Some considerations of arc protection and breaker design for high frequency AC power distribution systems

Abstract

High frequency power distribution already has a numerous applications in electric vehicle, renewable energy microgird, and telecommunication system. In order to propel high frequency power distribution into larger power grade, an effective ac arc protection scheme is significant for safety and reliability. However, almost all of the studies of arc fault are focused on dc or low frequency ac (LFAC). This paper presents protection scheme and examines electrical characteristics for high frequency arc fault. Meanwhile, high frequency breaker is examined with ZCS feature, and residual current devices (RCD) design is explored for high frequency power distribution as well. First, the location of arc fault detector (AFD) and interrupting devices (ID) is studied from system level; and the single phase arc grounding fault is analyzed for high frequency sinusoidal waveforms. Second, zero-current-switching (ZCS) feature of high frequency breaker is discussed from monitor circuit and breaker circuit. Third, trigger deficiency of high frequency RCD is demonstrated and corresponding solution is examined. Lastly, the simulation results further testify the effectiveness of theoretical analysis.