Semiconductor circuit breaker having semiconductor switch for power and power supply device including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a semiconductor circuit breaker comprising: a semiconductor switch unit which is disposed in an input line for supplying current from a power source to a load, and which comprises at least one semiconductor switch for opening or closing the input line; a control unit that controls the opening or closing of the input line by controlling a gate driver of the at least one semiconductor switch; and at least one inductor disposed in a return line, which is a line independent of the input line in which the semiconductor switch unit is disposed, in which the current output from the load flows back to the power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a semiconductor circuit breaker including a power semiconductor switch for controlling the power supplied to a load or other system, and a power supply system including a plurality of power sources connected through the semiconductor circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] In the case of existing mechanical circuit breakers, there is a problem of a relatively long time, which can take tens of milliseconds, until the circuit is disconnected, during which abnormal current flows into the load. Therefore, power supply devices with semiconductor circuit breakers (SSCBs) have emerged. These SSCBs consist of switches made of power semiconductors capable of conducting large currents and having a high-speed switching frequency, thereby enabling high-speed current disconnection. Such semiconductor circuit breakers utilize these power semiconductor switches to electrically disconnect the circuit connection, thus offering the advantage of very fast circuit disconnection speed.

[0003] Figure 1 An example of a power supply circuit with this conventional semiconductor circuit breaker is shown. Figure 1 (a) shows the case with only one semiconductor switch. Figure 1 (b) shows the case with two semiconductor switches.

[0004] First, refer to Figure 1 (a) A conventional semiconductor circuit breaker may include a semiconductor switch 12 having a power semiconductor, a gate driver 11 for applying a gate voltage to the gate terminal of the semiconductor switch 12, and a control unit 10 for controlling the gate driver 11.

[0005] The conventional semiconductor circuit breaker may include an inductor 15 connected in series with the semiconductor switch 12. Here, the inductor 15 limits the rate of rise (di / dt) of the current supplied from the power source to the load, delaying the time it takes for the amplitude of the abnormal current to reach its maximum value in the event of an abnormal current such as leakage or short-circuit current. This allows the load to be disconnected from the power source before the magnitude of the current rising due to the abnormal current reaches its maximum value. Furthermore, by reducing the rate of current rise, the occurrence of the abnormal current can be detected more accurately.

[0006] On the other hand, the rate of current rise can be further limited by increasing the inductance of inductor 15. Therefore, using an inductor with a large inductance may be more effective. However, the inductance value can increase with a wider core cross-sectional area and more turns of the winding wound around the core. That is, the larger the inductance, the higher the protection effect of the load or semiconductor switch 12 or the higher the accuracy of abnormal current detection. Therefore, in essence, to achieve an inductance-based effect, inductor 15 must have a size greater than a minimum constant size.

[0007] However, as Figure 1 As shown in (a) and (b), a conventional semiconductor circuit breaker has an inductor 15 connected continuously to the semiconductor switch 12 before or between a plurality of semiconductor switches 12. As described above, since the conventional semiconductor circuit breaker has an integrated configuration in which the inductor 15 is continuously connected to the semiconductor switch 12, there is a problem that the size of the conventional semiconductor circuit breaker increases due to the volume of the inductor 15, which is of a constant size or larger.

[0008] Furthermore, typically, when the semiconductor switch 12 is on and the power supply and load are electrically connected, the inductor 15 can generate a magnetic field and store energy. However, when the semiconductor switch 12 is off and the electrical connection between the power supply and load is broken, the current flow applied to the inductor 15 is interrupted, and the magnetic field generated by the inductor 15 may decay. In this case, the decaying magnetic field induces a current flowing in the opposite direction to the forward current flow; that is, a back electromotive force is generated.

[0009] Due to this reverse electromotive force, a voltage much larger than the voltage applied to the inductor 15 is instantaneously generated across the semiconductor switch 12. Furthermore, in the event of a voltage spike caused by this reverse electromotive force, there is a potential problem of damage to electronic components connected to the circuit.

[0010] To address this back electromotive force (EMF) problem, conventional semiconductor circuit breakers include a separate circuit 20 with at least one resistor between the two ends of the semiconductor switch 12, such as a freewheeling circuit or a flyback circuit. The back EMF can be eliminated through this separate circuit 20. Therefore, in the case of a conventional semiconductor circuit breaker, in addition to the semiconductor switch 12, it also includes an inductor 15 and a separate circuit 20 for eliminating the back EMF, thus resulting in a larger size. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0012] The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned problems and other problems, and its object is to provide a semiconductor circuit breaker having a structure that can be configured more effectively according to the shape or space of the configured lines.

[0013] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is to configure the inductor in a line independent of the line in which the semiconductor switch is configured, thereby separating the inductor and the circuit for eliminating back electromotive force from the semiconductor switch in a power supply system having multiple power sources, thereby providing a more compact power supply system.

[0014] Technical solutions to the problem

[0015] To achieve the above or other objectives, according to one aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by comprising: a semiconductor switching section disposed on an input line supplying current from a power source to the load, including at least one semiconductor switch for opening or closing the input line; a control section for controlling the opening or closing of the input line by controlling a gate driver of the at least one semiconductor switch; and at least one inductor disposed on a line independent of the input line where the semiconductor switching section is disposed, i.e., a return line for the current output from the load to flow back to the power source.

