Abstract:
An object is to obtain a low-frequency circuit breaker which has a simple configuration and a small size as a whole and is advantageous in view of costs. There is provided a low-frequency circuit breaker, in which a semiconductor switch and a mechanical switch are connected in parallel with each other. The semiconductor switch is configured by connecting a thyristor and a thyristor in anti-parallel with each other. These members are controlled by the circuit breaker control circuit.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2009/061648, filed Jun. 25, 2009, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to a low-frequency circuit breaker (low-frequency-current circuit breaker) which is applied to, for example, a wind generator system and cuts off a current having a frequency of about 10 to 20 Hz. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Conventionally, as an example of a wind generator system, there is a system configured to convert three-phase alternating-current power generated by a permanent-magnet-type wind generation installation into direct current by a converter to which, for example, an IGBT element is bridge-connected. This current is converted into alternating-current power by an inverter to which, for example, an IGBT element is bridge-connected, and is supplied to an alternating-current load. 
         [0006]    In a system configured as described above, a short-circuit accident can be considered to occur in an IGBT element which forms part of a converter due to some reason. When an IGBT element short-circuits, a short-circuit current continues to flow through a diode connected in anti-parallel to the IGBT element. However, at present, there is no circuit breaker for general purpose use, which can cut off a fault current caused by a short-circuit accident, and therefore, development of a circuit breaker for general purpose use is demanded. 
         [0007]    A permanent-magnet-type wind generator installation cannot control a field current and hence needs to cut off a current flowing through a line between stators. Unless the fault current is cut off, a properly working semiconductor device such as an IGBT forming part of a main circuit of a converter may be broken. 
         [0008]    A synchronous power generator which is used in the permanent-magnet-type wind generator installation has a high internal impedance. There exists a situation that only a short-circuit current which is at most approximately twice greater than a normal current flows even when an IGBT element causes a short circuit Therefore, a current limiting means such as a fuse cannot be used. 
         [0009]    Conventionally, an alternating current which is generated by a wind generator installation and flows through an alternating-current path is, for example, a low-frequency current of 10 to 20 Hz. There is a demand for development of a circuit breaker which is advantageous in view of costs, with a simple configuration capable of cutting off the low-frequency current. 
         [0010]    At present, a circuit breaker for a direct current is used in a wind generator system. An example of the circuit breaker for a direct current is configured by connecting a thyristor bulb in parallel with a bypass switch such as a gas circuit breaker, as disclosed in Patent Document 1. 
         [0011]    Patent Document 1: Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 7-105789 
         [0012]    However, in a direct-current circuit breaker according to Patent Document 1, a thyristor bulb and a gas circuit breaker which form part of the circuit breaker both have large sizes and are disadvantageous in view of costs. 
         [0013]    A circuit breaker comprising only a thyristor switch naturally causes conduction loss due to conduction. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention hence has an object of providing a low-frequency circuit breaker which is advantageous in view of costs and causes low loss. 
         [0015]    To achieve the object, according to the invention corresponding to claim  1 , there is provided a low-frequency circuit breaker, comprising: 
         [0016]    a semiconductor switch and a mechanical switch, the semiconductor switch configured by connecting first and second thyristors in anti-parallel with each other, wherein 
         [0017]    the semiconductor switch and the mechanical switch are connected in parallel with each other, and are connected in series with an alternating-current path forming part of an alternating-current circuit, and 
         [0018]    the mechanical switch is constantly made conductive to cause a conduction current to flow to the alternating-current path, the first and second thyristors are made conductive by supplying a gate signal to the first and second thyristors at least immediately before current cutoff, the conduction current through the alternating-current path is switched to flow through the thyristors by opening the mechanical switch, and the gate signal to the thyristors is turned off to cut off the conduction current through the alternating-current path after switching the conduction current. 
