Joint HybSchaDC project: Hybrid switchgear for efficient DC networks

Products24. April 2024 by Redaktion - Reading Time 2 min.

DC technology is an important component for future applications. Further technological developments are necessary to successfully implement the energy transition. Switchgear that can keep up with these developments plays a central role.

Protection concepts up to DC 1500 V

Together with the following top-class partners from industry and research, E-T-A is working on the development of hybrid switching devices for efficient DC networks in the joint HybSchaDC project:

  • Panasonic Industry Europe GmbH, Ottobrunn
  • PHOENIX CONTACT ELECTRONICS GmbH, Bad Pyrmont
  • Future Systems GmbH & Co. KG, Rödental
  • Wöhner GmbH & Co. KG Elektrotechnische Systeme, Rödental
  • Heraeus Precious Metals GmbH & Co. KG, Hanau
  • Gustav Klein GmbH & Co. KG, Schongau
  • Technische Universität Ilmenau - Fakultät für Elektrotechnik und Informationstechnik - Institut für Elektrische Energie- und Steuerungstechnik - Fachgebiet Elektrische Geräte und Anlagen (Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology - Institute of Electrical Power and Control Engineering - Department of Electrical Devices and Systems)
  • Fraunhofer-Institut für Integrierte Systeme und Bauelementetechnologie (IISB), Erlangen

 

E-T-A focuses on the development and application-dependent testing of demonstration versions for future DC power networks up to 1500 V. Our goal is to design fast-switching, hybrid circuit breakers based on Silicon carbide. Such devices are used in bidirectional industrial DC systems. The first result of our development is a switchgear sample version for DC 800 V with different current ratings.

Based on these DC 800 V concepts, the next step is a modular approach for system voltages up to DC 1500 V. The need for this development is based on the significant increase of applications in the DC 1250 V to 1500 V range. Another reason is the need for subtle power semi-conductors suitable for this kind of applications. Therefore, E-T-A wants to develop a modular DC 1500 V switching device based on DC 800 V solutions. The main focus here is on the design and construction for use in a meshed DC network.

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