Search Results (120)

This paper proposes an energy-efficient current control strategy for drive modules of permanent magnetic actuators (PMAs) to reduce the cost and volume of DC-link capacitors. The drive module of the PMA does not receive the input power from an external power source during operation. Instead, the externally charged DC-link capacitors are used as internal backup power sources to guarantee the reliable operation even in the case of an emergency. Therefore, it is important to use the charged energy efficiently within the limited DC-link capacitors. However, conventional control strategies using a voltage open loop have trouble reducing the energy waste. This is because the drive module with the voltage open loop uses unnecessary energy even after the PMA mover has finished its movement. To figure it out, the proposed control strategy adopts a current control loop to save energy even if the displacement of the PMA mover is unknown. In addition, the proposed strategy can ensure the successful operation of the PMA by using the driving force analysis. The efficacy of the proposed strategy is verified through the experimental test. It would be expected that the proposed strategy can reduce the cost and volume of the PMA drive system. Full article

The challenge of accurately diagnosing mechanical failures in high-voltage circuit breakers is exacerbated by the non-stationary characteristics of vibration signals. This study proposes a Dual-Channel Convolutional Neural Network (DC-CNN) framework based on the Gramian Angular Field (GAF) transformation, which effectively captures both global and local information about faults. Specifically, vibration signals from circuit breaker sensors are firstly transformed into Gramian Angular Summation Field (GASF) and Gramian Angular Difference Field (GADF) images. These images are then combined into multi-channel inputs for parallel CNN modules to extract and fuse complementary features. Experimental validation under six operational conditions of a 220 kV high-voltage circuit breaker demonstrates that the GAF-DC-CNN method achieves a fault diagnosis accuracy of 99.02%, confirming the model’s effectiveness. This work provides substantial support for high-precision and reliable fault diagnosis in high-voltage circuit breakers within power systems. Full article

To address the challenges of prolonged current isolation times and high dependency on varistors in traditional flexible short-circuit fault isolation schemes for DC systems, this paper proposes a rapid fault isolation circuit design based on an adaptive solid-state circuit breaker (SSCB). By introducing an adaptive current-limiting branch topology, the proposed solution reduces the risk of system oscillations induced by current-limiting inductors during normal operation and minimizes steady-state losses in the breaker. Upon fault occurrence, the current-limiting inductor is automatically activated to effectively suppress the transient current rise rate. An energy dissipation circuit (EDC) featuring a resistor as the primary energy absorber and an auxiliary varistor (MOV) for voltage clamping, alongside a snubber circuit, provides an independent path for inductor energy release after faults. This design significantly alleviates the impact of MOV capacity constraints on the fault isolation process compared to traditional schemes where the MOV is the primary energy sink. The proposed topology employs a symmetrical bridge structure compatible with both pole-to-pole and pole-to-ground fault scenarios. Parameter optimization ensures the IGBT voltage withstand capability and energy dissipation efficiency. Simulation and experimental results demonstrate that this scheme achieves fault isolation within 0.1 ms, reduces the maximum fault current-to-rated current ratio to 5.8, and exhibits significantly shorter isolation times compared to conventional approaches. This provides an effective solution for segment switches and tie switches in millisecond-level self-healing systems for both low-voltage (LVDC, e.g., 750 V/1500 V DC) and medium-voltage (MVDC, e.g., 10–35 kV DC) smart DC distribution grids, particularly in applications demanding ultra-fast fault isolation such as data centers, electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging parks, and shipboard power systems. Full article

Accurate electrical arc modeling with physically meaningful parameters is essential for the assessment of medium-voltage DC circuit breakers in industrial and railway applications. Laboratory testing and characterization, as outlined in the IEC 61992 standard series for railway applications, typically provide data to asses the operational behavior of the componentsin the power distribution system, including recorded waveforms of terminal voltage and current but not the insights and inputs needed for inner behavior analysis and design optimization. This paper introduces lumped-parameter multi-physics models to describe different phases of arc behavior and outlines a methodology for model–data assimilation. Using experimental test data, the approach enables performance evaluation and supports non-invasive diagnostics and potential condition monitoring of circuit breakers. Full article

