuhl für Leistungselektronik (LEE) Alexander Nowak Lehrstuhl für Leistungselektronik (LEE) Martin März Lehrstuhl für Leistungselektronik (LEE)

Involved external institutions

Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Systeme und Bauelementetechnologie (IISB) DE Germany (DE) Universität Bayreuth DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Gehring, J., Schwanninger, R., Nowak, A., Wunder, B., Lorentz, V., & März, M. (2025). Method for Detection and Limitation of Short-Circuit Currents for Semiconductor Circuit Breakers in LVDC Grids Using a Pre-Saturated Inductor. IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics. https://doi.org/10.1109/OJPEL.2025.3555797

MLA:

Gehring, Johannes, et al. "Method for Detection and Limitation of Short-Circuit Currents for Semiconductor Circuit Breakers in LVDC Grids Using a Pre-Saturated Inductor." IEEE Open Journal of Power Electronics (2025).

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