[0016] In one embodiment, the input line is a P (Positive) phase line serving as the live wire, and the return line is an N (Neutral) phase line serving as the neutral wire.

[0017] In one embodiment, the at least one inductor is configured between the output of the load and the power supply, and is connected in series with the load at the rear end of the load.

[0018] In one embodiment, the at least one semiconductor switch is characterized in that it includes a rectifier element configured in the opposite direction to the direction in which the semiconductor switch is configured; the rectifier element includes at least one of a diode, a rectifier, and a thyristor.

[0019] In one embodiment, the semiconductor switch is characterized by being composed of an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET).

[0020] In one embodiment, a reverse electromotive force (EMF) elimination circuit is provided on a line different from the line in which the semiconductor switch is configured, the reverse EMF elimination circuit being used to eliminate the reverse EMF generated when the current supply is interrupted due to the semiconductor switch being turned off.

[0021] In one embodiment, the reverse electromotive force elimination circuit is connected to both ends of the inductor, the inductor being disposed on a different line than the line where the semiconductor switch is disposed; the reverse electromotive force elimination circuit includes at least one diode, the polarity of the at least one diode being configured in the opposite direction to the direction of current flow through the line where the inductor is disposed.

[0022] In one embodiment, a link capacitor is provided between the input line and the return line, and is connected in parallel with the power supply.

[0023] In one embodiment, the semiconductor switching unit includes a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch disposed between a first power system and a second power system and connected in series with each other and configured in opposite directions; one of the first power system and the second power system is a power source that supplies current to the other, and the other operates as a load that receives current from the first.

[0024] In one embodiment, the inductor is a variable inductor with variable inductance; when the load changes, the control unit changes the inductance of the variable inductor so that the total inductance of the changed load and the variable inductor is added together to form a preset inductance.

[0025] In one embodiment, the load is an inductive load.

[0026] Furthermore, the power supply system of this embodiment is characterized by comprising: a bus for connecting a plurality of power supplies in parallel, and connecting the plurality of power supplies in parallel to the load; a plurality of semiconductor switching units disposed between each power supply and the bus, including at least one semiconductor switch for opening or closing a line supplying current from each power supply to the bus; a control unit for controlling the opening or closing of each line supplying current from each power supply to the bus by controlling the gate driver of each semiconductor switch included in the plurality of semiconductor switching units; and a common inductor disposed at the output terminal of the load, providing inductance commonly applied to each of the plurality of semiconductor switching units.

[0027] In one embodiment, the power supply system further includes a reverse electromotive force (EMF) elimination circuit connected across the common inductor. The reverse EMF elimination circuit includes at least one diode whose polarity is configured to be opposite to the direction of current flow through the line configured with the common inductor.

[0028] In one embodiment, the first power source among the plurality of power sources comprises two or more energy storage devices connected in series; a semiconductor switch disposed between the first power source and the bus is disposed between the two or more energy storage devices connected in series.

[0029] In one embodiment, the control unit controls a duty cycle, which is the ratio of the time the semiconductor switch is on to the time the semiconductor switch is off during a preset time period, differently for each of the plurality of power sources, so that the ratio of the amount of current supplied by each of the plurality of power sources to the load is different.

[0030] Invention Effects

[0031] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the inductor is separated from the semiconductor switch, thereby enabling the semiconductor switch and the inductor to be configured on different lines, thus having the effect of enabling the semiconductor circuit breaker to be configured by making more efficient use of the shape or space of the configured lines.

[0032] In addition, the present invention can ensure sufficient space for configuring inductors to use inductors with higher inductance, and can use inductors with large capacity inductance, thereby achieving the effect of enabling a power supply system in which multiple semiconductor switches connected to multiple power sources share a single inductor.

[0033] Furthermore, by placing the inductor on the current output line of the load from which the load outputs current, the present invention enables the formation of an inductance equal to the sum of the inductance of the inductor and the inductance of the load. Therefore, it is possible to form an inductance with a larger inductance than that inherent in the inductor itself, thereby providing higher protection for the load and semiconductor switches, or higher accuracy in detecting abnormal currents.

[0034] Furthermore, this invention changes the inductance of the inductor according to the load, thereby enabling the inductance of the inductor to be changed based on the change in the load inductance when the load changes. Therefore, the inductance of the semiconductor circuit breaker can remain constant regardless of changes in the load. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a conventional semiconductor circuit breaker.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of a load and an inductor forming an inductor in a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply system in which a plurality of semiconductor switching units connected to a plurality of power supply units share a single inductor, based on an inductor separation structure of a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a semiconductor circuit breaker including a semiconductor switching section capable of controlling bidirectional current flow.

[0040] Figure 6 It is shown that Figure 5 An example diagram of a semiconductor circuit breaker supplying current from system A to system B.

[0041] Figure 7 It is shown that Figure 5 An example diagram of a semiconductor circuit breaker supplying current from system B to system A. Detailed Implementation

[0042] It should be noted that the technical terms used in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, the singular expressions used in this specification should include the plural expressions. The terms "constituting" or "comprising" in this specification should not be construed as necessarily including all the various constituent elements or steps described in the specification, but should be interpreted as excluding some constituent elements or steps, or including additional constituent elements or steps.