         [0019]    To achieve the object, according to the invention corresponding to claim  4 , there is provided a low-frequency circuit breaker, comprising: 
         [0020]    a semiconductor switch and a mechanical switch, the semiconductor switch configured by connecting first and second thyristors in anti-parallel with each other, wherein the semiconductor switch and the mechanical switch are connected in parallel with each other, and are connected in series with an alternating-current path forming part of an alternating-current circuit; 
         [0021]    an abnormality detector which detects an abnormality of a current flowing through the alternating-current path; and 
         [0022]    a circuit breaker control circuit which makes the mechanical switch constantly conductive to cause a conduction current to flow to the alternating-current path, makes the first and second thyristors conductive by supplying a gate signal to the first and second thyristors at least immediately before current cutoff, makes the conduction current through the alternating-current path be switched to flow through the thyristors by supplying an open command to the mechanical switch when an abnormality of a current is detected, and turns off the gate signal to the thyristors after switching the conduction current, thereby to cut off an abnormal current flowing through the alternating-current path. 
         [0023]    To achieve the object, according to the invention corresponding to claim  7 , there is provided a low-frequency circuit breaker for use in a system which converts alternating-current power into electric power through an alternating-current path forming part of an alternating-current circuit by a power converter, and supplies the converted electric power to a load, comprising: 
         [0024]    an abnormality detector which detects a short circuit of a semiconductor device forming part of the power converter; 
         [0025]    a semiconductor switch and a mechanical switch, the semiconductor switch configured by connecting first and second thyristors in anti-parallel with each other, wherein the semiconductor switch and the mechanical switch are connected in parallel with each other, and are connected in series with the alternating-current path; and 
         [0026]    a circuit breaker control circuit which makes the mechanical switch constantly conductive to cause a conduction current to flow to the alternating-current path, makes the first and second thyristors conductive by supplying a gate signal to the first and second thyristors at least immediately before current cutoff, makes the conduction current through the alternating-current path be switched to flow through the thyristors by supplying an open command to the mechanical switch when a short circuit of a semiconductor device forming part of the power converter is detected by the abnormality detector, and turns off the gate signal to the thyristors after switching the conduction current, thereby to cut off an abnormal current flowing through the alternating-current path. 
         [0027]    To achieve the object, according to the invention corresponding to claim  10 , there is provided a low-frequency circuit breaker for use in a wind generator system which converts alternating-current power generated by a permanent-magnet-type wind generator installation into electric power through an alternating-current path forming part of an alternating-current circuit by a power converter made of an IGBT element, and supplies the converted electric power to a load, comprising: 
         [0028]    an abnormality detector which detects an abnormality of a current flowing through the alternating-current path or detects a short circuit of the IGBT element; 
         [0029]    a semiconductor switch and a mechanical switch, the semiconductor switch configured by connecting first and second thyristors in anti-parallel with each other, wherein the semiconductor switch and the mechanical switch are connected in parallel with each other, and are connected in series with the alternating-current path; and 
         [0030]    a circuit breaker control circuit which makes the mechanical switch constantly conductive to cause a conduction current to flow to the alternating-current path, makes the first and second thyristors conductive by supplying a gate signal to the first and second thyristors at least immediately before current cutoff, makes the conduction current through the alternating-current path be switched to flow through the thyristors by supplying an open command to the mechanical switch when an abnormality of a current is detected or a short circuit of the IGBT element is detected by the abnormality detector, and turns off the gate signal to the thyristors after switching the conduction current, thereby to cut off an abnormal current flowing through the alternating-current path. 
         [0031]    According to the invention corresponding to any one of claims  2 ,  5 ,  8 , and  11 , the semiconductor switch and mechanical switch in claims  1 ,  4 ,  7 , and  10  are modified as described below. 
         [0032]    That is, the low-frequency circuit breaker comprises: 
         [0033]    a semiconductor switch and a mechanical switch, the semiconductor switch configured by connecting first and second thyristors in anti-parallel with each other, wherein 
         [0034]    the mechanical switch is connected in series with alternating-current paths forming part of an alternating-current circuit, and the semiconductor switch is connected between different ones of the alternating-current paths, and 
         [0035]    the mechanical switch is constantly made conductive to cause a conduction current to flow to the alternating-current paths, the first and second thyristors are made conductive by supplying a gate signal to the first and second thyristors at least immediately before current cutoff, the conduction current through the alternating-current paths is switched to flow through the thyristors by opening the mechanical switch, and the gate signal to the thyristors is turned off to cut off the conduction current through the alternating-current paths after switching the conduction current. 
