This paper presents a low-cost intelligent fuse (iFuse) concept for controllable overcurrent protection of multi-inverter microgrids. The iFuse integrates power electronics, sensing, and communication with a traditional fuse for controlled triggering from 20% of rated current to the desired interruption rating. Local intelligence allows the iFuse to trip selectively and only when the downstream device is faulted. In this paper, operation principles of the iFuse are articulated, and its controllability is demonstrated. To validate semiconductor device survivability, a laboratory-scale current pulse generation experimental testbed is developed to subject the devices under test to a 1.5-kA pulse (10-kA in the full paper).