Circuit breakers are effectively utilized for the controlled switching technique to mitigate inrush current when energizing an unloaded transformer. The core of the controlled switching technique is to obtain the appropriate closing angle based on the residual flux after opening. For the prediction of residual flux, the voltage integration method faces the difficult problem of determining the integration upper limit, while the Jiles- Atherton (J-A) model has the advantages of clear physical meaning of parameters, accurate calculation, and the ability to iteratively solve residual magnetism. It has low dependence on the initial conditions and greatly avoids the influence of DC offset and noise on measurement results. Firstly, an improved particle-swarm optimization algorithm is proposed in this paper to address the problem of slow convergence speed and susceptibility to local optima in current particle-swarm optimization algorithms for extracting J-A model parameters. The problem of slow convergence speed and susceptibility to local optima in traditional particle-swarm optimization algorithms is solved by optimizing the velocity and position-update formulas of particles in this algorithm. This new algorithm not only accelerates convergence speed, but also balances the overall and local search capabilities. Then, based on the J-A model, residual flux prediction of the transformer is carried out, and a transformer no-load energization experimental platform is built. A simulation model combining the J-A model and classical transformer is constructed using PSCAD/EMTDC to predict the residual flux of the transformer at different closing angles. Finally, by combining simulation with actual experimental waveform data, the accuracy of residual flux prediction was verified by comparing the peak values of the inrush current. Full article

In order to solve the problem of slow dielectric recovery caused by large arc energy when interrupting a high rising rate fault current in a fast DC current-limiting circuit breaker (FDCCLCB), a new contact structure with multi-point static contacts in parallel is proposed. Based on the principle of parallel multi-point contacts, the new structure can form the arc mode during multi-point arcing when the contacts are separated, reduce the arc energy of each finger contact, effectively reduce the ablation effect of the arc on the contact, and improve dielectric recovery ability after the arcing of the contact. Using high-speed camera technology to photograph the arc shape of the new contact, the assumption of multi-point arcing is verified, and a dielectric recovery experimental platform is built to study the dielectric recovery characteristics of the new contact structure. The experimental results show that, when the arc energy is 3.6 J and the dielectric recovery time is 60 µs, the critical field strength reaches 1.5 V/µm; when the arc energy is increased to 22 J, the critical field strength is 0.6 V/µm under the same dielectric recovery time. It can be seen that reducing the arc energy of the contact can effectively improve the dielectric recovery ability of the contact. Due to the magnetic field coupling between each finger contact, the current and arc energy on each contact are different, resulting in a weak point of breakdown and finger contacts at two ends. Finally, in order to solve the problem of large contact current at two ends, a solution to adjust the spacing among contacts is proposed. A genetic algorithm is used to optimize the spacing parameters. The optimization results show that the maximum arc energy of the finger contact is only 19.07% of the total arc energy, which greatly reduces the arc energy of the contact and improves the post-arc recovery ability of the contact. Full article

Fault location in medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) systems is an essential yet underexplored area compared to high-voltage (HVDC) and low-voltage (LVDC) systems. MVDC systems, characterized by intermediate line lengths and fault resistances, as well as rapid fault clearance requirements, demand specialized solutions. This paper proposes a novel single-ended, offline fault location method based on controlled re-energizations after fault clearance. This approach employs a switched grounding resistor and a bypass connection through the current-limiting inductor to extract fault parameters from the discharge curves of two re-energization cycles. By analyzing the time constants derived from these curves, the method estimates fault location and resistance with high accuracy. The proposed method eliminates the need for additional active injection sources and circuit breaker modifications, ensuring seamless integration into existing MVDC infrastructure. Furthermore, the method avoids inter-terminal communication delays and sampling delays before fault clearance. Validation through electromagnetic transient simulations demonstrates fault location errors below 5% for fault resistances up to 50 Ω. Results show that the method performs better for faults farther from the active terminal, with the higher errors seen for short distances and elevated resistances. The proposed technique offers a robust and practical solution for post-fault location in DC lines. Full article

