Abstract: A tank assembly has heat-generating equipment contained therein. The tank assembly includes a tank having an opening, and a thermal siphon fixed to the tank and sealing the opening of the tank. The thermal siphon has a main body portion and a loop portion. The thermal siphon contains a liquid and a gas. A center of the loop portion is exposed to the environment.

Abstract: A fault clearing circuitry provided for connecting to at least one electrical line transmitting power includes: an electrical energy storage; at least one controllable switch connectable between the electrical energy storage and at least one electric line; and a control circuit for monitoring the at least one electric line for a fault and to close the at least one controllable switch if a fault is detected. The electrical energy storage stores an amount of electrical energy dimensioned to be sufficient for releasing one or more circuit breakers or clearing one or more fuses in the at least one electrical line in order to clear the fault. The control circuit closes the at least one controllable switch if a fault is detected such that a discharging of the electrical energy stored in the electrical energy storage is incurred injecting a current pulse in the at least one electrical line.

Abstract: A fault-preventing circuit recloser includes a ballast impedance, power line current and voltage monitors, and controller that operates the switch based on measurements obtained from the current and voltage monitors. The controller aborts the closing (i.e., reopens the switch) when the controller detects that the switch has closed into faulted line. The circuit recloser temporarily introduces the ballast impedance into the circuit during the closing operation to limit the current spike and voltage dip caused by initially closing the switch into the faulted line. The circuit recloser also temporarily introduces the ballast impedance into the circuit during the opening operation to limit the voltage transient that can be caused by initially opening a load-carrying power line. Different ballast resistor insertion times are applied depending on the type of recloser operation (opening or closing) and whether a fault is detected.

Abstract: A disconnecting device for interrupting current, in particular of a circuit breaker, having a switch and a voltage limiter connected in parallel to the switch. The voltage limiter has a number of parallel-connected phases, each phase including a resistor. At least one of the phases includes a switching element, which is connected in series to the resistor of the phase.

Abstract: A direct current circuit breaker, including: n in number circuit breaker modules connected in series, one energy-absorbing and voltage-limiting module connected in parallel to the n in number circuit breaker modules, and a trigger module. The n in number circuit breaker modules each includes a mechanical switch and a commutation branch circuit which are connected in parallel; each commutation branch circuit includes a charging commutation module and a commutation capacitor which are connected in series; the charging commutation module is configured to charge up the commutation capacitor and produce reverse current to cut off the mechanical switch; the one energy-absorbing and voltage-limiting module is configured to absorb energy stored in inductive elements of power systems after a fault current is cut off, so as to limit voltage and protect the mechanical switch, and n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a pair of electrical buses connected to terminals of a traction battery via a shared positive contactor and a pair of negative contactors. The system further includes a controller configured to, responsive to a request to close the contactors and a difference between voltage magnitudes of the buses being greater than a predefined threshold, actively discharge one of the buses to reduce the difference.

Abstract: A heat management system includes a tank and a thermal siphon attached to the tank. The thermal siphon contains a liquid that absorbs heat via thermal conduction from the tank. The liquid is heated to a vaporization point, and the heat from the vaporized liquid is transferred to cooling fins extending from the thermal siphon.

Abstract: A protection device including: (i) a protection component having a first thermal fuse and a resistive body, the resistive body being supplied with a current in an abnormal state to generate heat, the heat activating the first thermal fuse to cut off the current; (ii) a PTC component; and (iii) a second thermal fuse, the second thermal fuse being electrically connected in series to the PTC component, the first thermal fuse of the protection component being electrically connected in parallel to the PTC component and to the second thermal fuse, and the protection component being activated in the abnormal state so that the PTC component trips to generate heat, the heat blowing the second thermal fuse.

Abstract: High-voltage vehicle electrical system comprising a high-voltage battery terminal having a high-side terminal contact and a low-side terminal contact and a high-voltage output having a high-side output contact and a low-side output contact. For reliable isolation of a short-circuit current by using levitation, at least one series circuit arranged between the low-side terminal contact and the low-side output contact and consisting of a first switching relay and a pyrotechnic isolating device is provided.

