Ultra Fast Resonant DC Breaker
Technology Description:
Marquette University will leverage the technology gap presented by the lack of DC breaker technology. The project objective is to create an industry standard DC breaker that is compact, efficient, ultra-fast, lightweight, resilient, and scalable. The proposed solution will use a novel current source to force a zero current in the main current conduction path, providing a soft transition when turning on the DC breaker. A state-of-the-art actuator that can produce significantly more force than current solutions will also be used. The approach represents a transformational DC breaker scalable across voltage and current in medium voltage DC applications, such as power distribution, solar, wind, and electric vehicles.
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 (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:
Nathan Weise
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
nathan.weise@marquette.edu
Partners
University of Kentucky
Related Projects
Release Date:
09/12/2018