Methods and systems for dc current interrupter based on thermionic arc extinction via anode ion depletion
AssigneeStacom Engineering Company
InventorFrank P. Stacom
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system for isolating a fault in a direct current (DC) grid using thermionic arc extinction. The system includes a DC grid that includes a transmission line. The DC grid also includes a plurality of current interrupters disposed on the transmission line. Each of the plurality of current interrupters on the transmission line are electrically coupled to one another in series. At least one of the current interrupters includes a fixed terminal end and a moveable terminal end. Further, at least one of the current interrupters has an arc shield housing at least two arcing contacts. At least one of the arcing contacts comprises a first conducting material that has a first vaporizing point.
Claims20
A system for a current interrupter, comprising:
- a transmission line, wherein the transmission line is configured to receive electric power from an exterior power source;
- a first set of movable electric contacts, comprising:
- at least a fixed electric contact in electric communication with the transmission line;
- a first movable electric contact in electric communication with the at least a fixed electric contact, wherein the first movable electric contact comprises at least a conducting element;
- a second set of movable electric contacts in electric communication with the transmission line, wherein the second set of movable electric contacts comprise:
- at least a second conducting element;
- and
- at least a set of electric arcing contact surfaces;
- a switching device, wherein the switching device is configured to:
- separate each electric contact of the first set of moveable electric contacts;
- and
- separate each movable electric contact of the second set of movable electric contacts;
- wherein a separation of the first set of moveable electric contacts and the second set of movable electric contacts produces an electric arc.
A method of interrupting a current, comprising:
- receiving electric power through a transmission line, wherein the transmission line is configured to receive electric power from an exterior power source;
- separating, through a switching device, each electric contact of a first set of movable electric contacts, wherein the first set of electric contacts comprises:
- at least a fixed electric contact in electric communication with the transmission line;
- a first movable electric contact in electric communication with the at least a fixed electric contact, wherein the first movable electric contact comprises at least a conducting element;
- separating, through the switching device, each electric contact of a second set of movable electric contacts, wherein the second set of movable electric contacts are in electric communication with the transmission line, wherein the second set of movable electric contacts comprise:
- at least a second conducting element;
- and
- at least a set of electric arcing contact surfaces;
- and
- generating an electric arc through the at least a set of electric arcing contact surfaces of the second set of movable electric contacts.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.