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Arc suppression at switching point (i.e., includes solid-state switch)

Subclass of:

361 - Electricity: electrical systems and devices

361001000 - SAFETY AND PROTECTION OF SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

Patent class list (only not empty are listed)

Deeper subclasses:

Class / Patent application numberDescriptionNumber of patent applications / Date published
361002000 Arc suppression at switching point (i.e., includes solid-state switch) 62
20080225444Arc-discharge detection device - The present invention discloses an arc-discharge detection device, which is used to detect the arc discharge persistently occurring in between an inverter and a load during an abnormal power transmission state. The inverter is arranged in a circuit board, and a carbonized loop is defined in an arc-discharge reaction area of the circuit board. In the present invention, a power-variation detection unit is electrically coupled to the carbonized loop and detects the power-level variation caused by the carbonized loop and generates a power-variation signal; an interpretation unit receives the power-variation signal and utilizes a decision level to determine whether the power variation is caused by arc discharge and outputs an abnormal-power signal if the interpretation result is positive; and a trigger unit is driven by the abnormal-power signal to interrupt the inverter's outputting high-voltage power to the load.09-18-2008
20080225445Arc-discharge protection device with temperature detection mode - The present invention discloses an arc-discharge protection device with a temperature detection mode, which is used to detect the arc discharge persistently occurring in between an inverter and a load during an abnormal power transmission state and is arranged in a connector coupling said inverter and said load and implementing the high-voltage power transmission therebetween. In the present invention, a temperature signal sampling unit is used to detect a temperature change of the connector and generate a temperature-change signal; next, an interpretation unit receives the temperature-change signal and utilizes a decision level to determine whether the temperature change is the abnormal high temperature phenomenon caused by arc discharge and outputs an abnormal-temperature signal if the interpretation result is positive; and a trigger unit is driven by the abnormal-temperature signal to interrupt the inverter's outputting high-voltage power to the load.09-18-2008
20080253040Ablative Plasma Gun - A plasma gun with two gap electrodes on opposite ends of a chamber of ablative material such as an ablative polymer. The gun ejects an ablative plasma at supersonic speed. A divergent nozzle spreads the plasma jet to fill a gap between electrodes of a main arc device, such as an arc crowbar or a high voltage power switch. The plasma triggers the main arc device by lowering the impedance of the main arc gap via the ablative plasma to provide a conductive path between the main electrodes. This provides faster triggering and requires less trigger energy than previous arc triggers. It also provides a more conductive initial main arc than previously possible. The initial properties of the main arc are controllable by the plasma properties, which are in turn controllable by design parameters of the ablative plasma gun.10-16-2008
20090316310Arc-flash hazard protection system for three-phase electrical distribution system - An arc-flash hazard protection system for a three-phase electrical distribution system having a plurality of switchgear interconnected with a plurality of distribution buses is disclosed. The protection system includes a plurality of first and second current transformers in signal communication with respective first and second phases of each of the plurality of switchgear, and a bus differential relay connected to receive output signals from each of the first and second current transformers of each of the plurality of switchgear to establish a bus differential protection scheme utilizing only two of the three available phases for each of the plurality of switchgear. The bus differential relay includes a processor responsive to computer executable code when executed thereon to provide a relay trip output signal to each of the plurality of switchgear in response to the bus differential protection scheme of the respective switchgear indicating an imbalanced three-phase current distribution thereat indicative of an arc-flash condition.12-24-2009
20100157486ARC FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER AND METHOD PROVIDING IMPROVED NUISANCE TRIP REJECTION - An arc fault circuit interrupter includes separable contacts, an operating mechanism and an arc fault detector structured to detect an arc fault condition operatively associated with the contacts. The arc fault detector includes a tuned current sensor structured to sense broadband noise of a current flowing through the contacts, a compression circuit including an input of the sensed broadband noise and an output. The compression circuit compresses the dynamic range of the sensed broadband noise. A minimum detector includes an input of the compression circuit output and an output of the minimum value of the minimum detector input. A processor includes a number of inputs and an output. One of the inputs is the output of the minimum value of the minimum detector. A trip mechanism cooperates with the output of the processor and the operating mechanism to trip open the contacts responsive to the detected arc fault condition.06-24-2010
