Numerical thermal analysis of fuses for power semiconductors

This paper describes a simplified thermal model of fast fuse suitable for power electronic circuits, especially for power rectifiers. This model has been validated with a single-phase rectifier and can be used to analyse the thermal behaviour of fast fuses during transient conditions. The procedure for achieving the simplified model is also presented. The parameters’ model include all the necessary information about the fast fuse geometry, its components’ materials and heat dissipation to the surrounding area. On the basis of this simplified model, the transient thermal behaviour of fast fuse can be estimated for complex power electronic circuit with accuracy and speed.

► The thermal impedance of a fast fuse has been established.
► The thermal impedance includes data about the geometry and materials of the fuse.
► On the basis of thermal to electrical parameters analogy, the simplified model of the fuse can be implemented in different electric circuits.
► New fuse designs can be evaluated for their thermal behaviour.