Burndown prevention in static power converter equipment

Burndown of static power converter equipment is, fortunately, a rare event. When it does occur it is devastating. Danger to personnel and long-term loss of production are the result. Designers and users of the equipment are, understandably, not inclined to publicize their misfortunes. As a result, few technical papers are written on the subject. Over the years the authors have investigated some burndowns, and heard rumors of others. One author has been present, on more than one occasion, when arcing faults have occurred, fortunately without either burndown or physical injury to personnel. These experiences have provided much information concerning are initiation, burndowns, and their causes. Although the experience on which this article is based relates to low-voltage (<1000 volts), high power (>l MW), phase-controlled converters, the conclusions and recommendations are applicable to all types of low-voltage converters