20100321836MULTI-POLE ARC-FAULT CIRCUIT INTERRUPTER - A multi-pole circuit breaker having the same number of sensors and controllers as poles. One pole is monitored by a first sensor and a first controller, which are disposed on a first circuit board. Another pole is monitored by a second sensor and a second controller, which are disposed on a second circuit board that is cable-connected to the first circuit board. A ground-fault sensor monitors the sum of current flowing through the line conductors and a neutral conductor, and the output of the ground-fault sensor is provided to one or both of the controllers. Each controller is operable to detect arc faults on the respective line that it is monitoring, and at least one is operable to detect ground faults. A push-to-test algorithm is executed in relay fashion, with one controller executing the test before passing the result of the test onto the next controller, which in turns executes the test.12-23-2010
20110096444MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM BASED ARC-LESS SWITCHING WITH CIRCUITRY FOR ABSORBING ELECTRICAL ENERGY DURING A FAULT CONDITION - A system is presented. The system includes a micro-electromechanical system switch. Further, the system includes a balanced diode bridge configured to suppress arc formation between contacts of the micro-electromechanical system switch. A pulse circuit is coupled to the balanced diode bridge to form a pulse signal in response to a fault condition. An energy-absorbing circuitry is coupled in a parallel circuit with the pulse circuit and is adapted to absorb electrical energy resulting from the fault condition without affecting a pulse signal formation by the pulse circuit.04-28-2011
20110170217THERMALLY PROTECTED SURGE SUPPRESSION DEVICE - A thermally protected surge suppression device comprises a housing and a base seat with a mounting plate. The base seat is provided with a surge suppression component and a thermal protection device, and the thermal protection device further comprises a metal bulge electrically connecting to the electrode B of the surge suppression component, a compression spring, a slider provided with an arc extinguishing component movable on the guide-track groove. In normal working condition, the conductive metal member electrically connects to the metal bulge via a low temperature solder. When the surge suppression component fails, the low temperature solder is melt owing to being passed through the power frequency fault current, the conductive metal member is disconnected from the metal bulge, the compression spring pushes the arc extinguishing component to move to obstruct the disconnected gap, and form an airflow to extinguish the electric arc between the conductive metal member and the metal bulge. The present invention provides a safer, more timely and reliable circuit protection.07-14-2011
20110222191Two Terminal Arc Suppressor - A two terminal arc suppressor for protecting switch, relay or contactor contacts and the like comprises a two terminal module adapted to be attached in parallel with the contacts to be protected and including a circuit for deriving an operating voltage upon the transitioning of the switch, relay or contactor contacts from a closed to an open disposition, the power being rectified and the resulting DC signal used to trigger a power triac switch via an optoisolator circuit whereby arc suppression pulses are generated for short predetermined intervals only at a transition of the mechanical switch, relay or contactor contacts from an closed to an open transition and, again, at an open to a close transition during contact bounce conditions.09-15-2011
20110267721Method for Detecting an Electric Arc in a Photovoltaic Installation - Method for detecting an electric arc in a photovoltaic device by ultrasound, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: 11-03-2011
20120063036SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR CIRCUIT PROTECTION WITHIN AN EQUIPMENT ENCLOSURE - An arc transfer device for use in a switchgear includes at least one first electrical connector configured to connect the arc transfer device to a voltage supply within the switchgear, and a racking cassette. The racking cassette includes at least one second electrical connector that is configured to be electrically coupled to the at least one first electrical connector based on the racking position of the arc transfer device.03-15-2012
20120113550MEMS-BASED SWITCHING SYSTEMS - A device for controlling an electrical current includes control circuitry, a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch in communication with the control circuitry, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current, a Hybrid Arcless Limiting Technology (HALT) arc suppression circuit disposed in electrical communication with the MEMS switch to receive a transfer of electrical energy from the MEMS switch in response to the MEMS switch changing state from closed to open, the HALT arc suppression circuit including a capacitive portion, and a variable resistance arranged in parallel electrical communication with the capacitive portion of the HALT arc suppression circuit, the variable resistance to dissipate a portion of the transferred electrical energy.05-10-2012
20130107398Limit Switch Interface Circuit05-02-2013
20130301165RECEPTACLE WITH ARC PROTECTION CIRCUITRY - An electrical receptacle includes at least one motion sensor for detecting movement of a blade of an electrical plug in the receptacle, an extraction detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for generating a signal in response to movement of the blade at a predetermined rate, a position detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for determining the position of the blade in the receptacle, a switch operatively connected to the extraction detector and the position detector for de-energizing the receptacle when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate and wherein the extraction detector and switch are operative to de-energize the receptacle in less than six milliseconds when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate.11-14-2013
