GS Semiconductor Fuselinks

GE Power Controls
GS Semiconductor fuselinks
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
3
A.C.
Voltage
Rating
MAX D.C.
Voltage Rating
Time Constant
20m secs.
Nominal R.M.S
Current Rating
Amp.
List number
For Ordering Purpose
Not Incorporating
Trip Indicator fuse
Dimensions
See Fig.
240V R.M.S. also
tested to 318V R.M.S
200V
600V R.M.S. also
tested to 707V R.M.S
400V
5
10
15
20
25
35
50
75
100
150
200
250
300
400
500
5
10
15
20
25
45
50
75
100
150
200
250
300
400
500
GSA5
GSA10
GSA15
GSA 20
GSA25
GSA35
GSA50
GSA 75
GSA 100
GS450/150
GS450/200
GS450/250
GSB5
GSB10
GSB15
GSB20
GS450/300
GS450/400
GS450/500
GSB25
GSB45
GSB50
GSB75
GS1000/100
GS1000/150
GS1000/200
GS1000/250
GS1000/300
GS1000/400
GS1000/500
1
2
3
4
1
2
3
4
Fast acting British fixing centres
TYPE GS
Semiconductor Fuselinks
Technical information
Full GS range of fuselinks are designed to
the requirements of IEC269 -IV (1986)
Precise Pre-determined performance
ensuring low arc voltage and minimum let
through of current and energy.
Exceptionally compact dimensions.
Avaiable in a wide range of current and
voltage ratings.
Versions available with dimensions, to
British*requirements.
Special versions also available to suit
particular applications.
* This catalogue covers British version.
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
4
Fuse Trip Indicator Fuselinks Mounting Kit (Code Ref)
GSA25 to 100A TI 300 SFE9000001
GS450/150-500A TI 300 SFE9000002
GSB25-75A TI 600 SFE9000003
GSG 1000/25-150A/785E GSG 1000/75-150A TI 600 SFE9000003
GSG 1000/100-500A TI 600 SFE9000004
GSG 1000/175-350A/784E GSG 1000/235A TI 600 SFE9000004
GSMJ 63A TI 1200 SFE9000011
GSMJ 120-1200A/954 GSMJ400-460A/955 TI 1200 SFE9000008
GSMJ 520-680A
GSMK 63A TI 2000 SFE9000011
GSMK 120-1200A/954 GSMK400-460A/955
GSMK 520-680A TI 2000 SFE9000008
A.C Voltage Max Norminal Dimesnions
Voltage D.C. Voltage R.M.S. See Fig.
Rating Rating Current
Time Const. Rating
20m secs Amp.
63 + GSMJ63 7
120 + GSMJ120 8
180 + GSMJ180 9
240 + GSMJ240 10
300 + GSMJ300 11
350 + GSMJ350 12
400 + GSMJ400 13
460 + GSMJ460 13
520 + GSMJ520 13
580 + GSMJ580 13
630 + GSMJ630 13
680 + GSMJ680 13
800 GSMJ800 14
1000 GSMJ1000 14
1200 GSMJ1200 14
63 ++ GSMK63 7
120 ++ GSMK120 8
180 ++ GSMK180 9
240 ++ GSMK240 10
300 ++ GSMK300 11
350 ++ GSMK350 12
400 ++ GSMK400 13
460 ++ GSMK460 13
520 ++ GSMK520 13
580 ++ GSMK580 13
630 ++ GSMK630 13
680 ++ GSMK680 13
800 ++ GSMK800 14
1000 ++ GSMK1000 14
1200 ++ GSMK1200 14
List Number
For ordering Purpose
Not Incorporating
Trip Indicator Fuse
800V R.M.S 500V
also tested to
880V R.M.S
1000V R.M.S 700V
also tested to
1100V R.M.S
ULTRA Fast acting British fixing centres
+ End terminations with side and end slots meets DIN 43653 110 mm fixing centres
++ End termination with side and end slots meets DIN 43653 130 mm fixing centres
A.C Voltage Max Norminal Dimesnions
Voltage D.C. Voltage R.M.S. See Fig.
