Necessary Characteristics of a Modern Fuse for a Smart Grid, with Distributed Generation

The fuse has based its long preeminence on electrical systems for its reliability and relative simplicity, due to follows well known physical principles. The complexity of the today distribution electric circuits, currently requires tools that provide intelligence, with which the "Smart Grids" are constituted. The fuse, in order to maintain its presence in low and medium voltage networks, must introduce characteristics that modern switches already possess, such as: remote operation, telemetering, automatic reconnection, directionality, adaptability, etc. Such improvements should not jeopardize the breaking capacity and reliability of the fuse. So far, some improvements have been introduced, many others are yet needed. A historical survey of the fuse previous designs tending to such objectives is presented. The improvements studied and in some cases already implemented commercially are described. It concludes in the need to recreate, update and improve the fuse, in order to comply with the requirements of intelligent distribution systems.