20130335861Method and System for Detecting an Arc Fault in a Power Circuit - The method of detecting an arc fault in a power circuit includes determining a first signal related to current flowing in the power circuit is determined and analyzing the first signal to determine whether the signal indicates the presence of an electric arc in the power circuit. In case the first signal indicates the presence of an electric arc in the power circuit, means for suppressing an electric arc are activated. A second signal related to current flowing in the power circuit is then determined and analyzed. An occurrence of an arc fault in the power circuit is signaled if the second signal does not indicate the presence of an electric arc. The system for detecting an arc fault is designed to perform a corresponding method.12-19-2013
20140055886CIRCUIT BREAKER SIGNALING SYSTEM FOR CONTROL OF AN ARC FAULT DETECTION SYSTEM - In an electrical distribution system an arc management system has a transducer mounted in proximity to the circuit breaker for detecting and signaling a secondary effect of an overcurrent event within the case of the circuit breaker. The transducer provides an additional input to an arc fault detection system using other detectors and thus helps to control nuisance activations of the arc extinguishing mechanism. The system is particularly suited for circuit breakers without electronics, or the like, allowing for retrofit of existing systems. The system may monitor and act upon the excessive duration of the secondary effects.02-27-2014
20140071563MONITORING SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF PREVENTING ELECTRICAL ARCS IN A SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM - A monitoring system for and method of preventing electrical arcs in a solar energy system is disclosed. The monitoring system includes an insulation resistance (IR) monitoring device, a disconnect switch, a power supply, an indicator, and optionally a communications interface. A method of preventing electrical arcs in a solar energy system using the monitoring system may include, but is not limited to, the steps of providing and installing the monitoring system in a solar energy system; activating the solar energy system and the monitoring system; continuously monitoring the insulation resistance of a conductor; if the lower and/or upper resistance threshold of the IR monitoring device is not satisfied, then transmitting a shutdown signal to the disconnect switch, thereby turning off the power to the affected circuit, and indicating the presence of the potential fault condition.03-13-2014
20140198413METHOD FOR ADAPTING AN ARC SENSOR - In a method for adapting an arc sensor (07-17-2014
20140233136Electrical Protection Device And Method - A voltage measurement is made between two points in a circuit. If the measured voltage exceeds a predetermined amount, a switch is operated to electrically connect the two points.08-21-2014
20150015997PASSIVE ARC PROTECTION FOR MAIN BREAKER LINE SIDE POWER CONDUCTORS - In a switchgear cabinet, the line side power conductors upstream of the main breaker are surrounded with are attenuating/extinguishing channels and protective conduit in a location prior to the conductor's attachment to the main breaker. Thus, passive arc attenuation can be had prior to the breakers, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) levels can be predicted and controlled, and the need for action by circuit breakers during an arcing event is substantially lessened.01-15-2015
20150029617Passive Resonance DC Circuit Breaker - A DC circuit breaker including a pair of arcing contact members for holding an arc, an interaction element, adapted for interacting with the arc in dependence of whether the arc is in a first or second state such that the arc voltage drop in the first state is lower than the drop in the second state, a resonance branch coupled in parallel to the contact members thereby forming a resonance circuit adapted for letting a resonance branch current I01-29-2015
20150070801TWO-POLE CIRCUIT BREAKERS - A two-pole circuit breaker is provided that includes a first mechanical pole, a second mechanical pole and an electronic pole. The first mechanical pole includes a first armature having a first armature extension, and the second mechanical pole includes a second armature having a second armature extension. The electronic pole includes a first solenoid and a second solenoid, the first armature extension is disposed adjacent the first solenoid, and the second armature is disposed adjacent the second solenoid. Numerous other aspects are provided.03-12-2015
20150103448Battery Management System, Motor Vehicle and Battery Module - A battery management system for a battery module having at least one battery cell provides a current path between poles of the battery module in response to a tripping signal. The current path prevents or terminates an arc in a fuse of the at least one battery cell after the fuse has been tripped. The battery management system can further include an apparatus to trip the fuse and provide the tripping signal in response to identifying the tripping of the at least one fuse. The battery management system can further include an apparatus to receive the tripping signal.04-16-2015
