-Hunter Estes, graduate PhD student, NSF Fellow
The University of Texas at Austin
Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Research Advisors: Dr. Alexis Kwasinski & Dr. Robert Hebner
Research Group: Center for Electromechanics http://www.utexas.edu/research/cem/dcmicrogridfaultexperiments.html

 The ONR’s next-generation, AES (all-electric ship) platform can be viewed as an isolated microgrid. Many terrestrial microgrids are DC-based , and
DC is one of the voltage platforms currently being evaluated by the
ESRDC.
 While DC microgrids offer many advantages, a prime area of concern relates to faults . Thus, quick fault recognition , identification , and control strategy / fault management are a key research focus.
 The end-goal for DC systems is quick fault remediation and/or branch isolation of an affected circuit, while impact on the remaining system
(ride through) is minimized .
 DC systems will likely need more intelligence built into their system for successful fault management
(i.e. DC smart grid )

 A microgrid was constructed in Center for Electromechanics power lab to meet such testing protocol. This will allow for both connected & i slandmode operation for the purposes of testing.
 The key component of fault testing was the design of a horizontal fault mechanism . This allows for controlled separation or connection through the use of an isolated stepper motor or a pneumatically-driven actuator.
Cathode (-) Anode (+) x gap

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The focus of this research is to experimentally determine the characteristics of horizontal series & parallel faults in DC systems, and to explore the effects they have in terms of local and system disturbances .
Note: Faults will also be studied in AC systems, as a basis for comparison
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Study: DC (280 – 750V) vs. AC systems of “quasi-equivalent” parameters
Monitor: AC & DC fault currents, gap voltages, arc fault transients, power dissipated, bus disturbances, duration, re-strikes, loading effects
Resolution : 50 – 0.5 μs data capture rates, 12 bit resolution
Goals : DC arc modeling, arc fault detection, fault clearing strategies, equipment designs, & safety recommendations

DC horiz. series fault transients AC horiz. series fault transients

DC horizontal parallel fault transients

 For series faults , DC systems did not show many fast-acting transients
(i.e. spikes) as compared to AC systems. However, DC series faults were an order of magnitude longer in duration , and often damaged electrode structures, locally .
 DC series arcing faults are difficult to detect , for their voltages and currents are very similar to pre-arcing conditions . However, equation modeling for dynamic, DC series faults has been accomplished.
 AC series faults dissipated within a few cycles from the point of electrode discontinuity. However, re-ignitions were possible . Additionally, fastacting transients were observed in both the gap voltage and current waveforms . With magnitudes up to four times the bus voltage, these spikes may be cause for alarm as this would exceed voltage ratings for various passive components within system power electronics.
 DC parallel faults seem to show some disturbances at lower levels.
However, testing will continue to higher thresholds to observe such effects in more detail. These will also be compared to AC systems.