Rating Rating Current
Time Const. Rating
20m secs Amp.
16 GSG1000/16 5
25 GSG1000/25
30 GSG1000/30
35 GSG1000/35
40 GSG1000/40
45 GSG1000/45
55 GSG1000/55
350V 75 GSG1000/75 6
85 GSG1000/85
110 GSG1000/110
150 GSG1000/150
175 GSG1000/175 4
200 GSG1000/200
235 GSG1000/235
300 GSG1000/300
325 GSG1000/325
350 GSG1000/350
List Number
For ordering Purpose
Not Incorporating
Trip Indicator Fuse
660V R.M.S 400V
also tested to
720V R.M.S
ULTRA Fast acting British fixing centres
Trip indicator and Micro switch
A micro switch attachment is available for use with this range of trip indicator fuses & incorporates single pole change
over contacts rated for 5A@250V ac & 0.4A@250V dc
Refer figure 15 & 16
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
5
Fig. 4
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H J K M N
GS450 300-500 34 35 85.5 25.4 6.4 60 10.3 15.8 78 30 24.5
GS1000 300-500 55.5 35 106.5 25.4 6.4 81.5 10.3 15.9 78 30 24.5
GSG1000 175-350 54 35 105 25.4 6.4 81.5 10.3 15.9 78 30 24.5
Fig. 7
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H K L M N Q
GSMJ 63 75 17.5 125 12 1.6 110 6.3 18.2 27.5 21.8 10 10
GSMK 63 90 17.5 145 12 1.6 130 6.3 18.2 27.5 21.8 10 10
Fig. 8
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H K L M N Q
GSMJ 120 75 41 135 38 3.2 110 11 21 60 22.8 13 10
GSMK 120 95 41 155 38 3.2 130 11 21 60 22.8 13 10
Fig. 6
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H J K M N
GSG1000 75-150 40 35.7 94.5 31.8 1.6 74 8.3 10.9 19 31 10
Fig. 5
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H J K M N
GSG1000 16-55 49 17.5 78.5 12.7 1.6 64 6.5 8.1 18.2 21.8 10
Fig. 3
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H J K M N
GS450 150-250 34 35 85.5 25.4 3.2 60 10.3 15.9 39 30 21.5
GS1000 100-200 55.5 35 106.5 25.4 3.2 81.5 10.3 15.9 39 30 21.5
Fig. 2
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H J K M N
GSA 25-100 29.5 17.5 58.5 12.7 1.6 43 6.5 8.1 18.2 21.8 10
GSB 25-75 50.5 18.2 80 12.7 1.6 64 6.5 8.1 18.2 21.8 10
Fig. 1
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H J K
GSA 5-20 28.3 8.3 46 6.35 1 37.4 3.8 5 8.1
GSB 5-20 54.7 8.3 72.4 6.35 1 63.8 3.8 5 8.1
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
6
Fig. 9
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H K L M N Q
GSMJ 180 75 61 135 38 3.2 110 11 21 80 22.8 13 10
GSMK 180 95 61 155 38 3.2 130 11 21 80 22.8 13 10
Fig. 10
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H K L M N Q
GSMJ 240 75 41 135 38 6.4 110 11 42 60 22.8 16 10
GSMK 240 95 41 155 38 6.4 130 11 42 60 22.8 16 10
Fig. 11
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H K L M N Q
GSMJ 300 75 61 135 38 6.4 110 11 42 80 22.8 16 10
GSMK 300 95 61 155 38 6.4 130 11 42 80 22.8 16 10
Fig. 12
Type Rating Amp A B D E F G H K L M N Q
GSMJ 350 75 61 135 38 9.6 110 11 45 80 22.8 19.5 10
GSMK 350 95 61 155 38 9.6 130 11 45 80 22.8 19.5 7
Fig. 13
Type Rating Amp A D E F G H L M N P Q R
GSMJ 400-460 75 135 60 4.8 110 11 77 11.5 5.5 70 10 30
520-680 77 135 80 6.3 110 11 97 11.5 5.5 90 10 40
GSMK 400-460 95 155 60 4.8 130 11 77 11.5 5.5 70 7 30
520-680 97 155 80 6.3 130 11 97 11.5 5.5 90 7 40
Fig. 14
Type Rating Amp A D E F G H L M N P Q R
GSMJ 800 75 135 60 9.6 110 11 77 11.5 5.5 140 10 30
1000-1200 77 135 80 12.6 110 11 97 11.5 5.5 180 10 40
GSMK 800 95 155 60 9.6 130 11 77 11.5 5.5 140 7 30
1000-1200 97 155 80 12.6 130 11 97 11.5 5.5 180 7 40
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
34
Application notes
for the Short - circuit Protection of
Semi-Conductors by
GE Power Controls H.B.C Fuse-Links
Semi-conductor devices find application in
the field of traction, distribution of power,
motor drives and in process industries. In
an installation these devices are normally
protected in the same manner as other
forms of equipment, except that emphasis
is on keeping certain electrical quantities
within defined limits. The survival limits of
diodes and thyristors are extermely limited
due to their high power-to-size ratio. The
only device which seems to have adequate
high response to protect them is the fast
acting specially designed fuse.
