Computer simulated design study of a high voltage, high current, DC circuit breaker for fusion research

The purpose of this thesis is to develop a proposal for a circuit breaker meeting specific requirements to be used on a fusion research experiment. A vacuum circuit breaker with forced commutation is chosen due to energy and time considerations.

The various circuit breaker models are simulated using the computer program SUPER*SCEPTRE. Plots and tables of the current profiles during interruption are studied and used to determine component values that will permit the circuit breaker to meet previously established operational criteria.