Modular cascaded multi-port DC circuit breaker with fault current-limiting capability

In recent years, with the rapid development of high-voltage flexible direct current (DC) transmission systems, more and more multi-port high-voltage DC systems have been successfully put into operation. Therefore, the number of connecting ports on the DC bus is gradually increasing, which necessitates higher requirements for clearing fault current. To better protect the DC power grid, this paper integrates a DC fault current limiter with a multi-port DC circuit breaker. This article proposes a modular cascaded multi-port hybrid DC circuit breaker topology. It also elaborates on the topology structure, working principle, and control program under three different fault conditions. It completes the theoretical derivation and analysis of the circuit breaker fault isolation process, as well as the parameter design of the core components. Finally, a model is established in PSCAD/EMTDC for simulation verification. The application performance of the circuit breaker in four-terminal DC systems is studied and analyzed, and the current-limiting effect of the multi-port DC circuit breaker proposed in this article is demonstrated. In addition, the disconnection performance and energy consumption of the arrester have been improved to a certain extent, which has good feasibility and economy.