Medium Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) is the future Navy power and energy distribution system. The key to a safe and reliable electrical power distribution system is fast-acting, cost efficient DC switchgear. Diversified Technologies, Inc. (DTI) proposes to develop a family of high efficiency, high power density MVDC two-pole disconnect switches and associated switchgear to meet the needs of a 12 kV MVDC distribution system with 100 A to 4,000 A ratings. This family of switches will provide equipment electrical isolation to conduct maintenance and isolate fault locations on the MVDC bus while retaining operating capability in unaffected regions. Disconnect switches are designed to open and close at a fraction of their rated current-carrying capacity and are used for all loads. Electrical, mechanical, thermal, and dynamic designs and analyses will be performed to demonstrate air-cooled steady-state low-loss performance, and size, weight, and power (SWaP) performance metrics will be determined. Controls will prevent opening of disconnects at currents exceeding their interruption capability. Critical components will be tested in the Phase I Base effort, and fabrication and testing of a Brassboard disconnect switch will be done in the Phase I Option. These highly reliable disconnect switches will provide critical isolation in a cost and space efficient manner.
Benefit: Fast-acting, high power density, cost efficient DC switchgear enables a safe and reliable MVDC power distribution system, which has the potential to revolutionize warfighting capability at an affordable cost by enhancing survivability, reliability, and flexibility while providing new capabilities. In addition, MVDC can service highly dynamic loads and propulsion demands at reduced cost, reduced weight, and reduced volumetric requirements.
Keywords: switchgear enclosures, switchgear enclosures, Naval power systems, Integrated Power and Energy System (IPES), medium voltage direct current (MVDC), Disconnect switch, High Current Switch, electromagnetic actuation