Abstract: A direct current switching device for interrupting an electric direct current flowing along a medium or high voltage current path. An electric circuit arrangement has a mechanical switching device connected in the current path and a circuit unit for forcing a zero-crossing point in the mechanical switching device. The circuit unit has multiple capacitive components and a switch which are connected in the circuit unit such that, in a first switching state of the switch, the capacitive components are connected in parallel for a respective electric charging process via the medium or high voltage current path and, in a second switching state of the switch, the capacitive components are connected in series in order to generate a current pulse which forces the zero-crossing point. The direct current switching device is useful for interrupting an electric direct current flowing along the medium or high voltage current path.

Abstract: A load protection system and a method of protecting a load. The load protection system includes a PLC transmitter and a PLC receiver, which are configured to communicate a plurality of bits of data, each bit transmitted near a zero-crossing of a voltage on the power lines supplying power to the load, in the form of a high frequency burst of pulses. The pulses are structured in two patterns. The first pattern serves to identify the start of the second pattern, and the second pattern includes the data. The first pattern is unique and not represented within the second pattern. The load may be a motor, and the data may include a parameter value representing a parameter of the motor. A motor controller may evaluate the parameter value to determine whether to institute a warning or alert action, to shut the motor down, or to continue operating.

Abstract: In aspects, the present invention discloses a method of determining an electrical operating time of a circuit breaker (140) in a multiphase electrical system having a subsystem (160) connectable to a power source (110) through a circuit breaker (140) operated by a controller (130). The controller is connected to a current transformer (120, 150) for measuring current of the subsystem in a one phase. The method comprises monitoring the current of the subsystem in the one phase, determining a first rate of change from the monitored current in the one phase, detecting an instance of switching in an another phase based on the first rate of change, and determining an electrical operating time of the circuit breaker in the another phase based on the detected instance of switching and an instance at which a command for switching in the another phase was provided to the circuit breaker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling an audio power circuit. The audio power circuit includes an audio amplifier having a power input and a speaker connected to the audio amplifier. The audio power circuit also includes a control circuit configured to be connected to a battery and the power input and to control a supply of power to the power input. The audio power circuit further includes a thermal protection circuit connected between the audio amplifier and the speaker, the thermal protection circuit configured to generate a thermal protection signal and provide the same to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is further configured to control the supply of power based on the thermal protection signal.

Abstract: A pre-charge control method for a hybrid multilevel power converter comprises steps of: (a) controlling access of the current-limiting resistor unit, limiting current from the AC power via the current-limiting resistor unit, and outputting the current; (b) controlling the second capacitor unit to bypass, and charging the first capacitor unit; (c) controlling the access of the second capacitor unit when the first capacitor unit is charged to a third preset voltage, and charging the first and second capacitor units at the same time; (d) controlling the first capacitor unit to bypass when the second capacitor unit is charged to a fourth preset voltage, or the first capacitor unit is charged to a first preset voltage, and charging the second capacitor unit; and (e) controlling the access of the first capacitor units and the current-limiting resistor unit to bypass when the second capacitor unit is charged to a second preset voltage.

Abstract: A voltage regulator comprising a tap selector switch, a switching module and a switching module controller. The tap selector can comprise stationary contacts and movable contacts which can be adjusted for regulating the voltage between a source and a load. The switching module can comprise first and second bypass switches controlled by a bypass actuator and a non-arcing switch, such as a vacuum interrupter, controlled by an interrupter actuator. The switching module controller can be configured to perform a tap change operation through a series of steps that involve actuating a bypass switch and the non-arcing switch. In one example, the switching module controller can wait a predetermined amount of time before proceeding with each step of the tap change operation. In other examples, the switching module controller can receive signals or measurements from the system before proceeding with each step of the tap change operation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling energy of an eco-friendly vehicle are provided and include turning off, by a controller, a main relay in response to sensing interlock by means of a detection circuit and charging a secondary batter by discharging voltage of a capacitor in an inverter to the secondary battery, under control of voltage output from a low voltage DC converter after the main relay is turned off. In addition, the controller is configured to discharge DC-link voltage to a driving motor by operating the inverter after charging the second battery.

Abstract: An arrangement and method are provided for stabilizing a voltage applied to a first electric consumer arranged in a vehicle onboard power supply system that includes a second electric consumer. A first voltage supply unit provides a supply voltage; a storage unit stores electric energy; a second voltage supply unit provides a charging voltage; a switching unit is connected to the first consumer, the storage unit, the first voltage supply unit and the second voltage supply unit; and a control unit determines whether a stabilization is to be carried out. If no stabilization is to be carried out, the control unit activates the switching unit such that the first consumer is connected to the first voltage supply unit and, as soon as the stabilization is to be carried out, the first consumer is connected to a series connection formed by the storage unit and the first voltage supply unit.

Abstract: Provided is a system for soft switching of an electromechanical relay in a lighting control system using a sensor to detect a specified non-zero position in the electrical input waveform. Following this non-zero position, an adaptive time delay is applied before activation of the relay coil. An error detection circuit measures a time error between relay operation and the zero electrical input condition. This error signal is used to update the adaptive time delay for future relay operations. Using such a procedure has been shown to limit electrical stress on the relay, and therefore lengthen its life.

Abstract: A high voltage DC breaker apparatus configured to break a fault current occurring in a high voltage DC conductor includes a current limiting arrangement having at least one section with at least one semiconductor device of turn-off type and at least one arrester connected in parallel therewith, and a mechanical DC breaker connected in series with the current limiting arrangement and including a mechanical switch. The mechanical DC breaker is configured to enable breaking of a fault current in said DC conductor once said semiconductor devices of said arrangement have been turned off.

Abstract: A DC current path for DC power transmission includes a switchable element. An inductance is connected in series to the switchable element. When an interrupt scenario is detected, a resonance circuit is connected in parallel to the series connection of the switchable element and the inductance for charging a capacitance of the resonance circuit. An open state of the switchable element is effected and the resonance circuit is connected in parallel to the switchable element. By means of such arrangement and method, favorable fast interrupt times can be achieved.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a converter to convert AC power into DC power, an SMPS to convert the DC power into DC powers desired by loads, a capacitor to interconnect the converter and the SMPS, a PTC element connected to the converter, a first switch connected in parallel with the PTC element, and a second switch connected in series with the first switch. The method includes turning on the second switch to start charging of the capacitor, turning on the first switch to charge the capacitor to a target voltage level, and turning off both the first switch and second switch if a voltage across the capacitor rises over the target voltage level, to discharge the voltage across the capacitor so as to lower the voltage across the capacitor to the target voltage level or lower.

Abstract: A device for protection against an electric arc in an electric installation comprising: at least one detection apparatus of the electric arc, at least one short-circuiter establishing a short-circuit for extinction of the electric arc, an electronic control unit of the short-circuiter commanding to an established state of said short-circuit in case of detection of the electric arc by the detection apparatus, and a switchgear apparatus for interrupting said short-circuit at the end of a predefined short-circuit time delay as from the time this short-circuit is established.

Abstract: A control system has an instruction path of which an object section connects a microcomputer, a switch and a switch supervisory device with one another. The switch sets the path in conductive or non-conductive state on the low side of the microcomputer. An instruction signal is sent to the microcomputer through the conductive path to set the microcomputer in an operation state. When the device judges based on the operation state of the microcomputer that the switch has set the path in a conductive state, the device sends a first signal of first voltage, causing the signal to have current strength equal to or higher than predetermined value in the path, to the object section. When the device judges that the switch has set the path in a non-conductive state, the device sends a second signal of second voltage lower than first voltage to the object section.

