Dc circuit breaker with counter current generation

A power system comprising:

• a transmission line arranged to carry direct current and
• a circuit-breaker device comprising
• a main branch-and an auxiliary branch electrically in parallel with the main branch, wherein the main branch comprises at least one mechanical switch-disconnector in series with a breaker cell constituted of at least one semiconductor switch;
• and
• a snubber circuit in parallel with the at least one breaker cell, the snubber circuit including an energy storage element, wherein the mechanical switch-disconnector is switchable to selectively allow current to flow in the main branch in a first mode of operation or commutate current from the main branch to the auxiliary branch in a second mode of operation,
• wherein the snubber circuit further comprises a bleeder resistor arranged to create a counter current in the main branch when current is commutated from the main branch to the auxiliary branch by discharging the energy storage element coupled to the transmission line to controllably effecting discontinuation of flow of direct current in the transmission line.