Modular power semiconductor switch-based current-limiting and load flow control apparatus for high-voltage direct current applications

A modular DC power transmission device with semiconductor switching units and surge arresters addresses the challenge of safely switching off fault currents in HVDC networks, ensuring stable operation and rapid current limitation.

WO2026061947A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-03-26SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-09-15
Publication Date
2026-03-26

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Direct current (DC) transmission systems face challenges in safely switching off fault currents due to the absence of a natural zero crossing, complicating arc extinction and network stability, particularly in high-voltage DC (HVDC) networks.

Method used

A modular electrical power transmission device with switching modules featuring anti-series circuits of semiconductor switching units and surge arresters, controlled by a unit to suppress fault currents and limit overcurrents, allowing rapid load flow control and subnetwork separation.

Benefits of technology

Enables efficient suppression of DC fault currents, maintaining network stability by rapidly limiting currents to permissible levels and facilitating seamless operation even with faulty modules, using a power electronic concept with modular design.

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Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical energy transmission device (1) for direct current. The electrical energy transmission device (1) comprises a modular switching device (3) having a variable number of switching modules (15) connected electrically in series, a switching device control unit (5) designed to control and monitor the switching modules (15) of the switching device (3), and an energy supply device (7) designed to supply energy to the switching modules (15) in a galvanically decoupled manner. Each switching module (15) has a first switching state, in which it conducts electrical direct currents in both current directions, and a second switching state, in which it suppresses electrical direct currents in both current directions, and comprises at least one anti-series circuit (21) of semiconductor switching units (23, 24) and a surge arrester (25) connected in parallel with the anti-series circuit (21).
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Device and method to break the current of a power transmission or distribution line and current limiting arrangement

    EP2502248B1

  • Fault current limiter circuit breaker

    EP3879548B1

  • Switching module for use in a device to limit and / or break the current of a power transmission or distribution line

    US20130009491A1