Fuse - Links for the protection of
Semi-Conductor Devices :
Due to very low thermal capacity of the
junction, a semi-conductor is susceptible to
damage immediately on the incidence of a
very large overcurrent. Since a great
variety of circuit conditions are obtainable,
the application of the fuse requires very
careful analysis of the duty and the
minimum information required concerning
the diodes themselves is :
a) Load current
b) Applied voltage
c) I
2
t withstand
d) I peak and
e) Transient over-voltage withstand.
Fuse Selection :
The major factors which determine the
choice of fuse for use with a particular
semi-conductor are needed to be
considered with respect to a particular
arrangement. The normal service condition
of the semi-conductor device is first
analysed. Since the individual cell is a low-
power device, a number of cells are
required in series and parallel for large
powers. Half-wave circuits, if the maximum
voltage of one cell permits, are employed,
but for higher voltages, bridge circuits, with
their transformers, are common.
The following Series-Parallel circuit
combinations are generally in vogue:
1) Series connected rectifier cells, (fig. 1).
The cells are in series with the fuselink and such strings are connected in parallel in one arm
of rectifier. In this arrangement correct reverse voltage distribution should be ensured.
2) Parallel connected rectifier cells. (fig. 2) In this arrangement, good current sharing should
be ensured.
In any combination of the arrangements, the cells can fail either by over-voltage or
overcurrent. Over-currents can be caused by external faults as well as internal faults such as
backfire fault in one cell imposing overcurrents on healthy cells.
After the backfire fault I, the faulty cell is of no value but it is important to disconnect it to
prevent accelerated damage to healthy cells.
Continuous current rating :
After determining the load current and the circuit arrangement, with semi-conductor cells, the
position of fuse-links in the circuit should be determined. Thus, the maximum RMS current
which will flow can be decided and the current rating of the fuse-links can be established.
Thermal rating of the semi-conductor devices as compared with energy limitation by
the fuse-link in the event of an overcurrent ;
After an initial selection based on R.M.S. current rating the I
2
t with stand value of the cell
should be higher than the I
2
t let-through value of the protective fuse corresponding to fault-
clearance time.
The circuit conditions which influence the I
2
t let-through value of the fuse link are prospective
current and applied voltage.
i. Prospective Short Circuit Current :
The peak prospective current of the supply is usually known.
(peak asymmetrical short-circuit current- = R.M.S. Symmetrical value x 2x1.6.). If this
R.M.S. value is not known the same can be calculated as follows :
Prospective current =
Equipment Input load current x 100 A
Supply percent Impedance
ii. Peak Inverse Voltage :
The cell survival value of peak inverse voltage should be higher than that of the
corresponding protective fuselink.
From the fuse manufacturers data on fuse-links, the I
2
t value, against peak asymmetrical
short-circuit current and the applied peak inverse voltage, for the selected fuse-link is read off
and if this value does not exceed the I
2
t of the chosen semi-conductor device, the fuse-link
will protect the device.
