Protection against short-circuit situations and power overload in DC microgrids
DC grids are an ideal solution to support the increased requirements of the onboard power system, but they cannot be safely deployed without the necessary protection. Fuses often aren’t the best option when it comes to safety and efficiency. Based on market input Astrol Electronic AG and KWx co-created a product range of 1.5kV DC breaker switches for marine applications.
The primary and most important function of our DC breaker switch technology is its ultra-fast interruption of high powers, thereby preventing the dramatic consequences of short circuit situations.
The Astrol DC breaker switch is based on modern and powerful semiconductor technology. It guarantees reliable protection against short-circuit currents in any part of the grid and allows the system integrator to achieve selectivity in the most flexible way. The 1.5kV version uses 3.3kV Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBT) as well as diode modules and can handle nominal voltages up to 1.500V.
This video briefly explains the working and advantages of our DC breaker switch technology.
Why use Astrol Electronic AG’s DC breaker switches?
Safety by preventing arc forming
Thanks to the ultra-fast switch-off times (μs) our solid-state DC breaker switches prevent arcing in case of short circuit-situations.
System-independent and modular design
The DC breaker switch is a system-independent solution with a modular design and is easily integrated into new and existing systems.
Marine type-approved product
The DC breaker switch is a type-approved product (DNV and Lloyds Register pending), which simplifies the process of getting a complete system certified. The certified bodies actively support the use of modern technologies.
Cost-efficient and green solution
System integrators and naval architects who want to design sustainable DC systems benefit from our DC breaker switches which enable smarter solutions, leading to fuel savings, lower maintenance costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
Consultancy, technical knowledge and certified products
Our experienced consultants and extensive DC solutions will make sure you’ll rely on professional support and the availability of certified DC breaker switches with unique features such as balancing switch and communication between DC breaker switches to achieve protection selectivity.
Enabling Innovative and SMART DC systems
Do you want to design innovative, future-proof DC systems that allow the integration of modern energy sources? Our technology enables efficient topologies such as closed bus tie and ring systems.
A solution you can rely on!
- Stand-alone solution for integration in any type of DC-grid
- Autonomous switch-off capability
- Fast switch off-time within microseconds (total fault clearance: 21 μs! )
- Modular system
- Switch-off current <- 20kA
- Bidirectional current flow
- Liquid cooling
- Internal self-diagnostics
- Customized interface to overall controller
- Optical (glass or POF) connections
- Modbus-TCP, PROFINET, web-based, etc.
- Wire bus system with CAN and RS485
- 24V power supply with internal filter module
Interested in the DC breaker range? Request the documentation using the form below:
Do you want to design innovative, future-proof DC systems?
This technology enables the design of sustainable DC systems with technologies that enable smarter solutions, leading to fuel savings, lower maintenance costs and a smaller environmental footprint.
Our Astrol DC breaker switches enable the design of innovative, future-proof DC systems (such as hybrid systems) that allow the integration of modern energy sources. Last but not least it enables the design of efficient topologies such as closed bus tie systems and zone protection.
The Astrol DC breaker switches are highly recommended for protecting onboard DC power systems.
If you’re challenged with designing complex, smart and future-proof DC systems, our experienced consultants can help. You will rely on professional support and the availability of certified DC breaker switches with unique features such as a balancing switch, and communication between DC breaker switches to achieve protection selectivity. With our maritime DC solutions and professional support, we’ll always make sure you’ll meet your special, electrical and mechanical requirements.