         [0036]    Furthermore, according to the invention corresponding to any one of claims  3 ,  6 ,  9 , and  12 , the semiconductor switch and mechanical switch in claims  1 ,  4 ,  7 , and  10  are modified as described below. 
         [0037]    That is, the low-frequency circuit breaker comprises: 
         [0038]    a semiconductor switch and a mechanical switch, the semiconductor switch comprising first and second thyristors and first and second full-wave rectifiers made of semiconductor devices, wherein 
         [0039]    the semiconductor switch and the mechanical switch are connected in parallel with each other, and are connected in series with an alternating-current path forming part of an alternating-current circuit, 
         [0040]    the semiconductor switch is configured by connecting a negative pole of the first rectifier with an anode of the first thyristor, by connecting a cathode of the first thyristor with a positive pole of the second rectifier, connecting a positive pole of the first rectifier with a cathode of the second thyristor, and connecting an anode of the second thyristor with a negative pole of the second rectifier, and 
         [0041]    the mechanical switch is constantly made conductive to cause a conduction current to flow to the alternating-current path, the first and second thyristors are made conductive by supplying a gate signal to the first and second thyristors at least immediately before current cutoff, the conduction current through the alternating-current path is switched to flow through the thyristors by opening the mechanical switch, and the gate signal to the thyristors is turned off to cut off the current through the alternating-current path after switching the conduction current. 
         [0042]    According to the invention, there is provided a low-frequency circuit breaker which has a simple configuration and a small size as a whole, is advantageous in view of costs, and can reduce loss since a current constantly flows through a mechanical switch during normal work. 
         [0043]    Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING 
         [0044]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
           [0045]      FIG. 1  is a schematic block diagram showing the first embodiment according to a low-frequency circuit breaker of the invention; 
           [0046]      FIG. 2  is a timing chart for describing operation of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram showing the second embodiment according to a low-frequency circuit breaker of the invention; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram showing the third embodiment according to a low-frequency circuit breaker of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0049]    Hereinafter, embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. At first, the first embodiment will be described with reference to a schematic block diagram in  FIG. 1  and a timing chart in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  shows a wind generator system which converts alternating-current power generated by a wind generator installation  1  into direct-current power by a power converter, such as a converter  3 , through three-phase alternating-current paths  2 U,  2 V, and  2 W (generally referred to as  2 ) which form part of a three-phase alternating-current circuit. The wind generator system further converts the converted direct-current power into alternating-current power by an inverter  7 , and supplies the alternating-current power to an alternating-current load  8 . In the figure,  4  denotes a smoothing capacitor. 
         [0051]    Low-frequency circuit breakers  5 U,  5 V, and  5 W (generally referred to as  5 ) are connected in series with alternating-current paths  2  for respective phases. Further, abnormality detectors  6 U,  6 V, and  6 W (generally referred to as  6 ) are provided in series with the alternating-current paths  2  for the respective phases. Abnormalities of currents flowing through the alternating-current paths  2  are respectively detected by the abnormality detectors  6 , and abnormality detection signals are input to a circuit breaker control circuit  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2(   a ). When an abnormality detection signal is input to the circuit breaker control circuit  10 , the low-frequency circuit breakers  5  perform a cutoff operation. 