The selection of fuse-link for an application depends very much upon the method of
connection of the semi-conductor and the location of the fuse-links for their short circuit
protection. This is best illustrated by examples and we shall consider a few typical
arrangements in practice.
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
35
Example 1 :
A 3 phase fully controlled bridge circuit is
shown in fig. 3. The particulars are
a) Non-repetitive peak on-state current
(I
TSM
) is 1500A
b) The I
2
t withstand value of the device is
11000 A
2
S.
c) Non-repetitive peak reverse voltage
(v
RSM
) is 1200V
The circuit information is as below :
a) The incoming supply is 415V 3 phase
with 5% impedance
b) The D.C. load current is 190A
c) One thyristor device per arm is provided.
For the type of connection
I
rms
shown, the ratio = 0.816
I
d
I
ar m
and = 0.577
I
d
1) A.C. Line Current
= 190 X 0.816 = 155 A.
2) The arm current
= 190 X 0.577 = 110 A.
3) The maximum fault current that
is likely to flow = 155 X 100/5
= 3100A
Now having established the circuit and
device information, select a suitable
fuse - link having
1) The peak inverse withstand of 1000V.
2) A nominal rated current equal to or
greater than the current flowing through the
device it protects.
3) An I
2
t let through value less than the
device I
2
t withstand value of 11000 A
2
S.
4) A peak cut-off current less than the
device peak withstand current.
From the range of HBC fuse-links
GE Power Controls for the short circuit
protection of semi-conductors, type
GSG1000/150A is the nearest equivalent
fuse-link.
3 Phase Fully Controlled Bridge Circuit
1) The fuse-link has a rated P.I.V. equivalent to rated P.I.V. of the device.
2) The 150A fuse-link has a rating matching with the line current and the nominal current
rating of the device.
3) The I
2
t let through value of GSG1000/150A fuse-link at a prospective current of 3100A at a
P.I.V. of 600V is 9000 A
2
S which is less than the with-stand value of 11000 A
2
S. of the device.
4) The cut-off current of GSG1000/150A fuse-link at 3100 Amp. r.m.s prospective current is
2500A. The device ITSM is 1500A and the peak withstand value is therefore 1500X2 = 3000A.
The fuse-link will protect the device since the cut-off current of the fuse-link is only 2500A.
5) The peak arc voltage of GSG 1000/150A fuse-link at 415V r.m.s is 800Volts. This is less
than the rated peak value of the reverse voltage of the device.
Thus for the above application GSG 1000/150A incorporated in the a.c input side of the
circuit will provide short circuit protection.
If we consider GSG 1000/110A fuse-link in place of GSG 1000/150A, it will be interesting to
note that the arm current in the 3 phase bridge circuit is the same as that of the fuse rating.
The fuse will provide a closer degree of protection to the device.
While the GSG1000/150A fuse-link is the apt recommendation for the example under
consideration, GSG1000/110A fuse-link may however be considered where the peak withstand
current of the semiconductor device is still lower than the assumed value-i.e. in this example
3000A- providing of course that other considerations such as ambient temperature variations,
contribution of heat by other fuse-links in service and the possible difference in the performance
of the devices from designed values with their total or individual contributions, do not enhance
the operating temperature of the fuse-links under normal working conditions.
Example 2 :
Consider a single phase antiparallel controller circuit shown in Fig 4
a) Non-repetitive peak on-state current ITSM is 650 A.
b) The I
2
t withstand value of the device is 2120 A
2
S
c) Non-repetitive peak reverse voltage VRSM is 800V.
The circuit infomation is as below :
a) The incoming supply is 250V single phase a.c. with 2% impedance.
b) The r.m.s. line current is 70A.
c) One thyristor per arm is provided and there are two positions for accommodating the
fuse-link, position A and B.
The r.m.s. current through thyristor = 70A x 0.707 = 50A
The maximum fault current that is likely to flow = 70 x 100/2 = 3500A
The first consideration will be GSG 1000/75 Amp. on the line in position A.
