Recent trends in shipboard power distribution network design, such as the transition from AC to DC result in new challenges on the issue of distribution network protection. Devices such as a solid state bus tie switch provide a first line of defence against propagation of low impedance faults across the distribution system by quickly separating the faulty portion of the network and preventing additional energy to be fed into the fault. This paper proposes a new topology of solid state bustie switch for shipboard power distribution networks. The topology is thoroughly described considering its operating principles, and a small scale prototype has been used to verify its operational performances. Current interruption capabilities are demonstrated, both in open loop and closed loop operation, with fault detection and decision algorithms implemented on a standalone controller.
The need to increase efficiency and reduce operating cost of shipboard DC power distribution networks results in a desire to increase the operating voltage of such installations to the medium voltage levels. Devices such as solid state bus-tie switches are an essential component of such systems, as they allow for system reconfigurations and prevent fault propagation across different sections of the system. This paper presents a scalable solid state bus-tie switch topology designed initially for low voltage power distribution networks, but easily scalable in terms of voltage and current. The use of a single active device greatly increases simplicity and reliability of the solution. The ability to extend the current and voltage ratings has been verified on the prototypes through extensive experimental tests in parallel and series connection, respectively. Several methods for fault detection are discussed and further verified experimentally.
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