CURRENT LIMITING PROTECTOR FOR LOW VOLTAGE, HIGH CURRENT APPLICATIONS

A pyrotechnic current limiting interruptor (CLI) has been developed for use in high current, 60-Hz, 480-volt, 3-phase electrical bus circuits. The interruptor design combines a high continuous current (4800 A rms) rating with a high current (210 kA rms sym.) interruption capability. Its electrical power loss is low and its mechanical construction uses no complex moving mechanisms. The CLI is used with a current sensor, electronic logic and energy storage circuitry. The current sensor continuously monitors the current through the CLI and provides input to logic circuits which analyse and determine the validity of the fault condition. Both the fault current magnitude and rate of current increase are used in combination to make the decision when to activate the CLI. Using stored electrical energy, a detonator is activated causing an explosive cord to generate shock waves sufficient to cut the current carrying conductors. Detection and initiation of the interruption process occurs within 1/4 cycle for a symmetrical fault and within 1/2 cycle for an asymmetrical fault. The first peak in the fault current is limited to the first half cycle.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Naval Engrs. J., 101 (1989), p.267 (May) [7 pp., 1 ref., 1 tab., 10 fig.]
• Authors:
  • Emery, F T
  • Wu, J L
• Publication Date: 1989

Language

• English

Subject/Index Terms

• Old TRIS Terms: Electrical safety electrical systems
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00695790
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: British Maritime Technology
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Aug 14 1995 12:00AM