Z-Source Circuit breaker design and protection schemes for DC micro grid systems

The work presented in this thesis includes recent developments and designs for the novel Z-source dc breaker as well as its application in dc micro grids since it was first proposed for use in dc circuits. The novelty of this work is that the initial Z-source breaker design has been modified and tested extensively in simulation and hardware to provide a more practical solution for dc protection. The first part of this work addresses the design of the breakers and the unique advantages offered by the variations in designs. The second part is focused on protection schemes for multi-breaker systems and using sensor and communication tools to ensure system-wide protection using Z-source breakers. Most of this work has been developed with funding from office of Naval research and is tested primarily for systems replicating an all electric shipboard power system. The results from simulation of large systems and protection schemes are presented in great detail. Laboratory testing for several Z-source breaker designs and multi-breaker systems with a central control is also presented and discussed