The operation of converter valves in converter stations often results in high reactive power consumption and harmonic generation, necessitating measures to maintain reactive power balance and ensure power quality. To achieve this, the filter bank circuit breaker is frequently switched on and off during daily operation. In recent years, multiple incidents of circuit breaker breakdown during the opening process have been reported. In this study, power systems computer-aided design (PSCAD)/electromagnetic transients including DC (EMTDC) V5.0 electromagnetic transient simulation software is used to simulate and calculate the overvoltage and inrush current under different configurations of circuit breaker operating mechanism dispersion, opening phase angle, and operating speed. Additionally, the suppression effects of two measures are compared: “phase selection opening” and “phase selection opening combined with controlled opening speed” to mitigate overvoltage and inrush current. The results demonstrate that for BP11/13 filters, HP24/36 filters, and HP3 filters, the combined strategy of “phase-selective opening with controlled opening speed” is more effective in suppressing inrush current and overvoltage. However, for SC filters, the suppression effect of this combined strategy is not significant. Considering economic and practical factors, it is more reasonable to adopt the phase-selective opening measure for SC filters. These findings provide guidance for ensuring the safe operation of AC filter circuit breakers. Full article

Solid-state DC circuit breakers provide crucial support for the safe and reliable operation of low-voltage DC distribution networks. A hardware topology based on a cascaded structure with dual-stage, current-limiting, small-capacity, solid-state DC circuit breakers has been proposed. The hardware topology uses a series–parallel configuration of cascaded SCR (thyristors) and MOSFETs (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors) in the transfer branch, which enhances the breaking capacity of the transfer branch. Additionally, a secondary current-limiting circuit composed of an inductor and resistor in parallel is integrated at the front end of the transfer branch to effectively improve the current-limiting performance of the circuit breaker. Meanwhile, a dissipation branch is introduced on the fault side to reduce the energy consumption burden on surge arresters. For the power supply system of the hardware part, a capacitor-powered method is adopted for safety and efficiency, with a capacitor switch serially connected to the capacitor power supply for high-precision control of the power supply. Current detection branches are introduced into each branch to provide conditions for the on–off control of semiconductor switching devices and experimental data analysis. The high-frequency control of semiconductor devices is achieved using optocoupler signal isolation chips and high-speed drive chips through a microcontroller STM32. Simulation verification based on MATLAB/SIMULINK software and experimental prototype testing have been conducted, and the results show that the hardware topology is correct and effective. Full article

Short-circuit currents in autonomous and isolated electrical complexes today are approaching the switching capacity of operated circuit breakers. Since the existing equivalents cannot ensure the necessary reliability of power supply to consumers in emergency situations, it is pertinent to assess the need for developing new types of current-limiting devices (CLDs). This paper proposes an electrical circuit of a semiconductor current-limiting device based on a step-down DC-DC converter, where the main switch is a thyristor with an artificially switched circuit. Transient processes during the operation of the device are considered in detail. A mathematical model of the device is also provided. This model was verified by modeling the CLD circuit in MATLAB Simulink. In turn, the validity of the computer model used was proven experimentally. During the experiments, the current-limiting efficiency of the circuit was demonstrated, and its proposed mathematical model was also confirmed. This research was carried out as part of the project within the State Assignment FSEG-2023-0012. Full article

The use of vacuum-hybrid DC circuit breaking methods allows the short-circuit current to be switched off in a shorter time, resulting in a reduction in the arc burning time. This requires the use of a drive, such as the Thomson Coil Actuator TCA, capable of providing a short response time for opening the vacuum interrupter VI, regardless of its rated current. The IDD is powered by a pre-charged capacitor, which, together with the drive coil, forms an LC oscillating circuit that, when switched on by a thyristor, generates a current pulse of several kA with a frequency above 1 kHz. The paper investigates the effect of modifying the basic IDD power supply circuit by adding semiconductor diodes to shape the current pulse and improve its performance. The authors also focused on exploring the impact of the connection quality and their length and the associated loss in drive force while proving that a circuit with a reverse diode on the IDD coil is most beneficial and that the effect of the circuit on the front of the current pulse can significantly slow down the drive. Full article

