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Mitsubishi Electric Achieves Successful Fault Current Interruption using
160kV DC Circuit Breaker
Part of a European Commission Research project, the successful test will spur
expansion of high-voltage direct current transmission networks
TOKYO, October 10, 2019 – Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced that its 160kV
mechanical HVDC ＊ circuit breaker (mechanical DCCB) prototype has successfully interrupted the peakcurrent of 16kA that reproduces a fault in a real system within 7 milliseconds: a testing requirement specified
in PROMOTioN ＊ ＊ project. The testing was conducted as part of the EU-funded research project
PROMOTioN at the KEMA high power laboratories of DNV-GL, an international testing and certification
service based in The Netherlands.
Following the successful test, Mitsubishi Electric is now proceeding commercialization of the DCCB. The
proven reliability of its components is expected to help to develop stable, reliable and economical dc grid.
＊High Voltage Direct Current: DC voltage higher than 1500V＊＊

Progress On Meshed HVDC Offshore Transmission Networks

The 160kV mechanical DCCB prototype used in the tests

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Background and Test Results
HVDC transmission is a lower cost alternative to AC transmission and benefit from lower power loss overlong distances. It is effective to connect offshore wind farms to onshore power grids in Europe, especially in
the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. In recent years, the requirement for higher reliability and lower cost DCCBs
has risen, driven by the need to expand HVDC transmission networks and ensure more continuous and stable
operation.
AC current can be interrupted at current zero existing every half cycle, but in case of DC interruption, current
zero have to be artificially created, since it lacks natural current zero. In addition, convertors are used to convert
AC to DC prior to transmission, and it is therefore necessary to interrupt any abnormal current before theconvertors shut down in cases of voltage drops occurring during any faults. High-speed interruption within afew milliseconds is therefore required for DCCBs. Mitsubishi Electric has successfully interrupted DC current
with its mechanical DCCB prototype, which is capable of creating zero current artificially within such
miniscule timeframes.
Features of Mechanical DCCB1)

High-speed abnormal current interruption- High-speed fault current interruption is realized through the adoption of electro-magnetic repulsion
drives in the circuit breaker.

2)

Low conduction losses- Mitsubishi Electric’s concept is high efficiency HVDC transmission is realized by transmitting thecurrent by physical means only, which involves minimal conduction loss, contrasting with the use ofsemiconductors.

3) Low cost and small footprint- Inexpensive mechanical contact less susceptible to operating conditions is used in contrast tointerruption methods using semiconductor elements. Without the need for clean room and coolingsystems, low cost small footprint protection facilities for HVDC transmission can be realized.
Future Development
DCCBs of different voltage and current ratings can be developed to meet customer requirement and Mitsubishi
Electric will continue development based on market situation.
About DNV-GL
DNV GL delivers world-renowned testing and advisory services to the energy value chain including
renewables and energy management. DNV GL’s expertise spans onshore and offshore wind power, solar,
conventional generation, transmission and distribution, smart grids, and sustainable energy use, as well as
energy markets and regulations. DNV-GL’s experts support customers around the globe in delivering a safe,reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy supply. Learn more at www.dnvgl.com/power-renewables.

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About PROMOTioNPROMOTioN is a European Union funded Horizon 2020 project consortium, formed to address the technical,
regulatory, financial and legal challenges for offshore HVDC transmission networks. It consists of 33
organizations including European HVDC manufacturers, Transmission System Operators (TSO), academic
institutions, testing institutions and consultants. This project has received funding from the European Union’sHorizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 691714. Mitsubishi Electric Europe
B.V. is a European subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation and is a participant member of thePROMOTioN project consortium. For more information please visit www.promotion-offshore.net.
###About Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
With nearly 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi ElectricCorporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electricaland electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite
communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment.
Embracing the spirit of its corporate statement, Changes for the Better, and its environmental statement, EcoChanges, Mitsubishi Electric endeavors to be a global, leading green company, enriching society withtechnology. The company recorded a revenue of 4,519.9 billion yen (US$ 40.7 billion*) in the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2019. For more information visit:
www.MitsubishiElectric.com*At an exchange rate of 111 yen to the US dollar, the rate given by the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on
March 31, 20193/3