[0043] In addition, in the process of describing the technology disclosed in this specification, when it is determined that a detailed description of the relevant known technology would obscure the essence of the technology disclosed in this specification, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0044] The embodiments disclosed in this specification will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a semiconductor circuit breaker 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] first, Figure 2 (a) is a block diagram showing the configuration of a semiconductor circuit breaker 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a power supply unit 160 that supplies current to a load 150 and a line that supplies current between the power supply unit 160 and the load 150.

[0047] like Figure 2As shown in (a), the power supply unit 160 and the load 150 can form a closed loop. That is, a closed loop can be formed in which current is supplied to the load 150 through a line (hereinafter referred to as input line 210) that inputs current from the power supply unit 160 to the load 150, and the current output from the load 150 is re-supplied to the power supply unit 160 through a line (hereinafter referred to as return line 220) that outputs current from the load 150 and flows back to the power supply unit 160. As described above, the current from the power supply unit 160 can only be supplied to the load 150 when the loop is closed.

[0048] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 As shown in (a), the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 of this embodiment may include: a semiconductor switch 140 disposed on the input line 210 that supplies current from the power supply 160 to the load 150; a control unit 100 that controls the semiconductor switch 140; and at least one inductor 130 disposed on the return line 220 that allows current to flow from the load 150 into the power supply 160.

[0049] Here, the semiconductor switch section 140 may include at least one semiconductor switch 120 formed using a power semiconductor and a gate driver 110 that applies a gate voltage to the gate terminal of each semiconductor switch 120. Furthermore, the semiconductor switch 120 may include a source (or collector) terminal, a drain (or emitter) terminal, and a gate (or base) terminal of the power semiconductor. Here, the semiconductor switch 120 may be constructed from an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect transistor).

[0050] Additionally, the semiconductor switching unit 140 may include a rectifier element connected in parallel with each of the semiconductor switches 120 and configured to flow in the opposite direction to the current generated by the semiconductor switches 120. Here, the rectifier element may include at least one of a diode, a rectifier (e.g., a bridge rectifier), and a thyristor.

[0051] On the other hand, if a gate voltage greater than or equal to a preset threshold voltage is applied to the semiconductor switch 120 from the gate driver 110 according to the characteristics of the power semiconductor, then the source terminal and the drain terminal can be electrically connected. Therefore, when a gate voltage greater than or equal to the threshold voltage is applied to the gate terminal, current can be turned on through the semiconductor switch 120.

[0052] On the other hand, such as Figure 2 As shown in (a), when the semiconductor switch section 140 is composed of a single semiconductor switch 120, the source terminal of the semiconductor switch 120 can be connected to the power supply section 160 side. On the other hand, the drain terminal of the semiconductor switch 120 can be connected to the load 150 side. Therefore, if a gate voltage higher than the threshold voltage is applied to the gate terminal, the source and drain terminals are electrically connected, thus forming an input line 210 connecting the power supply section 160 and the load 150 via the semiconductor switch 120. Furthermore, according to the formed input line 210, current from the power supply section 160 can be supplied to the load 150.

[0053] On the other hand, the control unit 100 can control the gate voltage applied to the gate terminal by controlling the gate driver 110. For example, the control unit 100 can control the gate driver 110 to apply a gate voltage above a preset threshold voltage during normal operation. Therefore, the source and drain terminals of the semiconductor switch 120 can be turned on, and the power supply unit 160 can supply power to the load 150 through the input line 210.

[0054] As described above, with the source and drain terminals turned on, the control unit 100 can detect the current flowing in the input line 210 or the return line 220. Furthermore, it can determine whether an abnormal current caused by a short circuit or leakage has occurred based on the detection result. If an abnormal current is determined to have occurred, the gate driver 110 can be controlled to apply a gate voltage lower than the threshold voltage or not apply a gate voltage at all.

[0055] Therefore, the electrical connection between the source and drain terminals can be disconnected, and the input line 210 is broken, interrupting the current supply from the power supply unit 160 to the load 150. Thus, it is possible to prevent the abnormal current from being supplied to the load 150.

[0056] On the other hand, as described Figure 2As shown in (a), in the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 of this embodiment, the inductor 130 can be separated from the semiconductor switch section 140 and disposed on different lines. That is, the semiconductor switch section 140, including the semiconductor switch, can be disposed on the input line 210 that supplies current from the power supply section 160, while the inductor 130 can be disposed on the return line 220 where current flows back from the load 150. Therefore, as Figure 2 As shown in (a), the inductor 130 of the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 of this embodiment can be configured on a different line than the line on which the semiconductor switch section 140 is configured. For example, the inductor 130 can be configured between the output terminal of the load 150 and the power supply section 160.

[0057] On the other hand, when an inductor is installed in a semiconductor circuit breaker, energy is stored and a magnetic field is generated when the semiconductor switching section is turned on. Conversely, when the semiconductor switching section is turned off, according to Lenz's law, the decaying magnetic field induces a reverse current. Thus, a negative potential is generated in the inductor, which was originally at a positive potential, resulting in a reverse current. This can instantaneously create a voltage much larger than the voltage applied to the inductor, i.e., a back electromotive force (EMF), across the semiconductor switching section. Furthermore, this back EMF, as a voltage spike generated by the inductor, can potentially damage the system due to its high voltage.

