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US 11,990,744 B2Granted
Configurable modular hazardous location compliant circuit protection devices, systems and methods
AssigneeEaton Intelligent Power Limited
InventorsAndrew Butler, Joseph Michael Manahan, Adam Ledgerwood, Graig DeCarr
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Modular circuit protection devices and configurable panelboard systems include arc-free operation, thermal management features providing safe operation in hazardous environments at lower cost and without requiring conventional explosion-proof enclosures and without entailing series connected separately provided packages such as circuit breaker devices and starter motor contactors and controls.
Claims19
A system, comprising:
- a controller configured to receive an output of a sensor indicating an operating condition of a solid state switching element, wherein the solid state switching element is operable in an arc-free manner;
- and
- wherein the controller is configured to output control signals to the solid state switching element based on the received output of the sensor to operate the solid state switching element to share a current load with at least one mechanical switching device to limit arcing energy to a level below that which presents an ignition concern in an explosive environment.
A method, comprising:
- providing a modular switch device comprising
- a housing;
- a line-side terminal and a load-side terminal coupled to the housing;
- a solid state switching element operable in an arc-free manner to connect the load-side terminal to the line-side terminal and disconnect the load-side terminal from the line-side terminal;
- and
- a sensor configured to sense an operating condition of the solid state switching element;
- receiving an output of the sensor indicating the operating condition of the solid state switching element;
- and
- operating the solid state switching element based on the received output of the sensor to share a current load with at least one mechanical switching device to limit arcing energy to a level below that which presents an ignition concern in an explosive environment.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.