20150146326ELECTRIC ARC ELIMINATING APPARATUS - An electric arc eliminating apparatus includes a power supply circuit, a voltage dividing circuit, a contacting unit, a triggering unit, a voltage control switch, an interface and a connector. When the connector is inserted into the interface but not completely connected with the interface, the contacting unit is in an open state, the power supply circuit cannot output electrical power to the connector via the interface. When the connector is inserted into and completely connected with the interface, the contacting unit is in a closed state, a voltage of the power supply circuit is divided by the voltage dividing circuit, the voltage control switch is turned on, the power supply circuit provides electrical power to the connector via the interface.05-28-2015
20150325389Two Terminal Arc Suppressor - A two terminal arc suppressor for protecting switch, relay or contactor contacts and the like comprises a two terminal module adapted to be attached in parallel with the contacts to be protected and including a circuit for deriving an operating voltage upon the transitioning of the switch, relay or contactor contacts from a closed to an open disposition, the power being rectified and the resulting DC signal used to trigger a power triac switch via an optoisolator circuit whereby arc suppression pulses are generated for short predetermined intervals only at a transition of the mechanical switch, relay or contactor contacts from an closed to an open transition and, again, at an open to a close transition during contact bounce conditions.11-12-2015
20150340180APPARATUS INCLUDING A CIRCUIT BREAKER ADAPTED TO SELECTIVELY PROVIDE ARC FLASH PROTECTION IN CONNECTION WITH A WIND TURBINE - Apparatus to provide arc flash protection regarding a wind turbine. In one embodiment, a wind turbine (11-26-2015
20160007496SPARK PREVENTING ELEMENT FOR PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARD - A spark-preventing element embedded in a printed circuit board includes a capacitive output electrode, a capacitive input electrode, an interlayer conductive member electrically connecting the capacitive output electrode to a signal line, and an interlayer insulation member electrically insulating the capacitive input electrode from the signal line, The capacitive input electrode is spaced apart from the capacitive output electrode with an air gap disposed between the capacitive output electrode and the capacitive input electrode, surrounds the capacitive output electrode, and is electrically connected to the ground layer. The spark-preventing element has an improved electrical characteristic and an increased durability.01-07-2016
20160118782High Voltage Direct Current Soft-Start Circuit - A high voltage direct current soft-start circuit is provided in which a first end of a first switch is connected to a negative electrode of a high voltage direct current, a first end of a second switch is connected to the negative electrode of the high voltage direct current, and a drive control unit is connected separately to the first switch, the second switch, and a load, where a first part of a connector is connected to the drive control unit, and upon power-on, the first part of the connector communicates with a second part of the connector, to trigger the drive control unit to drive the first switch to turn on. The drive control unit delays a preset time after driving the first switch to turn on, drives the second switch to turn on, and drives the load to start after the second switch is turned on.04-28-2016
20170236661Two Terminal Arc Suppressor08-17-2017
361003000 Synchronized or sequential opening or closing 17
20080204947Configurable Arc Fault or Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter and Method - An arc fault and/or ground fault circuit interrupter includes an operating mechanism structured to open and close separable contacts, a trip mechanism cooperating with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts, a test button structured to test the operating mechanism, an indicator, and a controller structured to configure a setting of the circuit interrupter and operate the indicator to indicate the setting in response to an actuation of the test button.08-28-2008
20100134931Hybrid power relay with thermal protection - Hybrid power relay for making and breaking an electrical circuit which includes electromagnetically operated contacts for making and breaking the circuit, a solid state switch connected across the contacts, a control circuit responsive to a control signal for actuating the solid state switch and the contacts such that the solid state switch closes before the contacts to make the circuit and the contacts open before the solid state switch to break the circuit, and a protective circuit for monitoring the temperature of the solid state switch and opening the switch in the event of a rise in temperature produced by abnormal current flow in the switch due to failure of the contacts to make and maintain the circuit.06-03-2010
20130100558METHOD FOR CUTTING OFF AN ELECTRIC ARC, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PROTECTING AN INSTALLATION AGAINST VOLTAGE SURGES - The method comprising displacing the formed electric arc towards an electrode located in an intermediate position between both main electrodes; a separating the formed electric arc into two secondary electric arcs, a semiconductor switch, normally open, connecting the intermediate electrode to one of the main electrodes; closing the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the secondary electric arc between both electrodes connected by the semiconductor switch; opening the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the other secondary electric arc. The disclosure further relates to a protection method and a protection device, notably a protection device specially designed for applying the method.04-25-2013