Abstract: A dynamic switch contact protection circuit and technique to protect a channel switch within an electrical system by limiting transients when the switch is turned on or turned off. The protection circuit comprises switching between a high resistance path and a low resistance path. The high resistance path comprises a resistor. A bypass switch is connected in parallel to the resistor to affect the low resistance path. The protection circuit can connect or disconnect switch cards to the electrical system enabling the creation of a larger switching structure. Disconnected switch cards within a switching structure preserves system bandwidth by limiting capacitive loading. Electing which switch to close last or open first can prolong the length of usage of the switches.

Abstract: A robotic tool changer removably attaches a robotic tool to a robotic arm. The changer includes a tool module connected to the robotic tool, and a master module connected to the robotic arm. To attach and detach the robotic tool, the changer couples and uncouples the tool module and the master module. A master electrical signal module (ESM) affixes to the master module and a tool ESM affixes to the tool module. In accordance with design requirements, the changer applies the same power supply to both the master ESM and the tool ESM. The changer, however, selectively suppresses application of the power supply to the tool ESM, while maintaining application of the power supply to the master ESM, during the coupling or uncoupling of the master module and the tool module. In doing so, the changer enables such coupling and uncoupling, while also preventing the formation of transient electric arcs.

Abstract: An electrical contactor with high DC and AC interrupt capability is disclosed. The invention is intended for applications where load break capability is only required under abnormal operating conditions. Under overload conditions, an alternate path is automatically provided through a sacrificial fuse to divert current from opening, or open and arcing, contacts such that the fuse interrupts the fault current and not the contacts. The current rating of the sacrificial fuse may be orders of magnitude less than the normal carry current of the contactor. The contactor provides a one-time load break function that is renewable by the replacement of a fuse.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a circuit arrangement (1) for electrically coupling a direct-current source (2) to a direct-current load, including a first and a second current input node (11, 12) for receiving a direct current generated by the direct-current source, a first and a second current output node (21, 22) for the delivery of the generated direct current to the direct-current load, an isolating means (4) connected between the first current input node (11) and the first current output node (21) and/or the second current input node (12) and the second current output node (22) for interrupting the electrical connection between the respective nodes, and an auxiliary switching means (14) connected between the first current input node (11) and the second current input node (12) for short-circuiting of the first and second current input nodes (11, 12).

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method of controlling switch units between a battery pack and a load, and a battery pack and a battery management system comprising the same. The apparatus comprises a memory for storing the turn-off number and order of first and second switch units connecting the battery pack with the load according to current ranges; and a control unit for equalizing the turn-off order of the first switch unit and the second switch unit with reference to the turn-off number and order in a current range corresponding to a magnitude level of discharge current of a battery. Accordingly, the present invention reduces the frequency of breakdown or malfunction of the switch units and increases the using period of the switch units.

Abstract: An arc fault protection circuit and method, provides arc fault protection in a multiphase power system by actuating a plurality of disconnect switches to disconnect the source from the load in response to detecting arcing proximate the load. As well, in response to detecting the arc, a plurality of impedances are introduced into the current path between said source and said load, with each of the impedances increasing the impedance between the source and the load along one phase, prior to the plurality of disconnect switches disconnecting the source from the load.

Abstract: An appliance and a method are intended to monitor a phase line of a section of an electrical energy grid line. The appliance comprises a device for monitoring a parameter of a phase line. The parameter is representative of routine operating conditions of the phase line and has a known propagation speed. The appliance also comprises a device for generating an event detection signal each time the parameter has a value that exceeds a threshold, and for storing a reception time when the detection signal is generated. The appliance also has a device for sending a signal representative of a geographic location of the end of the section and a device for performing a geographic location of the event once two consecutive detection signals are generated from the signal representative of the geographic location, and reception times associated with the two detection signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device having a contact protection circuit for arcing suppression. The switching device comprises a main relay for interrupting a load path and a dual coil auxiliary having a high resistance coil and a low resistance coil that operate the switching of an auxiliary contact. The auxiliary contact is connected in series with a PTC device and the low resistance coil of the auxiliary relay in a series arrangement. The series arrangement is connected in parallel to the main contact. When the main relay opens, the auxiliary contact is maintained closed during a given time interval due to the magnetic flux generated by the low resistance coil. The given time interval depends on the transition of the PTC device to trip state. In another configuration, the dual coil relay is substituted by two auxiliary relays.