In order to solve the problem of the slow initial speed caused by the large mass of the bistable permanent magnetic actuator (PMA) in the traditional bistable permanent magnetic–electromagnetic repulsion mechanism (PM-ERM), a novel fast contact operating mechanism is proposed by using the flexible spring system (SS) between the PMA and the ERM. The novel structure can separate the mass of the PMA and the ERM at the initial phase of the interrupting process, improve the initial speed of the contact and increase the initial opening distance of the contact. Firstly, the paper conducts an extensive investigation and analysis of the principle of the existing fast operating mechanism and points out the advantages and disadvantages of the existing mechanism. In order to meet the requirement of fast interrupting and improve the service life of the mechanism, a novel mechanism is proposed. And then, the working principle of the novel mechanism is introduced. The cooperative relationship between the ERM and the PMA and the working principle and performance parameter requirements of the ERM, SS and PMA are analyzed and designed. Finally, the feasibility of the novel mechanism is verified by the experiment. The results show that the opening distance of the novel operating mechanism can reach 2.25 mm in 1 ms. Compared with 1.24 mm of the traditional operating mechanism, it improves the initial opening distance of the contact by 81.5% and is conducive to the rapid interruption of the Hybrid DC current-limiting circuit breaker (HDCCLCB). Full article

Aiming at the problems of high peak value fault current, fast rising speed, and being unable to ensure the reliability of the power supply in the non-fault zone in a multi-terminal DC system, a new cascade flexible current limiter and mechanical DC circuit breaker for medium- and high-voltage distribution networks are proposed. Firstly, the flexible current limiter is triggered by differential under-voltage protection to achieve the effect of interpole voltage clamping, suppressing the fault current and improving the dynamic recovery characteristics of the DC system after fault clearing. Secondly, according to the breaking speed of the DC circuit breaker, the action time of the current limiter can be set flexibly. The directional pilot protection signal of the circuit breaker is used to ensure the continuous action of the current limiter at the converter station side in the fault zone, until the circuit breaker acts to isolate the fault. The protection strategy can also avoid the blocking of the converter station and reduce the requirements for the breaking speed and breaking capacity of the circuit breaker. Finally, a four-terminal medium voltage distribution network model is built in MATLAB/SIMULINK, and the effect of the current limiter and the feasibility of the proposed protection strategy are verified by simulation. Full article

Diagnosing faults is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of medium-voltage direct current (MVDC) systems. In this study, we propose a bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM)-based fault diagnosis scheme for the accurate classification of faults occurring in MVDC systems. First, to ensure stability in case a fault occurs, we modeled an MVDC system that included a resistor-based fault current limiter (R-FCL) and a direct current circuit breaker (DCCB). A discrete wavelet transform (DWT) extracted the transient voltages and currents measured using DC lines and AC grids in the frequency–time domain. Based on the digital signal normalized by the DWT, using the measurement data, the Bi-LSTM algorithm was used to classify and learn the types and locations of faults, such as DC line (PTP, P-PTG, and N-PTG) and internal inverter faults. The effectiveness of the proposed fault diagnosis scheme was validated through comparative analysis within the four-terminal MVDC system, demonstrating superior accuracy and a faster diagnosis time compared to those of the existing schemes that utilize other AI algorithms, such as the CNN and LSTM. According to the test results, the proposed fault diagnosis scheme detects MVDC faults and shows a high recognition accuracy of 97.7%. Additionally, when applying the Bi-LSTM-based fault diagnosis scheme, it was confirmed that not only the training diagnosis time (TraDT) but also the average diagnosis time (AvgDT) were 0.03 ms and 0.05 ms faster than LSTM and CNN, respectively. The results validate the superior fault clarification and fast diagnosis performance of the proposed scheme over those of the other methods. Full article

Hybrid DC circuit breakers combine mechanical switches with a redirecting current path, typically controlled by power electronic devices, to prevent arcing during switch contact separation. The authors’ past work includes a bipolar hybrid DC circuit breaker that effectively redirects the fault current and returns it to the source. This reduces arcing between the mechanical breaker’s contacts and prevents large voltage overshoots across them. However, the breaker’s performance declines as the upstream line inductance increases, causing overvoltage. This work introduces a modification to the originally proposed hybrid DC breaker to make it suitable to use anywhere along DC grid lines. By using a switch-controlled surge arrester in parallel with the DC breaker, part of the arc energy is dissipated in the surge arrester, preventing an overvoltage across the mechanical switches. Based on the experimental results, the proposed method can effectively interrupt the fault current with minimal arcing and reduce the voltage stress across the mechanical switches. To address practical fault currents, tests at high fault currents (900 A) and voltage levels (500 V) are conducted and compared with simulation models and analytical studies. Furthermore, the application of the breaker for the protection of DC distribution grids is illustrated through simulations, and the procedure for designing the breaker components is explained. Full article