Superconducting Interface for a DC Circuit Breaker

Abstract

High voltage direct current (HVDC) circuit breakers are a key technology to enable fault management for multi terminal DC (MTDC) networks. DC circuit breakers using superconductors for current limiting have been proposed previously and experimentally tested at low voltage levels. Superconductor materials are ideal for DC networks: they do not incur losses operating with pure DC current. This paper will focus on the interface between the superconductor element and the other elements of the breaker, i.e., the mechanical switch and semiconductor elements. A 10 kV DC circuit breaker will be developed based on the optimized interface and control strategy.

HVDC Circuit Breakers: A Comprehensive Review

“…The combination of superconducting fault current limiters and various topologies of DC CBs is suggested in [167]. It is reported in [168] and [169] that the combination of the resistive type of superconducting fault current limiter in a series connection with a mechanical CB can reduce the fault current interruption requirements of VI. In [170], the superconducting fault current limiter-based mechanical CBs are used in the selective protection of MT-HVDC systems.…”