The Influence on Drive Inverters under the Effects of Short Circuits in an Open Industrial DC grid

An open industrial DC grid has many advantages. The exchange of energy and lower costs for semiconductors due to the elimination of rectifiers are excellent arguments. This paper presents relevant faults for drive inverters during operation in the DC grid. It is shown where electrical faults can occur during operation of an open industrial DC grid. In particular, short-circuit faults are described. It is explained how the faults affect electrolytic capacitors and the free-wheeling diodes built in drive inverters. Both components are heavily stressed in the event of a short-circuit fault. Furthermore, it is mentioned out which role solid-state / hybrid circuit breakers and melting fuses can play.