Hybrid circuit breaker with solid-state devices
US12160098B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 16, 2022 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 14, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2009/544
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This disclosure describes a hybrid circuit breaker for an industrial automation system including a mechanical switch and solid-state switching circuit. The hybrid circuit breaker may receive control signals to open and close a current path based on moving a spanner of the mechanical switch. In some cases, moving the spanner of the mechanical switch may generate electrical arcs when the hybrid circuit breaker is conducting electrical current. In such cases, the hybrid circuit breaker may remove the electrical arcs based on operations of the solid-state switching circuit. The solid-state switching circuit may draw arc currents of the electrical arcs by providing a second current path between the spanner and a fixed conductor of the mechanical switch. Moreover, the solid-state switching circuit may open the second current path and absorb electrical power of the electrical arc by one or more solid-state switches, a parallel voltage suppressor, or both.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.