Abstract: The method comprising displacing the formed electric arc towards an electrode located in an intermediate position between both main electrodes; a separating the formed electric arc into two secondary electric arcs, a semiconductor switch, normally open, connecting the intermediate electrode to one of the main electrodes; closing the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the secondary electric arc between both electrodes connected by the semiconductor switch; opening the semiconductor switch in order to extinguish the other secondary electric arc. The disclosure further relates to a protection method and a protection device, notably a protection device specially designed for applying the method.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling an arc suppression circuit includes a serial communication link communicating a serial signal therethrough. The control circuit includes a microprocessor having a serial input communicating with the serial communication link. The microprocessor generates a control output signal in response to the serial signal. The control circuit further includes the arc suppression circuit having an electrical contact and operating in response to the control output signal to reduce an arc at the electrical contact.

Abstract: In a system and method of supplying proper polarity electrical power to positive and negative conductors of a vehicle, first and second pairs of vehicle mounted contacts are electrically connected between positive and negative conductors of a first electrical bus and the positive and negative conductors of the vehicle, respectively. In response to the first pair of contacts moving into a space or gap between the first electrical bus and a second electrical bus, the first pair of contacts is isolated from the positive and negative conductors of the vehicle. In response to the vehicle moving the first pair of contacts into contact with the second electrical bus while the second pair of contacts are electrically connected to the first electrical bus, the first pair of contacts is electrically connected between the negative and positive conductors of the vehicle and negative and positive conductors of the second electrical bus, respectively.

Abstract: A method for shutting down an electric machine having a pulse-controlled inverter in the event of a malfunction. Undesirable side effects during shut-down of the electric machine may be minimized and the regular machine operation may be maximized when the electric machine is first switched to a disconnect mode in which all switches of the pulse-controlled inverter are open and subsequently is switched to a short-circuit mode in which the switches connected to the high potential are open and the switches connected to the low potential are closed.

Abstract: The DC switch includes a housing (2) provided with a power connection terminal (2a) adapted in use to be connected to a power source, and a load connection terminal (2b) adapted in use to be connected to a load. A contact unit (1) is interposed between the power connection terminal (2a) and the load connection terminal (2b). The contact unit (1) has mechanical contacts (10), and a semiconductor switch (11) serially connected to the mechanical contacts (10). The DC switch further includes a switching mechanism unit (3) having an operating handle (30) used for manual operation and movably attached to the housing (2), a position detection unit (4) configured to detect an operating position of the operating handle (30), and a control unit (7). The switching mechanism unit (3) is configured to open and close the mechanical contacts (10) in response to the manual operation of the operating handle (30).

Abstract: An alternator disconnector circuit-breaker of the invention presents a resistance (30) in series with the circuit-breaker switch (20?); the resistance (30) is of fixed ohmic value that is about 104 times greater than the value of the resistance of the main circuit of the circuit-breaker. By means of this configuration, it is possible to use a vacuum chamber as the circuit-breaker switch (20?), and to dimension the main switch (10), which, de facto, breaks the current even for very high short-circuit currents, under more advantageous conditions.

Abstract: A contactor control circuit is disclosed for controlling a contactor connecting an alternating current electrical power source to a load. The contactor control circuit comprises a switching circuit connected in series with the inductor for controlling the conduction of the contactor. The control circuit actuates conduction of current through the inductor for energizing the contactor to connect the alternating current electrical power source to the load. The invention is also incorporated into a circuit for switching a first and a second alternating current electrical power source to a load.

Abstract: A system includes first and second controllers coupled together with a communication channel. The first controller provides a first signal to the second controller and the second controller provides a second signal to the first controller in response. The second signal includes information about an electrical load. At least one of the first and second controllers can be integrated with an electrical outlet.