20150092304DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PROTECTION FROM AN ELECTRIC ARC - A device for protection against an electric arc in an electric installation comprising: at least one detection apparatus of the electric arc, at least one short-circuiter establishing a short-circuit for extinction of the electric arc, an electronic control unit of the short-circuiter commanding to an established state of said short-circuit in case of detection of the electric arc by the detection apparatus, and a switchgear apparatus for interrupting said short-circuit at the end of a predefined short-circuit time delay as from the time this short-circuit is established.04-02-2015
20150381111ARC FAULT DETECTION AND EXTINGUISHING - A first switch for connection in a first circuit path between a PV panel string and an inverter in a power system, and a second switch for connection in a second circuit path across an output of the PV panel string, are normally closed and open, respectively, during non-fault operation of the power system. Both series and parallel arc faults in the power system can be extinguished by further control of the switches. Arc fault detection could be based on probabilistic frequency analysis of current or power flow measurements in the PV panel string, current or power imbalance, interruption in communications with the PV panels, or combinations of these techniques.12-31-2015
361004000 Counter electromotive force 3
20100208392COMMUTATION TYPE DC BREAKER - A commutation type DC breaker comprising a main switch inserted in series into a main circuit for connecting a DC source and a load, a commutation capacitor, a reactor, and a commutation switch for supplying charges stored in the commutation capacitor to the main switch in an opposite direction to a main circuit current, producing a current zero point, thereby breaking the main switch, 08-19-2010
20140146422Gas Circuit Breaker Provided with Parallel Capacitor - In a gas circuit breaker with a parallel capacitor, an interrupting unit is provided inside a sealed vessel filled with an insulating gas; the interrupting unit includes fixed and movable parts. A high-voltage conductor is coupled to the movable part, and an interrupting-unit side insulating rod for moving the movable part is linked with a mover as part of an electric actuator inside an operation device case. A capacitor is electrically coupled to the interrupting unit in parallel inside the sealed vessel. A movable contact is electrically coupled to the capacitor, and the movable contact is linked with a capacitor-side insulating rod. The interrupting-unit side insulating rod or mover has an engaging part inside the case, the capacitor-side insulating rod has a retaining part located on a side of the engaging part, and the retaining part is linked with the sealed vessel by use of a closing-spring.05-29-2014
20140376132SYSTEM AND METHOD TO INTERRUPT A DC CURRENT IN A HIGH VOLTAGE CIRCUIT BY USE OF AN AC CIRCUIT BREAKER - An electrical circuit to interrupt a DC current includes a bypass switch and an AC high voltage breaker which includes interrupters that are rated for carrying a current having a value of the DC current for a period of time less than or equal to continuous duty. The first interrupter is electrically coupled in parallel with the bypass switch. A making switch causes a cancellation current to flow from an energy source through the second interrupter, and through the first interrupter, in addition to the DC current. The AC high voltage breaker is adapted to a DC service as the DC current in addition to the cancellation current causes an arc quench which allows the AC high voltage breaker to cause the interruption of the DC current in the electrical circuit. A method for interrupting a DC current flowing in an AC high voltage circuit breaker is also described.12-25-2014
361005000 With current sensitive control circuit 2
20090103216Alternating Current Series Arc Fault Detection Method - A method of detecting and indicating a presence of alternating current (AC) series arc fault events in current supplied by an AC electrical power source to an electrical load for the power source comprises the steps of: measuring positive and negative current through the load over a first sample cycle of the AC power to establish first measured positive and first measured negative current levels; determining the absolute value of the first measured positive and first measured negative current levels to establish a first absolute positive current level and a first absolute negative current level; adding the first absolute positive current level and the first absolute negative current level to establish a first sum current level; measuring positive and negative current through the load over a second sample cycle staggered from the first sample cycle to establish second measured positive and second measured negative current levels; determining the absolute value of the second measured positive and second measured negative current levels to establish a second absolute positive current level and a second absolute negative current level; adding the second absolute positive current level and the second absolute negative current level to establish a second sum current level; subtracting the second sum current level from the first sum current level to establish a current difference level; and indicating a series arc fault event if the current difference level exceeds a predetermined threshold level.04-23-2009
