The effect of silicon avalanche diodes on fuse behaviour in LV power networks

The effect of silicon avalanche diodes (SADs) on the behaviour of fuses in low voltage (LV) power networks is shown, as well as the effect of the fuses on the energy dissipation in the SADs. In order to achieve this, an existing model developed for medium voltage fuses was adapted for LV fuses operating in the presence of SADs. A SAD model was also developed. Both models were validated by laboratory measurement. The effects of fault closing angle and fault level on SAD energy dissipation are shown, and a general method for determining the SAD energy rating for any given situation is derived.