Solid state DC circuit breaker to protect a load

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design and implementation of a solid-state DC circuit breaker using a MOSFET to protect a load from overvoltages, specifically in the context of a circuit that includes an inductor and resistor. Participants are exploring circuit configurations, component connections, and the behavior of the circuit under overvoltage conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes using a MOSFET as a solid-state DC circuit breaker to interrupt the circuit and protect the load from overvoltages.
  • Another participant questions the connection of an op-amp in the circuit, seeking clarification on its role and the source of voltage pulses.
  • A participant explains that the pulses represent overvoltages intended to trigger the MOSFET to interrupt current flow.
  • Suggestions are made to modify the circuit connections for better functionality, including disconnecting certain voltage sources and reconfiguring the op-amp connections.
  • One participant identifies the source of overvoltage pulses as a lightning strike, but mentions using a pulsed voltage supply for testing purposes.
  • Another participant expresses approval of a revised circuit design presented by the original poster.
  • Concerns are raised about the circuit's ability to manage current levels, specifically that overvoltage could cause current to exceed a known maximum of 2.3A.
  • A participant describes using a 555 timer to generate pulse signals that will influence the operation of the MOSFET.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the circuit design and its effectiveness, with some suggesting modifications while others agree on certain aspects of the revised circuit. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the optimal configuration and functionality of the circuit.

Contextual Notes

Participants have noted limitations in understanding the full circuit configuration and the implications of certain connections, which may affect the overall functionality and protection offered by the MOSFET.

knowledgeseeki
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My choice of solid state Dc circuit breaker is the Mosfet, easily available( i got loads!)
i want the mosfet to interrupt the circuit to protect the load from overvoltages
This is what I've done so far, please help its not working the way i want it to.

note to mods: i also put this question up in the general eng section, please remove from there if this is an infraction.

The resistor connected to the inductor is regarded as my load that i want to protect.
 

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Can you explain why you connected the op amp U1A in series with V9?
What supplies the pulses of V7?
 
The pulses of V7 are the overvoltages i am trying to protect my load from by interrupting the circuit via the mosfet
are you saying the Vs+ of the opamp shouldn't be connected in series with V9?
it does need a power source, should it be in parallel
 
In order to make meaningful suggestions, I need to understand the circuit. What supplies the overvoltage pulses?

Without fully understanding the circuit I suggest disconnecting the V+ from V9- and connecting V9- to ground. Then I would connect the op amp V+ to V9+ and disconnect V9+ from everything else.

Why can't you connect the op amp V+ to V3+ and eliminate V9 altogether?
 
The circuit purpose is to protect the load. The mosfet is to turn off to interrupt current flow and on when the current has dropped down to a safe operating region.
The source of the overvoltage pulse is a lighting strike( but for purpose of testing i will simply a pulsed voltage supply)

Actually that circuit i posted previously is a lot wrong.

Does this circuit make more sense?

(the load i want to protect is the inductor resistor combination)

the differential amp, is used to control the on off time of the mosfet so that the mosfet can turn off interrputing the circuit thereby decreasing the current in the load, once the safe limit has been reached the mosfet is to turn back on.
 

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Yes, I like that circuit a lot more.
 
Actually skeptic2 i think the circuit i showed u is quite wrong at least for what i am trying to achieve.
i know the max current across my load is 2.3A ( source being 24 and impedance of load being 10.48)

however what i want to show is that the Overvoltage causes the current in the load to increase beyond 2.3A thereafter showing that the mosfet by switching off interrupts the circuit and allows the current in the load to dissipate and drop back down to 2.3A.
 

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The pulse voltage supply i was talking about is just connecting a power source to a 555 timer and using the pulse signal from the timer to determine the comprator signal hence when the Mosfet turns on or off
 

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