A Computational Study of the Thermal Performance of a 69 kV Solid State Current Limiter Submerged in FR3 Dielectric Coolant

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Warzoha ◽  
Patrick Kirby ◽  
Amy Fleischer ◽  
Mahesh Gandhi ◽  
Ashok Sundaram
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Thermal Management ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Phase System ◽  
Fault Current ◽  
Fault Current Limiter ◽  
Current Limiter

This paper presents the results of thermal modeling of a unique 69 kV 3000A Solid State Fault Current Limiter (SSFCL) developed by Silicon Power of Malvern, PA with support of EPRI. The development of the Solid State Fault Current Limiter is expected to modernize power distribution systems through the use of small-scale solid-state power devices. The use of this new design is expected to increase reliability and functionality while reducing footprint. However, as the footprint is reduced, the heat flux for the system is increased, leading to the significant possibility of device failure due to thermal excursions if the heat load is not properly managed. The high heat loading requires the use of aggressive thermal management in the form of liquid cooling of the electronics. This system features 288 kW of waste heat in the three phase system. The system is submerged in FR3 dielectric coolant and the desired thermal management system is liquid natural convection within the tank and shed to the ambient through an external finned array system. This project explores the feasibility of this system design.

Thermal Management of High Density Power Electronics Modules Using Dielectric Mineral Oil With Applications in the Electric Utility Field for Smart Grid Protection

2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Warzoha ◽  
Amy S. Fleischer
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Power Electronics ◽  
Thermal Management ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Mineral Oil ◽  
Electric Utility ◽  
High Density ◽  
Fault Current ◽  
Fault Current Limiter ◽  
Current Limiter

The thermal management of high density power electronics can be extremely challenging due to high power loads paired with small device footprints. When these power electronics are used in systems, which require extremely high reliability, the design of the thermal abatement system takes on increasing importance. In this study, the thermal response of a solid state fault current limiter is analyzed in steady-state and failure mode to develop a thermal solution which is both economical and reliable. The solid state fault current limiter is used in electric distribution systems to prevent a current surge from reaching sensitive equipment downstream of a power plant in the event of a disturbance on the line. A parametric study on several design variables including power loading, device spacing, and system flowrate is completed to give insight into the development of an optimal design. A coldplate design using dielectric mineral oil, which minimizes both system footprint and operating cost, is developed. This analysis and thermal management solution is applicable not only to this situation but also to the other high density power electronics applications.

A Computational Study of the Thermal Performance of a 15 kV Solid State Current Limiter Cooled by Immersion in Mineral Oil

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Warzoha ◽  
Amy S. Fleischer ◽  
Mahesh Gandhi ◽  
Ashok Sundaram
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Thermal Performance ◽  
Heat Dissipation ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Mineral Oil ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Fault Current Limiter ◽  
Current Limiter ◽  
Radiator System

This paper outlines the thermal performance of a unique liquid-cooled 15 kV/4000 A Solid State Fault Current Limiter (SSFCL) developed by Silicon Power of Malvern, PA with support of EPRI. The design features an extremely high power system which consumes 96 kW of power in a one phase configuration. The system is submerged in mineral oil coolant and the waste heat is dissipated by internal liquid convection and subsequently through an external radiator system driven by a centrifugal pump. This project numerically explores the effects of various design parameters on the heat dissipation and the resulting effect on the operating temperature of several components within the system.

A Computational Study of the Thermal Performance of a 69kV/3000A Solid State Current Limiter Under Transient Fault Current Loading

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronald Warzoha ◽  
Amy Fleischer ◽  
Simon D. Bird ◽  
Mahesh Gandhi ◽  
Ashok Sundaram
Keyword(s):  
Solid State ◽  
Waste Heat ◽  
Computational Study ◽  
Phase System ◽  
Transient Fault ◽  
Cooling Strategy ◽  
Three Phase ◽  
Power Loading ◽  
Current Limiter ◽  
Current Loading

This paper explores the thermal behavior of a 69kV/3000A Solid State Current Limiter in various transient fault cases. The system has been thermally analyzed in steady-state conditions and the authors have found an acceptable cooling strategy in the case of 864kW of waste heat in a three phase system. It is desired, now, to numerically model two different fault cases: bypass mode and let-through mode. In each case, it is necessary to ensure all system components remain at acceptable temperatures under intense power loading (on the order of 22,400 kW in a one-phase system) through four sets of ten inductors. This research explores the effect of liquid forced convection on the transient operating temperature of the system inductors when numerically modeled in Icepak.

scholarly journals A silicon carbide fault current limiter for distribution systems

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yusi Liu ◽  
Chris Farnell ◽  
Hao Zhang ◽  
Andres Escobar-Mejia ◽  
H. Alan Mantooth ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silicon Carbide ◽  
Distribution Systems ◽  
Fault Current ◽  
Fault Current Limiter ◽  
Current Limiter

scholarly journals Fabrication and Small scale Short Circuit Tests of Hybrid Fault Current Limiter Employing Asymmetric Non-Inductive Coil and Fast Switch

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-45
Author(s):  
Jae-Young Jang ◽  
Young-Jae Kim ◽  
Jin-Bae Na ◽  
Suk-Jin Choi ◽  
Woo-Seung Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Short Circuit ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Fault Current ◽  
Fault Current Limiter ◽  
Current Limiter
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