Protection against short-circuit situations and power overload in DC microgrids

Astrol solid-state marine DC breakers provide reliable interruption of fault currents in DC grids. This characteristic is increasingly important in the global maritime industry. The DC breaker is based on modern and powerful IGBT technology. It guarantees reliable protection against short-circuit currents in any part of the grid. Besides, it also enables selectivity in the most flexible way.

Best in category di/dt capability allowing ultra-fast switch-off times

The IGBT technology in combination with MOV guarantees an ultra-fast switch-off times. Short-circuit detection within 2µs, and IGBT switch-off takes less than 4µs. The DC Breaker is able to detect, clear and separate short-circuits from healthy system parts before they reach dangerous levels. Depending on the rating of the DC breaker and inductance of the system a total clearing time of 10 – 21 microseconds is feasible.

Stand-alone solution for integration in any type of DC-grid

The Astrol DC Breaker is system independent and can be integrated in any type of DC distribution grid. It constantly monitors current and voltage on the DC bus and reacts autonomously according to predefined settings. Protection functions include protection against short-circuits and power overloads. Internal self-diagnostics constantly monitors the health state of the internal breaker functions and reports irregularities to the overall controller.

Electrical design / topology of the solid-state marine DC breakers

An optimized topology reduces the temperature cycles of the semiconductor modules. This leads to a longer useful life of the IGBTs and reduces system maintenance. Due to the ultrafast detection and switching time, the DC Breaker can safely control low system inductance without adding more inductance to the circuit. With the Astrol DC-Breaker, the system integrator enjoys maximum design freedom.

Balancing switch

When the bus tie breaker is open, the capacitors on each side of the breaker can be charged to different voltage levels. The closing of the bus tie will cause an inrush current, which will immediately trigger the short-circuit detection of the DC breaker. To solve this problem, the Balancing Switch option is available in connection with every Astrol DC breaker.

A solution you can rely on!

• Stand-alone solution for integration in any type of DC-grid
• Autonomous switch-off capability
• Fast switch off-time within microseconds (total fault clearance: 21 μs! )
• Modular system
• Switch-off current <- 20kA
• Bidirectional current flow
• Liquid cooling
• Internal self-diagnostics
• Customized interface to overall controller
• Optical (glass or POF) connections
• Modbus-TCP, PROFINET, web-based, etc.
• Wire bus system with CAN and RS485
• 24V power supply with internal filter module

Platform A series includes

• 1.5 kV, 0.35 kA
• 1.5 kV, 0.5 kA
• 1.5 kV, 1.1 kA
• 1.5 kV, 1.5 kA
• 1.5 kV, 2.25 kA
• 1.5 kV, 3 kA

Platform A series includes

Designed for high-demanding maritime DC applications, our modular Platform B range of DC breakers ensure reliability, flexibility and scalability for evolving power needs up to 6 kA nominal current.

The new topology and advanced IGBT technologies in the breakers contribute to improved energy efficiency by minimizing power losses. The larger FPGA used in the design enhances system flexibility and functionality, providing greater control for system designers. The Platform B DC breakers also feature enhanced reliability and safety, with a multi-sensor and controller architecture that improves redundancy and mitigates potential hidden failures, ensuring compliance with DP3 standards. The product’s rugged construction, with metal enclosures and frames, can be upgraded to shockproof designs to withstand extreme conditions, making it ideal for industries that require durable and high-performance DC solutions.

Safe, fast and efficient switching of high-power electrical current

Astrol’s solid-state power switches are in the high-power range, with voltages of up to 100kV and scalable current rating, often in the range of tens or even hundreds of kiloampere. Besides, they are fully solid state, meaning that they switch high currents without any moving parts. The current is switched on and off by semiconductor elements, which are series connected to achieve the required voltage rating, and in some cases parallel connected to achieve higher current ratings than a single element.

Specialist in pulsed power switches

We offer a wide range of designs and products, from single stack assemblies with gate drive units to fully integrated switching solutions. Including control and measuring hardware and software. Besides, our solid-state power switches are based on thyristor and/or IGBT power semiconductor technology. The design is usually customized, based on standardized buildings blocks which are combined in countless possible combinations. We specialize in pulsed power switches, as well as AC-switches for various applications.

