Thyristor current interrupter and auxiliary quasi-resonant turn-off unit
US11018666B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 2020 |
| Grant date | May 25, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2017/066
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An apparatus and method that can accelerate the turn off time for a thyristor current interrupter. Following commutation of a load current from a main thyristor to an auxiliary turn-off unit, a capacitor of the auxiliary turn-off unit can provide a resonant current to create a zero current crossing for turning the main thyristor off, as well as provide a reverse bias voltage for the main thyristor. The auxiliary turn-off unit can hold the main thyristor off and facilitate sufficient time being available for main thyristor to block forward system voltage. A voltage level of another capacitor of the auxiliary turn-off unit can, with a switch of the auxiliary turn-off unit and the main thyristor turned off, be increased to a level that triggers at least one voltage-clamping unit to absorb electrical power from that capacitor. The load current passing in the auxiliary turn-off unit can be decreased as the electrical power is absorbed to a level at which one or more auxiliary thyristor switches of the auxiliary turn-off unit can be turned off.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.