Influence of high-frequency loading in DC-link fuses

The demand for protection of power electronic applications has during the last couple of years increased regarding the high power IGBT modules. Even with an active protection, a high power IGBT still has a risk of exhibiting a violent rupture in the case of a fault if IGBT fuses do not protect it. A possible solution is a DC-link fuse protection of the converter. This paper initially discusses some possible locations of fuses in a voltage source converter and a comparison of the protection level. Then, based on an AC resistance prediction the influence of skin effect in fuses is analyzed. Next, some considerations about current distribution and spectral analysis of the current in DC-link fuses when high frequency components are present in the current are shown. Finally, based on experimental results, a temperature distribution analysis of DC-link fuses is done.