[0058] Therefore, as described Figure 1 As described in conventional semiconductor circuit breakers, when the inductor and semiconductor switching unit are configured on the same circuit, separate circuits, such as flyback circuits or freewheeling circuits, must be provided at both ends of the semiconductor switch to eliminate the back electromotive force. Furthermore, this separate circuit, as an additional component besides the semiconductor switching unit, is the reason for the increased size of the semiconductor circuit breaker.

[0059] However, as mentioned above, the reverse electromotive force is generated in order to consume the energy stored in the inductor when the current supply is suddenly cut off by the semiconductor switch. Therefore, it can be eliminated when a path for the current to flow through the inductor is generated at both ends of the inductor.

[0060] Therefore, when a circuit including a flyback diode, a freewheeling diode, or a catch diode is arranged at both ends of the inductor in the opposite direction to the current flow flowing through the inductor when the semiconductor switch 140 is turned on, the reverse electromotive force can be eliminated.

[0061] However, as Figure 2As shown in (a), the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 of this embodiment of the invention has an inductor 130 configured in a line independent of the line where the semiconductor switch section 140 is configured. Therefore, a separate circuit 260 for eliminating the back electromotive force, such as a flyback circuit or a freewheeling circuit, is configured in the line where the inductor 130 is configured, thereby allowing it to be separated from the semiconductor switch section 140. In this case, the polarity of the diode configured in the circuit 260 for eliminating the back electromotive force can be configured in the opposite direction to the current flow returning through the return line 220, i.e., the current flow from the load 150 to the power supply 160. That is, as... Figure 2 As shown in (a), the diodes of the reverse electromotive force elimination circuit can be configured in the same direction as the current flowing through the input line 210.

[0062] As described above, in this invention, the inductor 130 and the back EMF elimination circuit 260 of the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 can be arranged on a different line than the line where the semiconductor switch section 140 is arranged. Therefore, depending on the shape or space of the plurality of lines connected to the load 150, the inductor and the back EMF elimination circuit are arranged separately from the semiconductor switch section, thereby achieving the effect of more efficient use of space. That is, when the input line 210 is very narrow, only the semiconductor switch section 140 of the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 of this embodiment is arranged on the input line 210, and the inductor 130 and the back EMF elimination circuit 260 are arranged on the return line 220, thereby having the advantage of being able to arrange the semiconductor circuit breaker even in spaces or environments where it is difficult to arrange conventional semiconductor circuit breakers.

[0063] In particular, as described above, in this invention, the inductor 130 is configured on a line independent of the semiconductor switch, thereby ensuring sufficient space for configuring the inductor 130. Therefore, it has the advantage of being able to use inductors with higher inductance, and ensuring sufficient space for configuring the flyback diode, freewheeling diode, or resistor of the reverse electromotive force elimination circuit 260.

[0064] On the other hand, a link capacitor 250 may also be provided between the input line 210 and the return line 220 in this embodiment of the invention. For example, as Figure 2 As shown in (a), the link capacitor 250 can be connected in parallel with the power supply unit 160.

[0065] In this case, the control unit 100 can repeatedly turn the semiconductor switch 140 on / off until a preset voltage is reached, in a state where the semiconductor switch 140 is off, i.e., when the gate driver 110 applies a gate voltage less than the threshold voltage or does not apply a gate voltage. Here, the on state of the semiconductor switch 140 can refer to the state where the gate driver 110 applies a gate voltage greater than the threshold voltage.

[0066] In this configuration, if the semiconductor switch 140 is turned on, the link capacitor 250 can be charged first. Furthermore, if the semiconductor switch 140 is turned off, the current charging in the link capacitor 250 can flow into the load 150. Therefore, by extending the charging time of the capacitor inside the load 150 while reducing the voltage rise rate, inrush current can be prevented. Additionally, the inductor 130 disposed in the return line 220 acts as a resistor to prevent the occurrence of the inrush current, thereby preventing the inrush current from occurring.

[0067] On the other hand, in the above description, the line into which current is input to the load 150 is named input line 210, and the line into which current flows back from the load 150 is named return line 220. However, the input line 210 can be a P (Positive) phase line, i.e., a live wire or a hot line, and the return line 220 can be an N phase line, i.e., a neutral line. Figure 2 (b) shows an example of this situation.

[0068] Reference Figure 2 (b) In this configuration, the semiconductor switch 140 can be disposed on the P-phase line 211. Furthermore, the inductor 130 can be disposed on the N-phase line 221. Therefore, as... Figure 2 As shown in (b), the semiconductor switch 140 and the inductor 130 of this embodiment of the invention can be configured on different lines. Alternatively, the semiconductor switch 140 and the inductor 130 can be configured on different lines connected in parallel with the load 150.

[0069] On the other hand, as mentioned above Figure 2 As shown in (a) and (b), the inductor 130 of the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 of this embodiment can be separated from the semiconductor switch section 140 and disposed on a different line connected to the load 150. For example, the inductor 130 can be disposed on the line that outputs the current returning from the load 150. In this case, in the closed loop of the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 of this embodiment, the load 150 and the inductor 130 can function as a single inductor.

[0070] Figure 3 This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the concept of a load 150 and an inductor 130 forming an inductor 300 in a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above. For example, the load 150 may be an inductive load.

