Abb dc circuit breaker cannot store energy

How does a DC circuit breaker work?

The actual current limitation and energy absorption is, as in most DC circuit breaker topologies, performed by a metal oxide varistor. Its non-linear resistive behavior is utilized both to limit the voltage across the other components and to absorb the magnetic energy stored in the system, forcing the current down to zero.

What products does ABB offer?

ABB offering ABB offers the following range of products for the protec-tion and disconnection of DC networks. Circuit breakers, devices carrying out the protection func-tion against overcurrents, are divided into three families including miniature circuit breakers, molded case circuit breakers and air circuit breakers.

What is a hybrid DC circuit breaker?

This chapter has presented two recent projects with hybrid DC circuit breakers performed at ABB. The concepts are very different in their topologies, but both utilize a combination of semiconductors and mechanical contacts to maximize the performance.

Are thermal magnetic trip units suitable for AC circuit breakers?

The thermal magnetic trip units fitted to AC circuit breakers are also suitable for use with direct current. The tripping characteristics of the thermal protection do not change since the bimetal strips of the trip units are influenced by the heating caused by current flow. It does not matter whether alternating or direct.

Which circuit breaker is suitable under short-circuit conditions?

According to the column considered, the circuit breaker which would seem suitable under short-circuit conditions is an E2N (N=50kA>Ik). However, according to the table of the rated uninterrupted current (page 39), it is necessary to pass to an E3N since it has Iu= 2000 A which is higher than the current absorbed by the loads.

Is there a good DC circuit breaker topology?

In addition to the two projects presented here, ABB has also been active in research on other DC switching technologies, including solid-state, resonant, and pure mechanical. The different technologies have both benefits and drawbacks meaning there is no optimal DC circuit breaker topology for all applications.