Direct current switching device and use thereof

A direct-current switching device for interrupting a direct electric current flowing along a medium or high voltage current path, the device comprising:

• an electric circuit arrangement including at least one mechanical switching device to be connected in the medium or high voltage current path;
• at least one circuit unit configured to force a current zero crossing in the mechanical switching device connected in the medium or high voltage current path;
• said at least one switching unit having a plurality of capacitive components and a switch connected in said switching unit so that:
• in a first switching state of said switch, said capacitive components are connected in parallel for a respective electrical charging process via the medium or high voltage current path;
• and
• in a second switching state of said switch, said capacitive components are connected in series to generate a current pulse which forces the current zero crossing.

A method of interrupting a direct electric current flowing along a medium or high voltage current path, the method comprising:

• providing a switching device with an electric circuit arrangement including at least one mechanical switching device connected in the medium or high voltage current path and with at least one switching unit configured to force a current zero crossing in the mechanical switching device connected in the medium or high voltage current path;
• providing the at least one switching unit with a plurality of capacitive components and a switch;
• operating the switch in a first switching state wherein the capacitive components are connected in parallel for a respective electrical charging process via the medium or high voltage current path;
• and
• operating the switch in a second switching state by connecting the capacitive components in series to generate a current pulse which forces the current zero crossing;
• and
• interrupting the direct electric current flowing along a medium or high voltage current path by switching the at least one mechanical switching device at the current zero crossing.