High voltage current limiting device
US6157286A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2085/381
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A high voltage, current limiting device is connected in series with a high voltage power source and a protected load to interrupt current for an over-current condition [Typically 50 kA]. The current limiting device includes a current sensor/isolator and a switch connected in series. A current limiter, which may include a fuse or polymer current limiting material, is connected in parallel to the current sensor/isolator. The current sensor/isolator includes a pair of electrically insulated supports secured to a plurality of support rods to maintain the insulated supports at a predetermined fixed spacing to support an expulsion fuse. The expulsion fuse link includes a pair of copper conductors of adequate current carrying capability that are attached to ends of a main weak link fuse. A pair of coil springs hold the weak link fuse under tension to repel the conductors apart when the weak link fuse melts open during an over-current condition. An electrically insulating flapper pivotally connected at one end of a support rod provides a barrier between the source side and the load side of the current sensor/isolator when the main weak fuse melts open. One embodiment of the current limiter…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.