Automatic transfer switch and drive subsystem

A transmission subsystem having an open transition automatic transfer switch, comprising:

• a pair of movable contact members including a first movable contact member at a first location and a second movable contact member at a second location;
• a fixed contact member;
• a controller configured to select one of the first and second movable contact members;
• and
• a permanent magnetic actuator comprising an actuator body, a first driving rod, and a second driving rod, the permanent magnet actuator being configured to move the first driving rod in a first direction independently of movement of the second driving rod;
• wherein the first driving rod is configured to move the first movable contact member, and the second driving rod is configured to move the second movable contact member.

A method of actuating an automatic transfer switch in a system, the automatic transfer switch including a plurality of movable contact members including a first set of movable contact members fixed on and rotatable with a first shaft, and a second set of movable contact members fixed on and rotatable with a second shaft;

• at least one fixed contact member;
• and first and second driving rods respectively fixed with the first and second shafts, the method comprising:
• controlling opening and closing of the plurality of movable contact members relative to the at least one fixed contact member;
• and
• generating a magnetic holding force with one or more permanent magnet actuators so as to maintain a state of the first set of movable contact members and a state of the second set of movable contact members,
• wherein the first shaft is configured to be in an open position when the first movable contact member is in an open position, and the second shaft is configured to be in an open position when the second movable contact member is in an open position.