Requirements for Vacuum Interrupters in DC Circuit Breakers

International Symposium on Discharges and Electrical Insulation in Vacuum, pp. 1–4

Abstract

Direct current circuit breaker topologies for medium and high voltage applications-like active current injection direct current circuit breakers and hybrid direct current circuit breakers-feature one or more mechanical breaker units, together with auxiliary circuits for interrupting direct current. The mechanical breaker provides the main current path during normal operation. During the interruption process the requirements on the mechanical breaker in direct current circuit breakers depend on the circuit breaker topology. The application of vacuum interrupters in direct current circuit breakers presents new challenges for their design, as the requirements are different from those of traditional applications such as alternating current interruption. By analyzing the operating conditions for vacuum interrupters in direct current circuit breaker topologies, requirements for the application of vacuum interrupters are given. Additionally, considerations regarding the adaption of vacuum interrupters to improve direct current circuit breaker topologies are given.

Authors 4

1. Verena West Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   IAEW at RWTH Aachen University,High Voltage Technology,Aachen,Germany

2. Philipp Wienkamp Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   IAEW at RWTH Aachen University,High Voltage Technology,Aachen,Germany

3. Simon Kimpeler Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   IAEW at RWTH Aachen University,High Voltage Technology,Aachen,Germany

4. Willem Leterme Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   IAEW at RWTH Aachen University,High Voltage Technology,Aachen,Germany