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
36
Example 3:
Let us now consider a rectifier installation, say for a caustic soda
plant, the circuit for which is shown in Fig. 5 (a) and 5 (b).
A. The circuit information is
i) Rectifier connection - double wye 3 phase
ii) Output current (DC) I
d
= 15600A.
iii) The no-load a.c. voltage E
do
= 257V
iv) Protection available for the circuit is with standard air circuit
breaker on input side, fuses for rectifier protection and short circuiter
of incoming supply for fault in output side and overload tripping
arrangement for D.C. output.
B. Transformer information: (Double wye connection)
i) The ratio of secondary r.m.s. current (I
rms
) in the line from the
transformer to the total d.c. output current (I
d
)
i.e. I
rms
/ I
d
= 0.289.
therefore I
rms
= 15600 x 0.289 = 4500 Amp.
and current per arm = 4500 Amp.
ii) Assuming 6% impedance for transformer the maximum fault
current is 4500 x 100/6 = 75000 Amp.
iii) The ratio of no load a.c. r.m.s. voltage (E
rms
) line to line to no-load
d.c. voltage (E
do
)
i.e. E
rms
/ E
do
= 1.48
therefore E
rms
= 1.48 x 257 = 380 Volts
iv) The ratio of average rectified current per arm (I
av
) to the total d.c.
output value (I
d
)
i.e. I
av
/ I
d
= 0.167
therefore Mean Current per arm = 15600 x 0.167 = 2600 A.
C. The device information is
i) I
FSM
= 5 x 10
3
A.
ii) I
2
t = 153 x 10
3
A
2
S.
iii) V
RSM
= 1200V
iv) IF (DC) = 340Amp.
To make up for the arm current of 4500 Amp. a number of cells are
to be straight in parallel and for eleven or more cells the derating
factor for non-uniform sharing of current in parallel paths will be
75%. Allowance of 2 strings in an arm is made so that in case of
failure up to 2 strings in an arm the equipment can remain in
operation until routine maintenance.
Hence number of parallel paths per arm assuming one cell
per arm = 4500 / 340 x 0.75 + 2 = 20
I) From the range of fuse-links from GE Power Controls GSG 1000/
75A is the nearest rating for the line current of 70A.
1) The I
2
t let throughby the fuse-lik at 3500A RMS fault current and
250V RMS is 1100 A
2
S.
2) The cut off current at a fault current of 3500A r.m.s. is 1400A.
While the I
2
t is within acceptable limits of the thyristor the cut off
current exceeds 2XI
TSM
The I
TSM
value quoted by most manufacturers
are known to be conservative and the factor 2 used is low.
Recommendations on the basis of I
2
t alone have been made and
there is no known case of a fuse failing to protect, having been thus
recommended.
II) Now consider two GSG1000/55A fuse-link one in series with each
thyristor (position B)
1) The I
2
t let through by the fuse-link at 3500A. r.m.s. fault current
and 250V r.m.s. is 800 Amp.
2
Sec.
2) The cut-off current at 3500A r.m.s. is 1250A.
3) The peak arc voltage at 250V r.m.s. is 550V
The fuse-link GSG 1000/55A satisfies all requirements. Hence, the
recommenation for this application, would be GSG1000/55A.