         [0052]    The low-frequency circuit breaker  5 U is configured by connecting a semiconductor switch  53 U and a mechanical switch  54 U in parallel with each other, and the semiconductor switch  53 U is configured by connecting a first thyristor  51 U and a second thyristor  52 U in anti-parallel with each other. These members are controlled by the circuit breaker control circuit  10  described later. Like the low-frequency circuit breaker  5 U, the low-frequency circuit breaker  5 V is configured by connecting a semiconductor switch  53 V and a mechanical switch  54 V in parallel with each other, and the low-frequency circuit breaker  5 W is configured by connecting a semiconductor switch  53 W and a mechanical switch  54 W in parallel with each other. The semiconductor switch  53 V is configured by connecting a first thyristor  51 V and a second thyristor  52 V in anti-parallel with each other, and the semiconductor switch  53 W is configured by connecting a first thyristor  51 W and a second thyristor  52 W in anti-parallel with each other. These members are controlled by the circuit breaker control circuit  10  described later. 
         [0053]    The circuit breaker control circuit  10  is input with at least one of abnormality detection signals from the abnormality detectors  6 U,  6 V, and  6 W. When the abnormality detection signal is input, a gate signal for the thyristors  51  and  52  as  FIGS. 2(   d ) and ( e ) is supplied from the circuit breaker control circuit  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2(   f ), the thyristors  51  and  52  are turned on (conduct). When the thyristors  51  and  52  are turned on, an open command is supplied to the mechanical switches  54  from the circuit breaker control circuit  10 . 
         [0054]    The wind generator installation  1  comprises a permanent magnet rotator connected directly to a wind turbine  12 , and a permanent-magnet-type synchronous generator  11  made of a stator coil. The converter  3  bridge-connects power converter elements  3 U,  3 V,  3 W,  3 X,  3 Y, and  3 Z. Each of the power converter elements is configured by connecting an arc self-extinguishing element such as an IGBT and a diode in anti-parallel with each other. Each of the power converter elements can be turned on/off by a converter control circuit  9 . 
         [0055]    Operation of the low-frequency circuit breakers  5  configured as described above will now be described with reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 2(   a ) shows a current waveform of only one phase  2 U of the alternating-current paths  2 , e.g., a current waveform which flows through the alternating-current path  2 U when one power converter element  3 U of the converter  3  short-circuits. When the current waveform increases to be greater than a reference value, as shown in  FIG. 2(   a ), the abnormality detector  6 U performs abnormality detection. A result of the abnormality detection is input to the circuit breaker control circuit  10 . Then, a gate signal for the thyristors  51  and  52  is supplied from the circuit breaker control circuit  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 2(   d ) and ( e ). The thyristors  51  and  52  are turned on (conduct), as shown in  FIG. 2(   f ). When the thyristors  51  and  52  are turned on, the corresponding mechanical switch  54  is supplied with an open command from the circuit breaker control circuit  10 , and the mechanical switch  54  is thereby opened at timing shown in  FIG. 2(   c ). 
         [0056]    When the mechanical switch  54  is opened, a conduction current which has been flowing through the mechanical switches  54  up to now is then switched to flow through the thyristors  51  and  52 . After switching the flow, the gate signal which has been supplied from the circuit breaker control circuit  10  is turned off, the alternating current shown in  FIG. 2(   a ) flows up to a zero cross, and the thyristors  51  and  52  are then simultaneously turned off. As a result, an abnormal current having a frequency of, for example, 10 to 20 Hz which has been flowing through the alternating-current paths is cut off. 
         [0057]    According to the first embodiment described above, the alternating-current circuit breakers, each of which is configured by connecting the mechanical switch  54  having a simple configuration in parallel with the semiconductor switch  53  configured by the first and second thyristors in anti-parallel with each other, are connected in series with the alternating-current paths  2 . The abnormality detectors which detect a current flowing through the alternating-current paths to become abnormal are provided. The circuit breaker control circuit which makes the alternating-current circuit breakers to cut off the current when an abnormality is detected by the abnormality detectors. With such a simple configuration, an abnormal low-frequency current can be cut off, advantageously for cost reduction. Also according to the embodiment of the invention, a current constantly flows through each of the mechanical switches, and causes substantially no loss. In contrast, a configuration using only thyristor switches naturally causes loss due to electric conduction. 
         [0058]    In  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the thyristors  51  and  52  are not constantly on, in a normal state in which the conduction current is not cut off but the thyristors  51  and  52  need only to be electrically conductive at least immediately before current cutoff and may desirably satisfy this condition. 
