US 2009/0154047 A1 · Power Node Switching Center

Abstract

A circuit fault detector and interrupter which consists of parallel current conduction paths, including a path through a mechanical contactor and a path through a power electronics switch. A fault can be detected by a fault detection circuit within 50 microseconds of the occurrence of the fault, causing the mechanical contactor to be opened and the fault current to be commutated via a laminated, low-inductance bus through the power electronics switch. The power electronics switch is thereafter turned off as soon as possible, interrupting the fault current. The fault current can be interrupted within 200 microseconds of the occurrence of the fault, and the device reduces or eliminates arcing when the mechanical contactor is opened.

Claims24

Dependent claims

A circuit interruption device comprising:

a. a first current path, traversing a mechanical contactor;
b. a second current path, parallel to said first current path, traversing a power electronics switch;
c. fault detection circuitry, for detecting a fault condition;
and
d. wherein a fault current is commutated from said first current path to said second current path upon detection of said fault current by said fault detection circuitry.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Power Node Switching Center

Life of this patent

Power Node Switching Center

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims24