Ultra-Efficient Intelligent MVDC Hybrid Circuit Breaker
Technology Description:
Eaton will build an ultra-high efficiency, medium voltage direct current (MVDC), electro-mechanical/solid-state hybrid circuit breaker (HCB) that offers both low conduction losses and fast response times. The team will also develop a high-speed actuator/vacuum switch (HSVS) combined with a novel transient commutation current injector (TCCI). This switch will transfer power to a separate solid-state device, interrupting the current in the event of a fault. The design should allow for scaling in voltage and current, enabling a range of circuit breakers across the MV application space.
Potential Impact:
The proposed breaker is installed close to loads to rapidly detect and react to the short-circuit fault. Thus, it could enable an increased number of electronic loads that operate using DC, such as ultra-fast electric vehicle charging stations and utility scale energy storage battery units, to connect to the MV distribution grid. This would improve overall power delivery efficiency.
Security:
DC circuit breakers respond significantly faster than their AC counterparts, enabling prompt isolation and protection of assets from electrical faults. MVDC circuit breakers and grids enable greater resiliency to cyber and other attacks through targeted isolation of affected nodes.
Environment:
MVDC breaker-enabled microgrids could facilitate greater deployment and adoption of distributed renewable resources, greatly reducing power sector emissions. Electrification of transportation (e.g., ships, aviation) with DC systems would also reduce emissions.
Economy:
Proliferation of MVDC systems protected by more effective DC circuit breakers could drive higher energy efficiency, lower equipment costs, and bolster grid resiliency.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Isik Kizilyalli
Project Contact:
Steve Schmalz
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
SteveSchmalz@eaton.com
Partners
National Energy Technology Laboratory
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Related Projects
Release Date:
09/12/2018