Initial development of a solid-state fault current limiter for naval power systems protection

For the protection of electric ship distribution systems, it is desired that a system be developed which can limit fault currents to reasonable values and which can act more quickly, more reliably, and with a smaller form factor than conventional approaches. Arkansas power electronics International, Inc. (APEI) is currently collaborating with researchers at the University of Arkansas (UA) to develop a solid state fault current limiter/interrupter (SSFCL) which is believed to be capable of outperforming conventional approaches. This paper summarizes the current status and objectives of this work at the time of submission.