Overview of solid state circuit breaker technology and some recent experiment prototypes

In some applications, DC distribution is proving real competition for AC distribution. Mainly in low power applications, short circuit protection in DC systems has proven problematic in the proliferation of such systems. Short cables have low inductance and as such, fault current rises very high very fast. Power electronic devices offer switching of circuits fast enough to limit fault currents in such systems. In this paper, solid state circuit breaker technology is briefly introduced and a few experimental prototypes are discussed as a demonstration of its viability as a solution.

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