Oscillation Issue and Solution for Solid-State Circuit Breaker Using High Power IGBT Module

Power semiconductors need to momentarily operate in the active area of DC solid-state circuit breakers (DC-SSCB) to limit the fault current. During this interval, a severe voltage oscillation is observed, leading to the DC-SSCB overstress and eventually failure. This article aims to understand the mechanism causing the voltage oscillation and devise solutions to suppress it. First, a MATLAB/Simulink model is built with comprehensive considerations of power semiconductors, parasitics, gate drive, and metal oxide varistor (MOV). Then a sensitivity study is performed to identify the critical impact factor(s) causing the voltage oscillation. Afterward, three suppression methods using enhanced gate drive circuitry are proposed and compared. Finally, test results based on a 2 kV/1 kA SSCB prototype demonstrate the accuracy of the derived model and the effectiveness of the proposed oscillation mitigation methods.