On the Design of a Linear Composite Magnetic Damper

High-voltage direct current (HVdc) breakers are the key components in the realization of multiterminal HVdc grids. In the presence of fault current, these breakers should be able to deliver impulsive forces to swiftly open the metallic contacts. After the acceleration phase, the moving armature should be decelerated using controllable forces to avoid plastically deforming fragile components integrated in the system. In this paper, finite-element method-based simulation models, complimented with small-scale and large-scale experimental prototypes, were utilized to benchmark different damping topologies. It was found that a Halbach-based configuration can deliver a damping force that is almost two and a half times larger than its sequel. Its sequel, composed of vertically stacked oppositely oriented magnets, is easier to assemble and is also capable of generating a considerable damping force. Finally, it has been shown that both these schemes, inserted in a composite tube, have a potential to be used as dampers in HVdc breakers.