Self-recovering current-limiting device with liquid metal

US6850145B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Moeller GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Kremers · Bonn, DE
• Frank Berger · Leutenbach, DE
• Andreas Kraetzschmar · Bonn, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 22, 2000
• Grant date: Feb 1, 2005
• Expiry date: Jan 22, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01H87/00
• WIPO field: Electrical machinery, apparatus, energy
• WIPO sector: Electrical engineering

Abstract

A self-recovering current-limiting device with a liquid metal includes a first and a second electrode for connection to an electric circuit to be protected. Each of the first and second electrodes are made of a solid metal. A plurality of pressure-resistant insulating bodies is provided, as well as a plurality of insulating intermediate walls supported by the insulating bodies. The plurality of insulating intermediate walls and the plurality of pressure-resistant insulating bodies define a plurality of compression spaces, and the plurality of insulating intermediate walls define a plurality of connecting channels. The plurality of compression spaces are disposed one behind the other between the first and second electrodes and are at least partially filled with the liquid metal. A first connecting conductor connected to the first electrode and disposed below the plurality of compression spaces and having an inverse current direction is provided, as well as a ferromagnetic body disposed above the plurality of compression spaces.