HVDC Breaker Using Anti-Parallel Electron Tubes for Fast Fault Interruption

The patent replaces mechanical switches with semiconductor-based switching devices that can open and close electronically without mechanical movement. This substitution eliminates the inherent mechanical response time limitations while maintaining the ability to handle high voltages and currents through proper semiconductor device selection and configuration, thereby achieving both fast response times and reliable fault clearance.

The patent divides the high voltage direct current circuit into multiple lower voltage segments, each controlled by semiconductor switching devices. By segmenting the overall voltage and using multiple switching elements in series or parallel configurations, the system achieves fast electronic switching while distributing the voltage and current handling requirements across multiple components, thus maintaining reliability.

The patent merges multiple semiconductor switching devices into integrated modules where devices are combined in series strings and parallel groups to handle high voltages and currents. By merging individual semiconductor devices into modular assemblies with shared control and support structures, the system achieves the required voltage and current handling capabilities while reducing the overall number of discrete components and simplifying the system architecture.

The patent designs universal semiconductor switching modules that can handle both high voltage and high current conditions through configurable series-parallel arrangements. These multi-functional modules can operate in different configurations depending on the specific application requirements, reducing the need for specialized devices for each condition and thereby decreasing the total number of components needed.

The patent employs dynamically controllable semiconductor switching devices that can actively respond to fault conditions by rapidly opening to interrupt fault currents. Unlike static over-dimensioned components, these dynamic devices normally operate at their rated capacity but can quickly transition to a blocking state during faults, providing adequate protection without requiring continuous over-dimensioning and thereby reducing component size and cost.

The patent changes the operational parameters of the switching devices during fault conditions, transitioning from normal conducting state to blocking state. By utilizing the full voltage-blocking capability of semiconductor devices only when needed during faults, the system achieves reliable fault withstanding without requiring components to be continuously oversized, thus optimizing component size and reducing footprint.