Design and Analysis of a 375V/5kA Solid State DC Circuit Breaker Based on IGCT

The DC circuit breaker is the core equipment that realizes the fault breaking in the DC distribution network, which is of great significance for the safe and stable operation of the DC power grid. This paper designs and develops a 375V/5kA solid-state DC circuit breaker for the application needs of Dongguan AC/DC hybrid distribution network demonstration project. First, the topology and working principle of this solid state DC circuit breaker are introduced based on the engineering application requirements. Then, taking into account the requirements of large breaking current, fast breaking speed and low conducting voltage drop, IGCT is used as a switching device to design a DC circuit breaker based on the bidirectional switching topology. Finally, the prototype of the solid-state circuit breaker is developed and tested. The short circuit current of 5kA can be switched off within 1ms. So the design and performance requirements of the circuit breaker are verified.