[0071] Reference Figure 3 First, such as Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the inductor 130 is configured in the N-phase line 221 that outputs return current from the load 150, the load 150 and the inductor 130 can be configured continuously to each other. That is, as Figure 3 As shown in (a), the inductor 130 of the present invention may have a configuration in which a load 150 is connected after the semiconductor switch section 140, and the inductor 130 is continuously (in series) connected after the load 150.

[0072] On the other hand, when the load 150 is an inductive load, the load 150 itself can be inductive. Therefore, when the load 150 and the inductor 130 are continuously connected, the total inductance of the power supply circuit (closed loop) supplying power to the load 150 is the sum of the inductance of the load 150 and the inductance of the inductor 130. Therefore, as Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the load 150 and the inductor 130 are continuously connected to each other, it can operate like a single inductor (hereinafter, composite inductor 300). Furthermore, based on the inductance provided in the composite inductor 300, the rate of rise of the current supplied through the semiconductor switching section 140 can be limited.

[0073] On the other hand, such as Figure 3 As shown in (a), when the load 150 and the inductor 130 are connected to each other to form a combined inductor 300, the inductance of the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 in this embodiment of the invention can be the inductance of the load 150 added to the inductance of the inductor 130. Therefore, it has the advantage that a sufficiently large inductance can be ensured even when the inductance of the inductor 130 is small, provided that the inductance of the load 150 is sufficiently large.

[0074] Here, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the inductor disposed on a line different from the semiconductor switch section 140 can be a variable inductor 130 capable of changing its inductance. Furthermore, when the load 150 is an inductive load, the load 150 also has inductance, therefore... Figure 3 As shown in (b), when the variable inductor 130 is connected to the output of the load 150, the load 150 and the variable inductor 130 can operate like a single inductor (e.g., a composite inductor 300).

[0075] On the other hand, the inductance of the variable inductor 130 can be changed according to the control of the control unit 100. Therefore, when the inductance of the load 150 increases or decreases, the control unit 100 can decrease or increase the inductance of the variable inductor 600 in response to the inductance of the load 150. Therefore, the total inductance of the power supply circuit supplying power to the load 150 can be kept constant. That is, even when the inductance of the load 150 changes, the semiconductor circuit breaker of this embodiment can always maintain the optimal inductance required by the semiconductor switch 140 by adjusting the inductance of the variable inductor 130. In addition, it has the advantage of maintaining a constant inductance even when the load changes (e.g., inductance change), thus further increasing the stability of the power supply circuit.

[0076] On the other hand, the above description is based on the case where power is supplied to the load from a single power source. However, unlike this, the load can obviously also be configured to receive power from multiple power sources that are different from each other.

[0077] For example, the load can be connected to a commercial power source or to at least one distributed power generation facility such as photovoltaic or geothermal power generation. Alternatively, it can be connected to one or more UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply system) or ESS (Energy Storage System) and batteries. Furthermore, these multiple energy supply devices can operate as power supply units capable of individually supplying operating power to the load. Each power supply unit can be electrically connected to the load via a semiconductor switching unit equipped with a semiconductor switch.

[0078] Here, the power supply unit may have a configuration in which multiple energy storage devices are connected in series (e.g., batteries connected in series). As described above, in the case of a power supply unit where the multiple energy storage devices are connected in series, a semiconductor switch may be configured between the multiple energy storage devices connected in series with each other.

[0079] For example, when two energy storage devices are connected in series to form a power supply unit, the semiconductor switch is disposed between the two energy storage devices, so that the two energy storage devices can be connected via the semiconductor switch. As described above, if a plurality of energy storage devices are divided into two parts by a semiconductor switch disposed in the middle, and a short circuit occurs between the plurality of energy storage devices in one part, the plurality of energy storage devices in the other part connected after the semiconductor switch are disconnected by the semiconductor switch, thereby protecting the plurality of energy storage devices in the other part that are not short-circuited from the short-circuit current.

[0080] On the other hand, the semiconductor circuit breaker 200 of this embodiment has a separate structure in which a semiconductor switching section is arranged in the power supply section supplying power, and an inductor is arranged in the load. Therefore, when multiple power supply sections are connected to the load, this invention can provide a semiconductor switching section including at least one semiconductor switch in each power supply section, and an inductor is arranged in the load. In this case, the inductor arranged on the load side can provide an inductor that is shared by the semiconductor switching sections of each of the multiple power supply sections. That is, it can be a common inductor shared by the semiconductor switching sections of each of the multiple power supply sections.

[0081] Figure 4 This is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply system in which a plurality of semiconductor switching units connected to a plurality of power supply units share a single inductor, based on an inductor separation structure of a semiconductor circuit breaker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Reference Figure 4 The power supply system of this embodiment may have a plurality of power supply units 401, 402, 403, ... that are different from each other and capable of supplying power to the load 430. Additionally, it may have a control unit 470 that controls the gate driver of the semiconductor switch unit 410 disposed in each of the plurality of power supply units to realize the electrical connection between the plurality of power supply units and the load 430.

[0083] Here, the plurality of power supply units can be connected in parallel with each other via a bus. Furthermore, the load 430 can be connected to at least one of the plurality of power supply units connected in parallel via the bus, thereby receiving the power required for driving through at least one connected power supply unit.