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
37
S
i
n
g
l
e

P
h
a
s
e
T
h
r
e
e

P
h
a
s
e
S
i
x

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h
a
s
e
Application Data Circuit Transformer Power Impedance Conduction
Information Information Factor Factor Period
Column Ref Number 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Abbreviations Erms fr lav lrms Epr Epr Irms Pp Ps PF Z B
Edo fs Id Id Edo Erms Id P P
Half Wave Resistive
or Inductive Load 2.22 1 1.0 1.57 3.14 1.41 1.57 2.47 3.5 0.405 200 180
Full Wave Center
Tap 2.22 2 0.5 0.707 3.14 2.83 0.707 1.11 1.57 0.90 200 180
Bridge 1.11 2 0.5 0.707 1.57 1.41 1.00 1.11 1.11 0.90 200 180
Wye 1.48 3 0.333 0.577 2.09 2.45 0.577 1.21 1.48 0.826 191 120
Bridge 0.74 6 0.333 0.577 1.05 2.45 0.816 1.05 1.05 0.955 200 120
Double Wye 1.48 6 0.167 0.289 2.00 2.45 0.289 1.05 1.48 0.955 141 120
Star 1.48 6 0.167 0.408 1.05 2.83 0.408 1.28 1.81 0.955 58 60
Parrallel Bridge 0.715 12 0.167 0.408 1.05 2.83 0.577 1.01 1.43 0.985 200 60
(without IPT)
Parrallel Bridge 0.74 12 0.167 0.289 1.05 2.83 0.408 1.01 1.05 0.985 200 120
(with IPT)
Series Bridge 0.37 12 0.333 0.577 1.05 2.45 0.816 1.01 1.05 0.985 200 120
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
38
Silicon rectifier circuit diagrams references
Cloumn 1 - Ratio of no load rms ac voltage (Erms) (line-to-line) to
no-load dc voltage (Edo). The no-load dc voltage is given
approximately by :
Edo = (E
d
+ nE
f
)
Where E
d
= full load D.C. voltage
E
f
= Forward voltage drop
n - number of devices in series per arm (half wave)
or
2X number of devices in series per arm (bridge)
R = Percent resistive drop in transformer
X
1
= percent reactive drop in transformer
Z = impedance factor given, in column 11
Note - Busbars, saturable reactors, tap changers and system
impedance, may increase both the resistive and reactive voltage
drop.
Column 2 - Ratio of dc ripple frequency (f
r
) over the line
frequency (f
s
)
Note - The overlap (high commutating reactance) increases the
ripple voltage. Phase control also increases the ripple voltage
substantially.
Column 3 - Ratio of average rectified dc (I
av
) per arm to the total
D.C. output current (I
d
).
Column 4 - Ratio of rms current (I
rms
) per arm to the total D.C.
output current (I
d
).
Note - Fuses are dimensioned for rms current.
Column 5 - Ratio of the reverse voltage across the rectifier (E
pr
) to
the no-load D.C. voltage E
do.
{1+ X1/ Z + R/100}
Column 6 - Ratio of the reverse voltage across the rectifier (E
pr
) to
the secondary rms voltage (E
rms
) across the transformer leg.
Column 7 - Ratio of the secondary rms current (I
rms
) in the line from
the transformer to the total D.C. output current (I
d
).
Note - Fuses in the A.C. leads of bridge rectifiers must be
dimensioned for this secondary current.
Column 8 - Ratio of the primary rated power (P
P
) of the rectifier
transformer to the ideal output power (P) of the rectifier. This power
is given by P = I
dc
x E
do
. This value is used for fault current
calculation.
Column 9 - Ratio of the secondary rated power (Pr) of the rectifier
transformer to the ideal out-put power (P) of the rectifier (see
column 8). This indicates the frame size required.
Column 10 - Maximum obtainable power factor Ratio of the
apparent power (in KVA to the real power (in KW in the primary of
the transformer. Overlap and phase control reduce the power factor
to a value below this maximum.
Column 11 - The impedance factor needed to calculate voltage drop.
Cloumn 12 - The conduction period
GS Semiconductor Fuselinks
39
table given. The choice of the appropriate fuse-link depends on the
completeness of the circuit and device information for a particular
application.
Other consideratons affecting the rating of fuse-link :
1) Ambient temperature : The effect of ambient temperature on the
current rating of the fuse-link is pronounced when the maximum end
cap temperature permissible is exceeded and in such cases
derating of the fuse-link becomes necessary. A derating factor is
usually applied on the standard rating. A thumb rule of 1% deration
for every C rise above 35C ambient will give the deration on the
standard rating whose end cap temperature is equal to 110C. This
deration will give a safe working temperature on the end cap.
2) Enclosure : The standard ratings of the fuse-links are normally
free air ratings. If the fuses are installed in an enclosure, the
temperature of the enclosure is likely to be higher. For instance in an
40C ambient if the fuses are in an enclosure the temperature of the
enclosure is likely to be of the order of 55C with reasonable
ventilation.