The solid-state power switches are an alternative to mechanical and vacuum switches, and ideal in environments where fast, frequent and arc-free switching is required. For example in the following applications:

• Neutral section switch in railways: Single phase 25kV AC dual switch substations
• Renewable energies: 3-phase AC-switches
• Fusion Power
• Research Laboratories
• Matrial Treatment: Sintering, metal forming
• Grid impedance measurements
• Medical systems
• Radar Systems
• Environmental Protection: e.g. Flue Gas Treatment

Why choose Astrol solid-state power switches?

• Compact design with high power density
• Several inhouse developed clamping systems to guarantee evenly distributed clamping force over system lifetime.
• Smooth integration of power electronics circuit, gate drivers, control and measuring electronics, mechanical design and software. All designed, engineered and tested at Astrol.
• Over 25 years of experience in developing high power switching solutions.

Reliable over current and short-circuit AC grid protection

The ultrafast solid-state 3-phase medium voltage AC breaker. Designed to open one or several phases of an AC-circuit within microseconds. It effectively avoids high current levels in case of a fault or short-circuit event. If installed at the connection point between a smart-grid and the main grid, it minimizes the impact of microgrid-internal short-circuits on the main grid. The connection point is simply opened before a short-circuit pulls down the grid voltage.

Additionally the technology is based on the most advanced and powerful press pack-IGBT technology, brought to its best performance by Astrol’s unique control technology. Besides, you can configure the AC Breaker for different current and voltage levels with it’s modular design.

Switching speed

Some applications require an immediate current interruption. Even the switching times of the fastest mechanical circuit breakers are not fast enough for certain applications. Particularly in low inductive circuits, fault currents can reach dangerous levels within milliseconds. The solid-state switches from Astrol are in a different league because their switching time is more than a hundred times faster than mechanical switches are. The reason for this greatly improved switching time is the fact that no moving contactors are required to switch the switch between conducting and blocking states. The breaking time clears fault currents before they reach high values. In this way, the connected devices are optimally protected and greater voltage stability is achieved.

Conversely, the semiconductor switches enable the system integrator to design low-inductance networks. Additionally, better protection of the equipment against short-circuit currents, improved voltage stability and greater design freedom for the system integrator are the main reasons for customers to rely on our semiconductor technology.

Lifetime

The fact that Astrol’s semiconductor-based switches interrupt the current without moving parts not only has the advantage of faster switching speeds, but also less material wear. Electrode burn-off is an unavoidable side effect of mechanical switches, which is non-existent with Astrol’s solid-state switches

Because the carefully designed protection of the built-in semiconductors against overvoltage and overcurrent, invisible to the outside observer, allows the breaker to operate continuously without wear, even in applications with frequent switching. The significantly extended maintenance intervals of semiconductor-based switches compared to mechanical switches is the most important argument for customers to rely on Astrol’s solid-state technology when the application involves frequent switching of high currents.

Safety

Another important advantage of a switch without moving electrodes is the absence of arcing. In hazardous environments, such as in the chemical industry, hydrogen production or coal mining, arcing in protective devices is an avoidable risk. Solid-state switches use semiconductor elements to switch between conducting and blocking states instead of opening gaps between the electrodes that cause arcing.

Overvoltages caused by stray inductance are also dissipated via semiconductors. As a result you get completely arc-free interruption of currents, even in the worst fault scenarios. The added safety is a key argument for customers with hazardous environments to rely on Astrol’s semiconductor switching technology.

Standardized AC breaker, main specifications

• 3-phase 300A – 1 kA (up to 3kA possible in customized design)
• Voltage classes from 1kV to 11 kV ( up to 60kV possible in customized design)
• Liquid cooling
• IP Protection IP20 (different IP ratings available upon request)
• Ambient temperature range: -25…+60°C

Smart protection of your microgrid

The Astrol AC Breaker is system independent and can be integrated in any type smart grid on the medium voltage level. Seeing that it constantly monitors current and voltage on all three phases and reacts autonomously according to predefined settings.

Why Astrol solid-state 3 phase AC breakers?

Engineered with state-of-the-art technology, our circuit breaker guarantees unparalleled speed in interrupting medium voltage currents, ensuring swift and precise operation in critical applications. Not only does our product boast unmatched performance, but it also offers substantial cost savings through significantly reduced maintenance requirements. With arc-free switching capabilities, Astrol’s circuit breaker minimizes the risk of electrical hazards and ensures the safety of personnel and equipment. Trusted by industry leaders, our technology is proven in over 100 of breakers currently in operation worldwide.

What sets us apart is our commitment to quality from design to manufacturing. All components and subsystems are meticulously crafted in-house at Astrol, eliminating spare part and obsolescence-related issues commonly encountered with outsourced solutions.