[0084] Furthermore, each of the plurality of power supply units may include a semiconductor switch unit 410 comprising at least one semiconductor switch utilizing a power semiconductor, enabling high-speed interruption of the current supply in the event of an abnormal current. That is, each of the plurality of power supply units may be configured to include a power supply for supplying current and a semiconductor switch unit connecting the power supply and the bus. For example, the first power supply unit 401 may include the aforementioned... Figure 2 (a) includes the power supply corresponding to the power supply unit 160 and the semiconductor switch unit 410 corresponding to the semiconductor switch unit 140.

[0085] On the other hand, according to the above description, the semiconductor circuit breaker of the present invention can separately configure the semiconductor switch section and the inductor on the input line (e.g., P-phase line) for power supply to the load and the return line (e.g., N-phase line) for current returning from the load. Therefore, each of the plurality of power supply sections can be provided with a semiconductor switch section 410, and an inductor 450 can be configured on the load 430 side.

[0086] like Figure 4 As shown, the present invention separates the inductor from the power supply and configures it in the load 430, so the inductor 450 can be configured separately from the power supply.

[0087] Because of this configuration, when the load 430 is connected to the first power supply unit 401 and receives power, the inductor 450 can provide inductance for a first semiconductor switch unit provided in the first power supply unit 401. Furthermore, when the load 430 is connected to the second power supply unit 402 and receives power, the inductor 450 can provide inductance for a second semiconductor switch unit provided in the second power supply unit 402. Additionally, when the load 430 is connected to the third power supply unit 403 and receives power, the inductor 450 can provide inductance for a third semiconductor switch unit provided in the third power supply unit 403. In other words, the inductor 450 can be an inductor commonly used by all semiconductor switches provided in the first power supply unit 401 to the third power supply unit 403, thereby providing inductance commonly applied to each semiconductor switch unit 410 configured in each of the plurality of power supply units.

[0088] Therefore, the configuration of the semiconductor circuit breaker according to embodiments of the present invention is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, a power supply system can be constructed by having multiple semiconductor switches connected to multiple power sources share a single inductor. Therefore, each of the multiple semiconductor switch sections saves space for configuring the inductor, thereby enabling a more compact power supply unit.

[0089] In particular, as described above, in this invention, the inductor 450 is disposed on the load 430 side, in a line independent of the semiconductor switch section 410. Therefore, the circuit 460 for eliminating the back electromotive force can also be disposed between the two ends of the inductor 450 disposed on the load 430 side. Therefore, the back electromotive force elimination circuit 460 can also be jointly applied to the semiconductor switch section of each of the plurality of power supply sections. Therefore, the semiconductor switch section of each power supply section can save space for the back electromotive force elimination circuit 460, thus achieving the effect of reducing the size of the switch section including the semiconductor switch section in each power supply section and simplifying its structure.

[0090] On the other hand, in the power supply system described above, when there are multiple power supply units connected to the load 430, the control unit 470 can control the amount of current supplied from each of the multiple power supply units to the load 430 by controlling the on and off of the semiconductor switching units of each of the multiple power supply units connected to the load 430.

[0091] That is, if the semiconductor switch is turned on, current can be supplied from the connected power supply; if the semiconductor switch is turned off, the current supply from the connected power supply can be cut off. The control unit 470 can control the amount of current supplied from a specific power supply to the load 430 during a period equivalent to one duty cycle by adjusting the duty rate of the semiconductor switch.

[0092] On the other hand, as described above, if there are multiple power supply units connected to the load 430, the control unit 470 can control the amount of current supplied to the load 430 from each of the multiple power supply units connected to the load 430 according to the requirements of the system.

[0093] For example, assuming that the current supplied from the distributed generation equipment and the current supplied from the commercial power source are the same, the system requirement can be assumed to be that the current supplied from the distributed generation equipment and the current supplied from the commercial power source are to be supplied to the load 430 in a ratio of 8:2 (corresponding to the same duty cycle time).

[0094] In this configuration, the control unit 470 can switch the semiconductor switches configured on the lines supplying power from the distributed generation equipment to the load 430 with an 80% duty cycle, and the semiconductor switches configured on the lines supplying power from the commercial power source to the load 430 with a 20% duty cycle. Therefore, during one duty cycle, 80% of the current supplied to the load 430 can be supplied from the distributed generation equipment, and the remaining 20% ​​can be supplied from the commercial power source.

[0095] On the other hand, the above description describes the configuration of a semiconductor switch that controls the current supply in one direction from the power supply unit to the load. However, unlike this, it is clear that the present invention can also be applied in the case of including a semiconductor switch that controls the bidirectional current supply.

[0096] Figure 5 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a semiconductor circuit breaker including a semiconductor switching section capable of controlling the bidirectional current flow as described above.

[0097] Reference Figure 5 The semiconductor circuit breaker of the present invention may include a semiconductor switch section 310, wherein the semiconductor switch section 310 includes a first semiconductor switch 321 and a second semiconductor switch 322 that are capable of turning on / off between system A 360 and system B 370 and are connected in series with each other.

[0098] Here, system A 360 and system B 370 can be different power systems. As an example, system A 360 and system B 370 can be different microgrids. In this case, bidirectional current flow can be formed from system A 360 to system B 370 and from system B 370 to system A 360.