This means that fuse-links which have an end cap temperature rise
of 55C in open air will have to be derated when installed in an
enclosure. Further deration may be needed if the enclosure is
completely sealed and also incorporates components which
produce heat due to the passage of current. Alternatively, if forced
ventilation is adopted uprating of the fuse is also possible.
3) Pulsing : Where continous current duty is involved the basis of
rating the fuse on RMS current is satisfactory. On the other hand
where the duty involves a specific duty cycle in terms of a few
cycles or even one half of a cycle of a sine wave, further checks will
have to be made to ensure that the fuse selected on the basis of
continuous rating will give performance without deterioration. The
following considerations are important in selecting the fuselink.
i) The RMS value of the current during the duty cycle (comprising
ON/OFF periods) must not exceed the current rating of the fuse-
link.
ii) the RMS value of the current during ON time must not exceed
50% of the RMS current which would cause the fuse to operate for
the same ON time.
iii) If the pulse is less than 10 milliseconds then the I
2
t value of the
pulse should not be greater than 50% of the short circuit pre-arcing
I
2
t value shown in the published fuse charateristics.
The foregoing considerations applied to the standardfuse rating may
result in a higher rated fuse-link to be chosen. In all such cases, a
second check to ensure that the fault let-through values by the fuse-
link do not exceed the limiting values of the semiconductor devices
for safe operaton.
D) Selection of fuse for diode protection
The actual current in a string assuming failure of
two cells 4500/18 x 0.75 = 333A.
Fault current/string = 75000/18 x 0.75 = 5550A.
Considering GS 1000/400A in series with each cell, the I
2
t value at
5550A. R.M.S. and 540 V p.i.v. = 150000 A
2
S.
The cut-off current at 5550A = 7.5 x 10
3
A.
Case 1 : Fault on D.C. busbars :
Disregarding the drop in rectifier, the fault current can be assumed to
be 75000A (restricted only by the percentage impedance of the
transformer) Fault current per string in an arm = 75000/18 x 0.75 =
5550A.
From values for fuse-link it can be seen that the GS1000/400 A.
fuse will protect the diode.
However, for a fault on the D.C. busbars, the short circuiter will short
circuit the input before the rectifier thereby allowing the breaker on
the input side to operate. The normal time of operation for a short
circuiter is of the order of 2 milliseconds.
The I
2
t let through for 2 milliseconds (time taken by short circuiter)
with a fault current of 5550A r.m.s.
= 0.002
(5550 x 2)
2
Sin
2
wt
0
= 14.6 x 10
6
A
2
S.
The pre-arcing I
2
t of the GS1000/400A fuse-link is 60 x 10
3
A
2
S.
Since total I
2
t = I
2
t for each cell x (no. of cells in parallel)
2
=
(60 x 10
3
) x (*20)
2
= 24 x 10
6
A
2
S.
(*assuming all fuses in 20 parallel paths are intact)
The I
2
t let through by the short circuiter is less than the pre-arcing I
2
t
of the fuse combination and hence the operation of fuse-links for this
condition is not warranted.
Case 2 : Backfire fault :
I
2
t let through by one fuse in series with faulty cell at 75000 A. 540
P.I.V. (380V r.m.s.) = 350000 A
2
S. This I
2
t is shared by 18 cells in the
return arm during the period of conduction. Hence the I
2
t let through
each string.
= 350000/ (18)
2
= 1.8 x 10
3
A
2
S.
The above value is considerably less than the pre-arcing I
2
t for GS
1000/400 Amp. (60 x 10
3
A
2
S.) and hence only the fuse in series with
the faulty cell will operate.
The characteristics of the selected fuse-link may have to be
co-ordinated with characteristics of other devices for overload
protection and where a fuse-link is required for overload protection
also, a suitable fuse-link may be selected by co-ordination of time
current characteristics and cell-survival characteristics.
As a large number of circuit configurations are used in practice and
since in the application of fuse-links the circuit details form the basis
for a co-ordinated fuse selection, the most common configurations
and the relationships of associated parameters are furnished in the