Device and method to protect an electric power distribution network against current faults

摘要

An electric power distribution network is protected against a current fault. The electric power distribution network incorporates a plurality of safety devices to electrically isolate a part of the electric power distribution network when the current through a safety device exceeds a predetermined activation threshold. In the electric power distribution network, a short circuit condition can be detected by a voltage dip. In a network protection device, electric energy is stored in an energy buffer. Upon detecting a voltage dip in the electric power distribution network, the network protection device discharges at least part of the stored energy electrically into the electric power distribution network, while generating a discharge current which is at least as high as to activate the safety device with the highest activation threshold in the electric power distribution network.