[0099] Alternatively, system A 360 can be an electrical system, and system B 370 can be a load. In this case, current can flow from system A 360 to system B 370. Conversely, system A 360 can be a load, and system B 370 can be an electrical system. In this case, current can flow from system B 370 to system A 360.

[0100] In order to control this bidirectional current flow, the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322 can be configured to cut off the circuit when current flows from system A 360 to system B 370 and when current flows from system B 370 to system A 360.

[0101] Therefore, the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322 can be semiconductor switches formed by N-channel MOSFET devices with reversed source and drain configurations. However, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to this, and the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322 can be replaced by any device (e.g., IGBT, GTO, IGCT, etc.) that can be turned on / off by the gate voltage controlled by the control unit 300.

[0102] Furthermore, the first gate driver 311 and the second gate driver 312 can apply gate voltages to the gate terminals of the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322 respectively under the control of the control unit 300. In this case, if a gate voltage exceeding a threshold voltage is applied to at least one of the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322, the output resistance of at least one of the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322 can be smaller than that of the input. Therefore, the input and output terminals of at least one of the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322 can be turned on and electrically connected.

[0103] On the other hand, to prevent damage caused by reverse voltage when the circuit is interrupted due to abnormal current, the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322 may include a first diode 331 and a second diode 332 configured in the opposite direction to the current flow. In this case, the source and drain terminals of the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322 may be connected to the anode and cathode of the first diode 331 and the second diode 332, respectively.

[0104] Therefore, the first diode 331 can be connected in parallel with the first semiconductor switch 321, thereby being configured in the opposite direction to the current flowing from system A to system B. Furthermore, the second diode 332 can be connected in parallel with the second semiconductor switch 322, thereby being configured in the opposite direction to the current flowing from system B to system A.

[0105] As described above, the semiconductor circuit breaker of the present invention has a first semiconductor switch 321 and a second semiconductor switch 322 configured with complementary symmetry, thereby blocking both bidirectional fault currents.

[0106] On the other hand, such as Figure 5 As shown, the semiconductor switch 310 and the inductor 500 can be configured on different lines connecting system A 360 and system B 370. For example, if the semiconductor switch 310 is configured on the input line 510 supplying current between system A 360 and system B 370, the inductor 500 can be configured on a different line, namely, the return line 520 on which the current supplied between system A 360 and system B 370 flows back from system B 370 or the current output from system A 360. That is, the inductor 500 can be configured separately from the semiconductor switch 310 on a separate line.

[0107] On the other hand, in the semiconductor circuit breaker of this embodiment, the inductor can be a variable inductor. In this case, the control unit 300 can maintain a constant applied current by controlling the inductance of the variable inductor. Figure 5 The inductor of the power supply circuit shown.

[0108] first, Figure 6 It is shown that Figure 5 Example diagram of a semiconductor circuit breaker supplying current from system A 360 to system B 370.

[0109] Reference Figure 6 The Figure 5 In the semiconductor circuit breaker of the embodiment of the present invention shown, the control unit 300 can control the gate drivers 311 and 312 to apply a gate voltage greater than a threshold voltage to the gate terminals of the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322, respectively. Then, system A 360 and system B 370 can be electrically connected through the semiconductor switch unit 310, and the current from system A 360 can be supplied to system B 370.

[0110] As described above, when current is supplied from system A 360 to system B 370, system A 360 can function as a power supply unit, and system B 370 can function as a load. Therefore, the variable inductor 600 can be configured such that the current supplied from system A 360 is output from system B 370 and flows back to the return line of system A 360. In this case, the sum of the inductance of the variable inductor 600 and the inductance of system B 370 can form the inductance applied to the power supply circuit.

[0111] Therefore, the control unit 300 can calculate a first inductance β for constantly maintaining the inductance of the power supply circuit based on the inductance of the B system 370 corresponding to the load. Furthermore, the inductance of the variable inductor 600 is changed based on the calculated first inductance β, thereby enabling the constant maintenance of the inductance of the power supply circuit.

[0112] With the Figure 6 On the contrary, Figure 7 It is shown that Figure 5 An example diagram of a semiconductor circuit breaker supplying current from system B 370 to system A 360.

[0113] Reference Figure 7 In the Figure 5 In the semiconductor circuit breaker of the embodiment of the present invention shown, the control unit 300 can control the gate drivers 311 and 312 to apply a gate voltage greater than a threshold voltage to the gate terminals of the first semiconductor switch 321 and the second semiconductor switch 322, respectively. Then, system A 360 and system B 370 can be electrically connected through the semiconductor switch unit 310, and the current from system B 370 can be supplied to system A 360.

[0114] As described above, when current is supplied from system B 370 to system A 360, system B 370 can function as a power supply unit, and system A 360 can function as a load. Therefore, the variable inductor 600 can be configured such that the current supplied from system B 370 is output from system A 360 and flows back to the return line of system B 370. In this case, the sum of the inductance of the variable inductor 600 and the inductance of system A 360 can form the inductance applied to the power supply circuit.

[0115] Therefore, the control unit 300 can calculate a second inductance α for constantly maintaining the inductance of the power supply circuit based on the inductance of the A system 360, which corresponds to the load. In this case, if the inductance of the B system 370 is greater than the inductance of the A system 360, the control unit 300 can calculate a second inductance α that is larger than the first inductance β. Furthermore, the inductance of the variable inductor 600 can be changed based on the calculated second inductance α. Therefore, even when current is supplied between systems with different inductances, the present invention can also constantly maintain the inductance applied to the power supply circuit.