20150077884Method and Apparatus for Localizing and Quenching an Arc - The disclosure relates to a method for localizing and quenching an arc in a PV generator of a PV system, wherein the PV generator includes at least two PV subgenerators. An arc quenching circuit is associated with each PV subgenerator. The method includes detecting an arc in the PV generator. Then, a probability value is determined for each of the PV subgenerators, wherein the probability value is correlated with a probability that the arc is located in the corresponding PV subgenerator. A sequence for activating the arc quenching circuits is then determined that is dependent on the determined probability values. Then, the arc quenching circuits are activated successively in the order of the determined sequence.03-19-2015
361006000 With voltage sensitive control circuit 1
20080310056REMOTE-OPERABLE MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM BASED OVER-CURRENT PROTECTION APPARATUS - The present invention provides a remote operable over-current protection apparatus. The apparatus includes control circuitry integrally arranged on a current path and a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch disposed on the current path, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current passing through the current path. The apparatus further includes a communication connection in signal connection with the control circuitry such that the control circuitry is responsive to a control signal on the communication connection to control a state of the MEMS switch.12-18-2008
361007000 With combined voltage and current sensitive control circuit 1
20080239592ARC FLASH ELIMINATION SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND METHOD - A method of eliminating arc flash in a motor control center is disclosed. The method includes sensing an arc flash corresponding to the motor control center. In response to sensing the arc flash, and subsequent to a delay, determining whether the arc flash continues, and in response to determining that the arc flash continues, triggering an arc crowbar.10-02-2008
361008000 Shunt bypass 5
20090097172Load breaker arrangement - The subject matter of the present invention is a load breaker arrangement (04-16-2009
20100254046CONTROLLING ARC ENERGY IN A HYBRID HIGH VOLTAGE DC CONTACTOR - A high voltage direct current (HVDC) power distribution system comprises at least one power bus; at least one load conductor; and a hybrid contactor for interconnecting the at least one power bus and the at least one load conductor and through which inductive energy passes upon disconnection of the at least one load conductor from the at least one power bus. A first portion of the inductive energy passes through the hybrid contactor as an arc. A second portion of the inductive energy passes through the hybrid contactor as resistively dissipated heat.10-07-2010
20110292551ARC EXTINGUISHING HYBRID TRANSFER SWITCH AND SWITCHING METHOD - The present invention discloses an arc extinguishing hybrid transfer switch, including a mechanical switch and a first thyristor branch connected in parallel with the first contact branch of the mechanical switch, wherein the first thyristor branch includes a first thyristor, a second thyristor, a first polarized capacitor and a second polarized capacitor, the first thyristor and the first polarized capacitor are connected in series in the same direction, the second thyristor and the second polarized capacitor are connected in series in the same direction, and a branch consisted of the first thyristor and the first polarized capacitor and a branch consisted of the second thyristor and the second polarized capacitor are connected in parallel in reverse direction. The invention further discloses a switching method for the arc extinguishing hybrid transfer switch for implementing an arc extinguishing of a mechanical switch. In the invention, a low-power thyristor may be used, thus the cost of the switch may be lowered greatly. Moreover, the thyristor may be replaced by the polarized capacitor for implementing the arc extinguishing when a short-circuit failure occurs on the thyristor. Thus, the load current is lowered greatly and the influence of thyristor failure on the load is reduced.12-01-2011
20130293985HIGH VOLTAGE DIRECT CURRENT CIRCUIT BREAKER ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD - A DC circuit breaker arrangement for interrupting a direct current on a line, includes: n DC circuit breakers connected in parallel, where n>11-07-2013
20140078622CIRCUIT BREAKERS - A circuit breaker comprising a first dc line electrically connectable to first incoming and first outgoing dc lines, wherein the first dc line comprises a first fault-interrupting switch contact system and a first switching aid network. The first switching aid network comprises first and second rectifier strings, wherein each rectifier string comprises one or more series connected reverse blocking power electronic devices that define a first H-bridge rectifier. The first switching aid network further comprises a snubber string, the snubber string comprising at least one series connected power electronic devices capable of being turned on by gate control and a capacitor. The first switching aid network further comprises a pre-charge string comprising at least one series connected power electronic devices capable of being turned on by gate control and a resistor, and a surge arrester connected between the first and second dc output terminals of the first H-bridge rectifier.03-20-2014
361010000 By inserting series impedance 2
