Bidirectional Circuit Breaker Layout for Low-Loss Ground Fault Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic switches for DC voltage networks incur high forward losses and require complex arrangements to detect and locate ground faults effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electronic protection switch with two semiconductor switches, each having a switching element and an antiparallel diode, is arranged without a semiconductor series connection between the positive and negative potential terminals of the network terminals, allowing for efficient current switching and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional electronic switches with semiconductor switches are used in DC voltage networks, then current switching capability is achieved, but forward losses are high
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single electronic switch into two separate semiconductor switches, each placed in a different feed (positive and negative feeds). This segmentation allows each switch to handle only one polarity of current, eliminating the need for antiparallel diodes and reducing forward losses while maintaining bidirectional current switching capability through coordinated operation of both switches.
2Measurement precision
If electronic switches are arranged in both feeds to detect and locate ground faults, then fault detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two semiconductor switches serve dual functions: they provide current switching capability for normal operation and simultaneously enable ground fault detection and location. By monitoring the operational state of each switch in the positive and negative feeds, the system can identify ground faults without requiring additional dedicated detection devices, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic protection switch includes first and second network terminals and two semiconductor switches of same kind. Each semiconductor switch is formed by an IGBT semiconductor switch and includes a switching element and a diode which is arranged antiparallel to the switching element. A first of the two semiconductor switches is arranged without a semiconductor series connection between a positive potential terminal of the first network terminal and a positive potential terminal of the second network terminal. A second of the two semiconductor switches is arranged without a semiconductor series connection between a negative potential terminal of the first network terminal and a negative potential terminal of the second network terminal. The switching element of each semiconductor switch is arranged so as to be able to conduct and switch off a current from the first network terminal to the second network terminal.