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Development and testing of a prototype current limiting protector. Final report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5653225· OSTI ID:5653225

A prototype pyrotechnically operated Current Limiting Protector (CLP) and a compatible high speed level sensing and trigger circuit were developed and tested. On operation in response to a short circuit a series of gaps are formed by chemical charges. The gap voltages permit commutation of the current to a parallel fusible element, which interrupts the current in a current limiting mode. The theory of the CLP was developed and confirmed with simulated dc tests and on ac tests in a high power short circuit laboratory. Prospective short circuits of 40,000 ampere (RMS sym) were limited to let-through currents of 9 to 22 kA (instantaneous), depending on the setting of the level sensing device. Some improvement of the packaging of the device and of the control circuits is required. The CLP offers economic single short current limiting protection of systems and devices, because of the low let-through current and i/sup 2/t. In addition the CLP may prove valuable as a means to extend the service life of equipment and of systems where the available short circuit has outgrown the equipment ratings.

Research Organization:
Phoenix Electric Corp., Canton, MA (USA)
OSTI ID:
5653225
Report Number(s):
EPRI-EL-1250
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English