RB-IGCT Solid State Circuit Breaker Conduction Loss Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid state circuit breakers are costly and incur higher conduction losses during non-fault conditions, necessitating a more efficient and cost-effective solution for power protection in power systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a solid state circuit breaker (SSCB) utilizing reverse blocking integrated gate-commutated thyristors (RB-IGCTs) in an antiparallel configuration, coupled with a transient voltage suppressor and a controller that minimizes power loss and efficiently manages current flow by turning off RB-IGCTs in response to threshold exceedance, thereby reducing conduction and switching losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional solid state circuit breakers are used, then fault protection capability is provided, but device cost and conduction losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker is segmented into multiple RB-IGCT devices operating in parallel, with each device handling a portion of the total current. This segmentation reduces the current burden on each individual device, lowering conduction losses while maintaining overall fault protection capability. The controller independently manages each RB-IGCT, enabling optimized operation under normal conditions and coordinated shutdown during faults.
2Reliability
If conventional solid state circuit breakers are used, then fault protection capability is provided, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RB-IGCT devices serve multiple functions: they operate as power switches during normal load conditions and as protective devices during fault conditions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate protective devices, reducing overall system cost while maintaining comprehensive fault protection capability. The same hardware infrastructure supports both operational and protective roles.
3Loss of energy
If RB-IGCTs are used to reduce power loss, then energy efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical circuit breaker mechanisms with solid state RB-IGCT devices controlled by electronic controllers. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and reduces power losses associated with mechanical operations, while the electronic control system provides precise management of the semiconductor devices. The electronic control replaces complex mechanical timing and coordination mechanisms with software-based control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, techniques and apparatuses of power switches are disclosed. One embodiment is a power switch comprising a first reverse blocking integrated gate-commutated thyristor (RB-IGCT); a second RB-IGCT coupled in an antiparallel configuration with the first RB-IGCT; a transient voltage suppressor coupled in parallel with the first RB-IGCT and the second RB-IGCT; and a controller. The controller is structured to determine a direction of a current flowing through the power switch, determine a magnitude of the current flowing through the power switch exceeds a threshold, and turn off the one of the first RB-IGCT and the second RB-IGCT receiving a current flowing in a reverse direction in response to determining the magnitude of the current flowing through the power switch exceeds the threshold.