Solid State Bus Tie Switch for Shipboard Power Distribution Networks

Recent trends in shipboard power distribution network design, such as the transition from ac to dc, result in new challenges on the issue of distribution network protection. Devices such as a solid-state bus-tie switch provide the first line of defense against the propagation of low-impedance faults across the distribution system by quickly separating the faulty portion of the network and preventing additional energy to be fed into the fault. This article proposes a new topology of a solid-state bus-tie switch for shipboard power distribution networks. The topology is thoroughly described considering its operating principles, and a small-scale prototype has been used to verify its operational performances. Current interruption capabilities are demonstrated, both in the open- and closed-loop operations, with fault detection and decision algorithms implemented on a stand-alone controller.