         [0059]    The foregoing first embodiment has been described in case where alternating-current paths form part of a three-phase alternating-current circuit. However, the first embodiment is not limited to the three-phase alternating circuit but the alternating-current paths may form part of any other type of alternating-current circuit. 
         [0060]    Also, the foregoing first embodiment has been described about an example applied to a wind generator system. However, the first embodiment is not limited to this example but may be applied to an alternating-current circuit in which a low-frequency current flows in a different type of system. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram showing the second embodiment of the invention, which will be described with reference to this figure. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  is achieved by configuring only low-frequency circuit breakers  5 U,  5 V, and  5 W in the first embodiment as follows. Low-frequency circuit breakers  5  have the same configuration as each other and each comprise a semiconductor switch  53  configured by connecting first and second thyristors  51  and  52  with each other, and a mechanical switch  54 . The mechanical switches  54  are connected in series with the low-frequency circuit breakers  5  and alternating-current paths  2 . The semiconductor switches  53  are each connected between different ones of the alternating-current paths  2 . The mechanical switches  54  are constantly made conductive, to cause a conductive current to flow through the alternating-current paths  2 . At least immediately before current cutoff, a gate signal is supplied to the first and second thyristors  51  and  52 , to make the thyristors conductive. By opening the mechanical switches  54 , the conduction current flowing through the alternating-current paths  2  is switched to the thyristors  51  and  52 . After switching the current, the gate signal for the thyristors  51  and  52  is turned off, thereby to cut off the conduction current through the alternating-current paths  2 . The other configurations than described above are the same as those of the embodiment in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0062]      FIG. 4  is a schematic block diagram showing the third embodiment of the invention, which will be described with reference to this figure. The embodiment shown in  FIG. 4  is achieved by configuring only low-frequency circuit breakers  5 U,  5 V, and  5 W in the first embodiment as follows. Low-frequency circuit breakers  5  have the same configuration as each other and each comprise a semiconductor switch  53  configured by first and second thyristors  51  and  52  and first and second full-wave rectifiers  55  and  56  made of semiconductor devices, and a mechanical switch  54 . The semiconductor switch  5  and the mechanical switch  54  are connected in parallel with each other, and are connected in series with an alternating-current path  2 . In the semiconductor switch  5 , a negative pole of the first rectifier  55  and an anode of the first thyristor  51  are connected to each other, and a cathode of the first thyristor  51  is connected to a positive pole of the second rectifier  56 . A positive pole of the first rectifier  55  and a cathode of the second rectifier  56  are connected to each other. The anode of the second thyristor  52  and a negative pole of the second rectifier  56  are connected to each other. 
         [0063]    In the configuration as described above, the mechanical switches  54  are constantly made conductive, and a conduction current is caused to flow through the alternating-current paths  2 . At least immediately before current cutoff, a gate signal is supplied to the first and second thyristors  51  and  52 , to make the thyristors conductive. By opening a mechanical switch  54 , the conduction current for the alternating-current paths  2  is switched to the thyristors  51  and  52 . After switching the current, the gate signal for the thyristors  51  and  52  is turned off to cut off the current. 
         [0064]    The foregoing embodiment has been described in case where the abnormality detectors  6 U,  6 V, and  6 W are respectively provided for the alternating-current paths  2 U,  2 V, and  2 W. However, the embodiment is not limited to this configuration but at least a short-circuit state may be detected and an abnormality signal may then be generated. For example, a method for directly detecting a short-circuit state of an element is available. In this case, upon a signal which detects a short-circuit state of an element, the mechanical switches  54  may be opened, and ignition of the thyristors  51  and  52  may be started. 
         [0065]    In the foregoing embodiment, alternating-current power is converted into direct current by the converter  3 . Further, the direct-current power is converted into alternating-current power by the inverter  7 , and is supplied to the alternating-current load  8 . However, the inverter  7  may be omitted, and the direct-current power as an output from the converter  3  may be supplied to an unillustrated direct-current load. 
         [0066]    Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.