Direct current hybrid circuit breaker with reverse biased voltage source
US11424093B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 2019 |
| Grant date | Aug 23, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 1, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K2017/515
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Within a direct current hybrid circuit breaker (DC HCB), a commutation unit (CU) is provided in a semiconductor switch path in series with a semiconductor switch to facilitate opening the DC HCB. The semiconductor switch path is connected in parallel with a mechanical switch path that includes a mechanical switch. The CU is a controlled voltage source which applies a reverse biased voltage on the semiconductor switch path. The CU causes the current through the mechanical switch to ramp down while the current through the semiconductor switch ramps up to a supply current. The CU maintains the current through the mechanical switch to remain at a zero vale by compensating for the voltage drop across the semiconductor switch and the self-inductance of the semiconductor switch path. The mechanical switch can open without current and against no recovery voltage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.