20150049402Anti-Arcing Circuit - Anti-arcing circuits are described herein that are configured to prevent or substantially mitigate arcing when a power adapter is connected/disconnected from a client device. The anti-arcing circuit restricts power supplied when a connection of a connector of a power adapter to the adapter interface is not fully established. The anti-arcing circuit is further configured to detect when a connection is made and remove the restriction to supply power for operations of the client device. In one approach, the anti-arcing circuit includes two different paths and components associated with a detection mode and operational mode respectively. In the detection mode, power supply is suppressed and a current pulse may be sent to determine if a connection is established. If current is detected, a switch is made to operational mode and power for normal device operations is supplied.02-19-2015
20160204595HIGH VOLTAGE DC CIRCUIT BREAKER07-14-2016
361013000 Shunt bypass of main switch 13
20090168273HYBRID HIGH VOLTAGE DC CONTACTOR WITH ARC ENERGY DIVERSION - A contactor may operate to interrupt current in a circuit while the circuit is operating under load. A shunt is provided to by-pass surge power current around contacts to reduce arcing. The shunt includes a solid-state switch that may be operated in a series of pulses during movement of the contacts. The pulse control unit may detect a potential for arcing and then provide for periodic pulsing operation of the shunt. Because the solid-state switch may operate discontinuously, the contactor may be constructed with a switch that is selected on a basis of its pulse rating.07-02-2009
20090284875RECEPTACLE WITH ARC PROTECTION CIRCUITRY - An electrical receptacle includes at least one motion sensor for detecting movement of a blade of an electrical plug in the receptacle, an extraction detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for generating a signal in response to movement of the blade at a predetermined rate, a position detector operatively connected to the motion sensor for determining the position of the blade in the receptacle, a switch operatively connected to the extraction detector and the position detector for de-energizing the receptacle when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined and wherein the extraction detector and switch are operative to de-energize the receptacle in less than six milliseconds when the extraction detector detects extraction of the blade from the receptacle at a rate equal to or greater than the predetermined rate.11-19-2009
20100007997ELECTRONIC ARC EXTINGUISHING DEVICE - An electronic switch structure capable of extinguishing arcs is provided. A device capable of extinguishing arcs generated when an electric switch is turned on or off is in a following structure. Two silicon controlled rectifiers are connected in inverse parallel. Trigger ports of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to triggering current limiting circuits each formed by a diode and a resistor connected in series, respectively. Positive poles and negative poles of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to a voltage dependent resistor and a resistance-capacitance absorption circuit for over voltage protection in parallel. A triggering end of the device is connected to a contact bridge of the switch. Two ends connected in inverse parallel of the silicon controlled rectifiers are connected to two ends of fixed contacts of the switch respectively. Thus, an electronic arc extinguishing device having a simple structure, a small volume, and high reliability is formed.01-14-2010
20100061024MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SWITCH PROTECTION IN SERIES PARALLEL TOPOLOGY - An electrical switching device is presented. The electrical switching device includes multiple switch sets coupled in series. Each of the switch sets includes multiple switches coupled in parallel. A control circuit is coupled to the multiple switch sets and configured to control opening and closing of the switches. One or more intermediate diodes are coupled between the control circuit and each point between a respective pair of switch sets.03-11-2010
20100220416SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY, CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR CONTROLLING SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY, CONTROL METHOD OF SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY AND MODULE SUBSTRATE - A switching power supply includes: a first switch provided between a positive terminal of a DC power supply and a positive terminal of a load; a second switch connected in parallel with the first switch; a first capacitor provided between the second switch and a node of the first switch on a DC power supply side; a first inductor provided between the first capacitor and the positive terminal of the DC power supply; and a control circuit that turns off the second switch after the first switch is turned off and when or before a voltage across the first capacitor becomes zero.09-02-2010
20100302691METHOD AND SYSTEM TO ENHANCE RELIABILITY OF SWITCH ARRAY - A method to reduce an inductive voltage surge across a switch array is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of, (a) directing at least a portion of an electric current away from at least a portion of said switch array; and (b) independently opening different portions of the switch array. A system to reduce an inductive voltage surge across an electrical device comprising a current bypass circuit is also disclosed.12-02-2010
20120293891BATTERY DISCONNECT DEVICE FLASHOVER PROTECTION - A disconnect device for selectively disconnecting a battery from a load includes a primary mechanical contact defining primary current path between the battery and the load. The device further includes a controller generating open and close commands for operating said primary contact and an electronic switch also operated by the controller. The electronic switch provides a secondary current path to eliminate flashover that may damage the primary mechanical contact.11-22-2012