[0116] On the other hand, specific embodiments have been described in the above description of the present invention, but various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, the embodiments of the present invention have been described as an example of a semiconductor switching section including a single semiconductor switch in the case of unidirectional current supply, but unlike this, it is obvious that even in the case of unidirectional current supply, the semiconductor switching section may include a plurality of semiconductor switches.

[0117] On the other hand, the semiconductor circuit breaker of this embodiment may further include a circuit breaker capable of physically connecting or disconnecting the semiconductor switching section from the power supply circuit that supplies power to the load. In this case, the circuit breaker may be controlled by a control unit to be driven simultaneously with the semiconductor switch being turned off when an abnormal current such as a short circuit or leakage occurs. In this case, the semiconductor switch operates at a higher speed than the circuit breaker, so the semiconductor switch can first disconnect the input line to block the abnormal current from flowing into the load before the circuit breaker cuts off the semiconductor switching section. In the state where the input line is disconnected, the semiconductor switching section can be physically disconnected from the input line.

[0118] The aforementioned invention can be implemented in computer-readable code on a medium containing a program. Computer-readable media include all kinds of recording devices storing data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of computer-readable media include HDDs (Hard Disk Drives), SSDs (Solid State Disks), SDDs (Silicon Disk Drives), ROMs, RAMs, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, etc., and also include those implemented via carrier waves (e.g., via the Internet). Additionally, the computer may also include a terminal control unit. Therefore, the detailed description described above should not be construed as limiting in all respects, but rather as exemplary. The scope of the invention should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalent scope of the invention should fall within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A semiconductor circuit breaker configured between a power source and a load, characterized by, The semiconductor circuit breaker includes: A semiconductor switching section is configured on an input line that supplies current from the power source to the load, including at least one semiconductor switch that causes the input line to open or close. The control unit controls the opening or closing of the input line by controlling the gate driver of the at least one semiconductor switch; and At least one inductor is configured on a line independent of the input line where the semiconductor switch is configured, i.e., a return line where the current output from the load flows back to the power supply.

2. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The input line is the P-phase line that serves as the live wire; The return line is the N-phase line that serves as the neutral line.

3. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one inductor is disposed between the output terminal of the load and the power supply, and is connected in series with the load at the rear end of the load.

4. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one semiconductor switch includes a rectifier element configured in the opposite direction to the direction in which the semiconductor switch is configured; The rectifier element includes at least one of a diode, a rectifier, and a thyristor.

5. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The semiconductor switch is composed of an insulated gate bipolar transistor or a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor.

6. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit, which is different from the circuit with the semiconductor switch, is also provided with a back electromotive force elimination circuit, which is used to eliminate the back electromotive force generated when the current supply is interrupted due to the semiconductor switch being turned off.

7. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 6, characterized in that, The reverse electromotive force elimination circuit is connected to both ends of the inductor, and the inductor is configured on a different line than the line where the semiconductor switch is configured. The reverse electromotive force elimination circuit includes at least one diode, the polarity of which is configured to be opposite to the direction of current flow through the line in which the inductor is configured.

8. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, A link capacitor connected in parallel with the power supply is also provided between the input line and the return line.

9. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The semiconductor switching section includes a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch disposed between the first power system and the second power system, connected in series with each other and configured in opposite directions to each other; In the first power system and the second power system, one is a power source that supplies current to the other, and the other operates as a load that receives current from the first.

10. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inductor is a variable inductor with variable inductance; In the event of a load change, the control unit changes the inductance of the variable inductor so that the total inductance of the changed load and the variable inductor is added together to form a preset inductance.

11. The semiconductor circuit breaker according to claim 10, wherein the load is an inductive load.

12. A power supply system comprising a plurality of power supplies supplying power to a load, characterized by, the power supply system comprises: a bus connecting the plurality of power supplies in parallel and connecting the plurality of power supplies connected in parallel and the load; a plurality of semiconductor switch sections configured between each power supply and the bus, including at least one semiconductor switch that opens or closes a circuit that supplies current from each power supply to the bus; a control section that controls opening or closing of each circuit that supplies current from each of the power supplies to the bus by controlling gate drivers of each semiconductor switch included in the plurality of semiconductor switch sections; and a common inductor configured at an output of the load that provides an inductance commonly applied to each of the plurality of semiconductor switch sections.

13. The power supply system according to claim 12, further comprising a counter electromotive force elimination circuit connected across the common inductor, the counter electromotive force elimination circuit including at least one diode having a polarity configured in a direction opposite to a direction in which current flows through a circuit in which the common inductor is configured.

14. The power supply system according to claim 12, wherein a first power supply of the plurality of power supplies includes two or more energy storage devices connected in series; a semiconductor switch section configured between the first power supply and the bus is configured between the two or more energy storage devices connected in series.

15. The power supply system according to claim 12, wherein the control section controls a duty ratio, which is a ratio of a time during which the semiconductor switch section is turned on and a time during which the semiconductor switch section is turned off during a predetermined time period, differently for each of the plurality of power supplies to cause an amount of current supplied from each of the plurality of power supplies to the load to differ.

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