Circuit protector arc flash reduction system with parallel connected semiconductor switch
AssigneeEaton Intelligent Power Limited
InventorMichael Henricks
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An arc flash mitigation system includes a main circuit protector such as a high amperage overcurrent protection fuse, and an arc flash mitigation network connected in parallel to the main circuit protector. The arc flash mitigation network includes at least one semiconductor switch operable to provide a shunt current path to a low amperage arc mitigation fuse for a faster response time to certain circuit conditions than the main circuit protector otherwise provides. The semiconductor switch may be a silicon controller rectifier operatively responsive to a voltage drop across the main circuit protector in use.
Claims15
An arc flash mitigation system comprising:
- a main overcurrent circuit protector providing primary overcurrent protection to an electrical load;
- and
- an arc flash mitigation network connected in parallel to the main overcurrent circuit protector, wherein the arc flash mitigation network comprises:
- at least one semiconductor switch operable in response to a predetermined circuit condition to divert current away from the main overcurrent circuit protector along a shunt current path;
- and
- at least one arc flash mitigation fuse connected in series with the at least one semiconductor switch in the shunt current path;
- whereby an operation of the at least one arc flash mitigation fuse by the diverted current reduces arc flash energy while servicing an energized electrical power system in a vicinity of the main overcurrent circuit protector, wherein the operation occurs before the main overcurrent circuit protector being opened by the current.
A method of mitigating an arc flash in an operation of a main overcurrent circuit protector providing primary overcurrent protection to an electrical load, the method implemented with an arc flash mitigation network connected in parallel to the main overcurrent circuit protector, wherein the arc flash mitigation network includes at least one semiconductor switch and at least one arc flash mitigation fuse connected in series with the at least one semiconductor switch in a shunt current path, wherein the method comprises:
- in response to a predetermined circuit condition, operating the at least one semiconductor switch to divert current away from the main overcurrent circuit protector and to the at least one arc mitigation fuse;
- whereby an operation of the at least one arc flash mitigation fuse by the diverted current reduces arc flash energy while servicing an energized electrical power system in a vicinity of the main overcurrent circuit protector, wherein the operation occurs before the main overcurrent circuit protector being opened by the current.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.