Abstract: In the particular embodiments described, an unlimited voltage static power converter includes an array of multi-level phase drivers consisting of a plurality of H-bridge power modules connected in series. The midpoint node of the series-connected power semiconductors is connected to corresponding midpoint nodes in adjacent H-bridges to achieve a desired high output voltage using available power switch ratings. A three-dimensional multi-level, multi-phase, multi-circuit array of H-bridges permits the use of the static power converter for high power applications, while providing a high degree of power quality. The power semiconductor switches are operated in accordance with a two-dimensional interleaved pulse width modulation algorithm which produces a waveform with a switching frequency that can be more than an order of magnitude higher than the switching frequency of a single power switch.

Abstract: In the direct current circuit interruption arrangements disclosed in the specification, a solid state circuit interrupter interrupts the connection in a circuit path between a power source and a load. The stored energy in the circuit is dissipated in a resistive commutation circuit by using controllable power semiconductors such as Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors to increase resistance between the terminals of the circuit interruption arrangement. An in-line power semiconductor switch acts as the circuit disconnecting device and is shunted by a resistive commutation circuit consisting of a plurality of solid state commutation switches and resistors in various configurations which act to dissipate the energy. In one embodiment the solid state switches in the commutation circuit are connected to a common circuit interrupter terminal and to a resistor through a series of taps on the resistor and the resistor is connected to the other circuit interrupter terminal.

Abstract: A fault protection arrangement for electric power distribution systems includes a plurality of power sources connected to a distribution bus through circuit breakers and a plurality of loads connected through switches to the distribution bus, along with fault sensors in each of the power source lines and load lines and a control means responsive to detection of a fault in a load line to open the circuit breakers in the power source lines connected to the distribution bus and then to open the switch in the load line containing the fault and then to reclose the circuit breakers in the power source line to resume power flow to unaffected loads. The embodiments provide automatic fault isolation and automatic system realignments using a minimum amount of circuit interrupting devices in conjunction with a distributed control system. The embodiments eliminate fault coordination difficulties and improve power continuity as compared to conventional hierarchal protective schemes.

Abstract: In the particular embodiments described, an unlimited voltage static power converter includes an array of multi-level phase drivers consisting of a plurality of H-bridge power modules connected in series. The midpoint node of the series-connected power semiconductors is connected to corresponding midpoint nodes in adjacent H-bridges to achieve a desired high output voltage using available power switch ratings. A three-dimensional multi-level, multi-phase, multi-circuit array of H-bridges permits the use of the static power converter for high power applications, while providing a high degree of power quality. The power semiconductor switches are operated in accordance with a two-dimensional interleaved pulse width modulation algorithm which produces a waveform with a switching frequency that can be more than an order of magnitude higher than the switching frequency of a single power switch.