20130120879TRIGGERED ARC FLASH ARRESTER AND SWITCHGEAR SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME - A triggered arc flash arrester includes an envelope structured to operate at: a pressure less than about 1.33 Pa; or a pressure greater than 0.10857 MPa; a plurality of conductors partially disposed within the envelope; a number of gaps disposed between the plurality of conductors within the envelope; and a shorting structure selected from the group consisting of a triggered gap and a fuse. The shorting structure is operatively associated with the number of gaps. The shorting structure is structured to electrically short the plurality of conductors either together or to ground, in order to create an arc within the envelope which is electrically in parallel to an arc fault causing the arc fault internal to switchgear to be extinguished.05-16-2013
20130194702ARC CONTROL IN A FUSE PROTECTED SYSTEM - An arc control assembly is disclosed. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a controller is provided that detects the presence of a fault condition on a secondary side of a transformer. Upon detecting such a fault condition, the controller causes a discharge or short condition to be generated on a primary side of the transformer.08-01-2013
20140036394Battery Management System, Motor Vehicle and Battery System - The present disclosure relates to a battery management system for at least one battery cell, for example a lithium-ion battery cell, and to a motor vehicle and to a battery system. A battery management system for at least one battery cell is configured in such a way that, in reaction to a triggering signal, said battery management system can make available a current path between poles of the at least one battery cell. In this context, the current path is configured in such a way that by making available the current path a light arc in a fuse of the at least one battery cell after the triggering of the fuse is prevented or ended. This increases the protection against hazards which can arise from a battery cell in hazardous situations for a vehicle.02-06-2014
20140078623Two Terminal Arc Suppressor - A two terminal arc suppressor for protecting switch, relay or contactor contacts and the like comprises a two terminal module adapted to be attached in parallel with the contacts to be protected and including a circuit for deriving an operating voltage upon the transitioning of the switch, relay or contactor contacts from a closed to an open disposition, the power being rectified and the resulting DC signal used to trigger a power triac switch via an optoisolator circuit whereby arc suppression pulses are generated for short predetermined intervals only at a transition of the mechanical switch, relay or contactor contacts from an closed to an open transition and, again, at an open to a close transition during contact bounce conditions.03-20-2014
20140307350Triggered Arc Flash Arrester and Shield Element For Use Therewith - An improved triggered arc flash arrester includes a shield apparatus disposed within an interior of an evacuated envelope and includes a first shield element and a second shield element. A plurality of conductors are partially disposed within the interior and are separated from one another by a gap. A first element of the shield apparatus is situated adjacent the envelope and is structured to protect the envelope from damage due to the high temperature plasma that results from an arc across the gap. A second element of the shield apparatus is interposed between the gap and at least a portion of the first element and is structured to protect the at least portion of the first element from damage due to an arc across the gap.10-16-2014
20160006241Method of and Apparatus for Protecting a Switch, Such as a MEMS Switch, and to a MEMS Switch Including Such a Protection Apparatus - A method of and apparatus for protecting a MEMS switch is provided. The method and apparatus improve the integrity of MEMS switches by reducing their vulnerability to current flow through them during switching of the MEMS switch between on and off or vice versa. The protection circuit provides for a parallel path, known as a shunt, around the MEMS component. However, components within the shunt circuit can themselves be removed from the shunt when they are not required. This improves the electrical performance of the shunt when the switch is supposed to be in an off state.01-07-2016
361014000 Arc blowout for main breaker contact (e.g., electromagnet, gas, fluid, etc.) 1
20140327990Redundant Excess Voltage Circuit Breaker With A Rotational Disk And With An Added Electronic Assembly Intended To Extend A Life Span Of An Excess-Voltage Component - The invention belongs to the field of over-voltage protection devices intended to protect sensitive electric/electronic devices and assemblies against effects of increased voltages, more precisely to the field of overvoltage protective devices provided with an electronic assembly intended to extend a life span of the basic component and to ensure a higher quality level of protection of electronic devices. The redundant overvoltage circuit breaker with a rotational disk and with an added electronic assembly intended to extend a life span of an overvoltage component is characterised in that it has a gas discharge tube (11-06-2014

Patent applications in class Arc suppression at switching point (i.e., includes solid-state switch)

Patent applications in all subclasses Arc suppression at switching point (i.e., includes solid-state switch)

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