Abstract: A method and device for determining the linear response of an electrical multi-port component has an “estimation procedure” in which an estimated admittance matrix is determined by applying voltages to the ports of the component and measuring the response of the component. The estimation procedure can e.g. consist of a conventional measurement of the admittance matrix. The method further has a “measurement procedure” in which several voltage patterns are applied to the port. The voltage patterns correspond to the eigenvectors of the estimated admittance matrix. For each applied voltage pattern, the response of the component is measured. This allows to measure the linear response of the component accurately even if the eigenvalues of the admittance matrix differ by several orders of magnitude.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact arrangement for a vacuum interrupter chamber (1), which comprises a pair of inner contact pieces (11, 12), configured as RMF contact pieces, and a pair of outer contact pieces (21, 22) which are connected in parallel and are mounted closely adjacent to the inner contact pieces (11, 12). At least one of the inner contact pieces (11, 12) is movably mounted. The outer contact pieces (21, 22) are also configured as RMF contact pieces. During interruption, the resulting electric arc can commutate completely or partially to the pair of outer contact pieces (21, 22). The inner contact pieces are substantially discoid. Advantageously, the contact pieces (11, 12, 21, 22) are coaxially positioned in relation to each other. The outer contact pieces (21, 22) are advantageously pot-shaped or tubular.

Abstract: An electrical resistor has an electrically conductive stack, which includes a plurality of metal first layers and second layers. The stack allows to produce a highly anisotropic resistor, in which the resistance in the direction perpendicular to the layers is much higher than in the plane of the layers. The anisotropy allows the current flowing through the stack to be made homogenous, e.g., to be distributed over the entire stack surface, even if the current is input into the stack in an inhomogenous manner.

Abstract: An electrical resistor has an electrically conductive stack, which includes a plurality of metal first layers and second layers. The stack allows to produce a highly anisotropic resistor, in which the resistance in the direction perpendicular to the layers is much higher than in the plane of the layers. The anisotropy allows the current flowing through the stack to be made homogenous, e.g., to be distributed over the entire stack surface, even if the current is input into the stack in an inhomogenous manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a contact arrangement for a vacuum interrupter chamber (1), which comprises a pair of inner contact pieces (11, 12), configured as RMF contact pieces, and a pair of outer contact pieces (21, 22) which are connected in parallel and are mounted closely adjacent to the inner contact pieces (11, 12). At least one of the inner contact pieces (11, 12) is movably mounted. The outer contact pieces (21, 22) are also configured as RMF contact pieces. During interruption, the resulting electric arc can commutate completely or partially to the pair of outer contact pieces (21, 22). The inner contact pieces are substantially discoid. Advantageously, the contact pieces (11, 12, 21, 22) are coaxially positioned in relation to each other. The outer contact pieces (21, 22) are advantageously pot-shaped or tubular.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the linear response of an electrical multi-port component has an “estimation procedure” in which an estimated admittance matrix is determined by applying voltages to the ports of the component and measuring the response of the component. The estimation procedure can e.g. consist of a conventional measurement of the admittance matrix. The method further has a “measurement procedure” in which several voltage patterns are applied to the port. The voltage patterns correspond to the eigenvectors of the estimated admittance matrix. For each applied voltage pattern, the response of the component is measured. This allows to measure the linear response of the component accurately even if the .eigenvalues of the admittance matrix differ by several orders of magnitude.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device (1) for combined current limiting and circuit breaking and to a switchgear assembly with such a device (1). In a combined current limiter-circuit breaker (1) as claimed in the invention, a movable electrode (3, 3?) on the one hand for current limitation is guided automatically along one resistance element (5) for the current limitation path (31) by an overcurrent-dependent electromagnetic force (Fmag) and on the other hand for circuit breaking is moved into a series arrangement with an insulator (8). Embodiments include the following, among others: Use of the Lorenz force for automatic current limiting; movable electrode (3, 3?) implemented by liquid metal (3) or movable solid-state conductor (3?); an electrical resistance (Rx) which increases nonlinearly in the direction of motion (x) for a gentle current limiting characteristic; and a resistance element (5) in the form of a dielectric matrix (5) with several channels (3a) for the liquid metal (3).

Abstract: A process and a device are disclosed for current limiting and/or circuit breaking and a switchgear assembly with such a device. As claimed in the invention a liquid metal is moved by a dielectric fluid drive with a control between a first current path for the rated current (I1), a second current path for current limiting (I2) and optionally a third current path for current interruption (i=0), the working fluid acting mechanically with a definable drive pressure (p1, p2) directly on one surface of the liquid metal. Embodiments are, among others, the following: insulating gas or insulating liquid as the drive fluid; pressure drive with pressure vessels and valves or a piezodrive for the working fluid; and design criteria for the liquid metal arrangement, drive pressure (p1, p2) and piezodrive. Advantages are, among others, the following: reversible current limiting and current interruption, also suited for high voltages and current, fast reaction times, low wear and maintenance-friendly.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for current limiting, as is a switchgear assembly having an apparatus such as this. Liquid metal is passed along a resistance element for the current limiting path, in order to achieve current limiting without any arcs for network-dependent short-circuit currents. Exemplary embodiments relate, inter alia, to: an electrical resistance, which rises non-linearly in the movement direction of the liquid metal for a soft current limiting characteristic, a resistance element in the form of a dielectric matrix having channels for the liquid metal, and a combined current limiter circuit breaker. Advantages are, inter alia, reversible current limiting and possibly current disconnection without arcs, also suitable for high voltages and currents, fast reaction times, low wear, and maintenance-friendliness.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for current limiting, as is a switchgear assembly having an apparatus such as this. Liquid metal is passed along a resistance element for the current limiting path, in order to achieve current limiting without any arcs for network-dependent short-circuit currents. Exemplary embodiments relate, inter alia, to: an electrical resistance, which rises non-linearly in the movement direction of the liquid metal for a soft current limiting characteristic, a resistance element in the form of a dielectric matrix having channels for the liquid metal, and a combined current limiter circuit breaker. Advantages are, inter alia, reversible current limiting and possibly current disconnection without arcs, also suitable for high voltages and currents, fast reaction times, low wear, and maintenance-friendliness.

Abstract: A process and a device are disclosed for current limiting and/or circuit breaking and a switchgear assembly with such a device. As claimed in the invention a liquid metal is moved by a dielectric fluid drive with a control between a first current path for the rated current (I1), a second current path for current limiting (I2) and optionally a third current path for current interruption (i=0), the working fluid acting mechanically with a definable drive pressure (p1, p2) directly on one surface of the liquid metal. Embodiments are, among others, the following: insulating gas or insulating liquid as the drive fluid; pressure drive with pressure vessels and valves or a piezodrive for the working fluid; and design criteria for the liquid metal arrangement, drive pressure (p1, p2) and piezodrive. Advantages are, among others, the following: reversible current limiting and current interruption, also suited for high voltages and current, fast reaction times, low wear and maintenance-friendly.