Medium voltage direct current interruption by a high velocity flow of dielectric liquids
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14311/ppt.2025.2.130Keywords:
mvdc interruption, dc switching arc in liquids, current limitingAbstract
The increasing availability of self-sufficient MVDC systems necessitates innovative MVDC switching solutions. Direct current interruption is achieved by inducing a current zero and preventing re-ignition. In addition to complex resonant networks that create oscillating currents with natural current zeros, another method uses a switching device that generates an arc voltage higher than the grid voltage for current limiting. Conventional gas or vacuum interrupters fail at higher voltages. This paper builds upon previous investigations on the contact separation in dielectric liquids for MVDC interruption. A low inertia mass contact mechanism is used and measurements are carried out for 50 A to 250 A direct current interruption at 10 kV. The study investigates the switching performance of synthetic ester and synthetic oil.
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