Multi-port Solid-state Circuit Breaker with Segmented Legs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional multi-port solid-state circuit breakers face issues with controllability, complexity, component numerosity, cost, efficiency, fault clearing capability, and power losses, particularly due to the use of multiple power semiconductor devices in a single current path, which limits operational flexibility and increases energy dissipation.
Innovation Solution
The design features a multi-port solid-state circuit breaker system with breaker legs conductively coupled in parallel, each comprising a first and second power semiconductor device, where at least one is an actively controlled switching device, and a surge suppressor is used to reduce power losses by distributing current through two paths, utilizing fewer semiconductor devices and enhancing fault clearing capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power semiconductor devices are used in a single current path, then fault clearing capability is improved, but power losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the multi-port circuit breaker into multiple independent breaker legs, where each leg handles a separate current path. This segmentation allows fault isolation to individual legs while maintaining operational continuity in other legs, reducing overall power losses compared to conventional single-path designs that require all devices to remain in circuit for fault clearing.
2Strength
If multiple power semiconductor devices are used in series, then voltage blocking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage blocking function is segmented across multiple breaker legs rather than requiring all devices in a single series path. Each leg contains series-connected devices for voltage blocking, but the parallel leg structure distributes this complexity, allowing independent operation and simplifying control logic compared to a monolithic series arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs actively controlled switching devices that dynamically adjust their state based on operational requirements. This dynamic control allows the same device configuration to provide both voltage blocking when needed and low-impedance current paths during normal operation, reducing the need for additional static components.
3Reliability
If conventional SSCB configuration is used, then bidirectional voltage blocking is achieved, but component numerosity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each breaker leg is designed as a universal module capable of bidirectional voltage blocking and current conduction. The same device configuration and control logic are applied across all legs, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive bidirectional protection with fewer unique components compared to conventional designs that require different configurations for different functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration reduces power losses by half compared to conventional systems, achieves 50% less conductive losses, and provides improved fault clearing and operational flexibility by using fewer actively controlled switching devices and voltage clamping components.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the plurality of breaker legs comprises a first power semiconductor device coupled in series with a second power semiconductor device and a port intermediate the first power semiconductor device and the second power semiconductor device
Implementation Method 2
The power semiconductor switching devices 41, 43 are together connected in parallel relationship with a metal oxide varistor ('MOV') 45 or another voltage clamping component to absorb remnant energy arising due to parasitic inductances
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-port solid-state circuit breaker system includes a first electrical power bus, a second electrical power bus, and a plurality of breaker legs conductively coupled with the first electrical power bus and the second electrical power bus in parallel with one another. Each of the plurality of breaker legs includes a first power semiconductor device coupled in series with a second power semiconductor device and an input/output port intermediate the first power semiconductor device and the second power semiconductor device. At least one of the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device includes an actively controlled switching device. A surge suppressor is conductively coupled in parallel with the plurality of breaker legs.