Abstract: An electrical switching apparatus includes a number of separable contacts, an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts, a number of sensors structured to sense at least current flowing through the separable contacts, and a processor structured to cooperate with the operating mechanism to open and close the separable contacts. The processor determines a fault from the sensed current flowing through the separable contacts. The processor further responsively opens the separable contacts if the sensed current associated with the fault is less than the interrupting rating of the electrical switching apparatus. The processor keeps the separable contacts closed and waits for another circuit interrupter to interrupt the fault if the sensed current associated with the fault is greater than the interrupting rating.

Abstract: A generator apparatus includes a generator, a generator controller, and a rectifier bridge. A detector unit for recognizing a load shutoff is also provided. When a load shutoff is recognized, a switch is controlled to be transmissive so that energy produced by the load shutoff is stored in an energy reservoir. From there it can be fed back into the vehicle electrical system.

Abstract: An alternator disconnector circuit-breaker of the invention presents a compact structure. The axes of opening/closure of the change-over first switch (12, 14), of the circuit-breaker second switch (22, 24), and of the disconnector switch (32, 34) are such that an angle of 90° is present between two of them. Actuator means (40) associated with synchronization means (52, 54, 56, 58) make it possible to ensure that each switch is operated in a time-shifted manner by common control means.

Abstract: A method for providing means for energizing a capacitive load. The capacitive load is connected to an alternating current power source by using a connecting device. The connecting device comprises at least one diode and connecting organs, which can be closed or open.

Abstract: A method and system for a power distribution system are provided. The method includes determining at a central controller normal mode configuration settings for a plurality of circuit breakers of the power distribution system and determining at the central controller alternate mode configuration settings for the plurality of circuit breakers of the power distribution system. The method further includes controlling with the central controller the operation of the plurality of circuit breakers based on the normal mode configuration settings and the alternate mode configuration settings.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for showing data representative of the accuracy of switching operations executed by a high-voltage switchgear which is operatively coupled to a power line and to a synchronous switching device. Data related to switching operations executed by the high-voltage switchgear is recorded and then, based on the recorded data, values indicative of the accuracy of the switching operations executed with respect to predefined target switching operations are calculated. A histogram is formed using the calculated values and shown to a user.

Abstract: A control circuit for controlling an arc suppression circuit includes a serial communication link communicating a serial signal therethrough. The control circuit includes a microprocessor having a serial input communicating with the serial communication link. The microprocessor generates a control output signal in response to the serial signal. The control circuit further includes the arc suppression circuit having an electrical contact and operating in response to the control output signal to reduce an arc at the electrical contact.

Abstract: An input terminal is electrically connected to a contact point. An anti-corrosion current supplying section is operable to supply an anti-corrosion current to the contact point through the input terminal so as to remove corrosion in the contact point. A series resistor is electrically interposed between the input terminal of the signal processing circuit and the contact point. The anti-corrosion current is supplied to the contact point through the series resistor.

Abstract: An arc crowbar with electrodes separated by a gap in a protective case. Each electrode is connected to an electrically different conductor of a circuit. A sensor detects an arc flash condition on the circuit and signals a trigger circuit to send an electrical pulse to an arc-triggering device in the arc crowbar gap. The triggering device ionizes a portion of the gas between the electrodes, initiating a protective arc between the electrodes that absorbs energy from the power circuit and trips a breaker, eliminating the arc flash condition. The triggering device may be a plasma gun, especially one that injects plasma of an ablated material into the gap. The sensor may signal a circuit breaker to open in the power circuit. Arc flash sensor types may include a differential current sensor and/or an optical sensor.

Abstract: Hybrid power relay for making and breaking an electrical circuit which includes electromagnetically operated contacts for making and breaking the circuit, a solid state switch connected across the contacts, a control circuit responsive to a control signal for actuating the solid state switch and the contacts such that the solid state switch closes before the contacts to make the circuit and the contacts open before the solid state switch to break the circuit, and a protective circuit for monitoring the temperature of the solid state switch and opening the switch in the event of a rise in temperature produced by abnormal current flow in the switch due to failure of the contacts to make and maintain the circuit.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a switching time of an electric switching device. An electric switching device includes an interrupter link. A first line section and a second line section can be connected and disconnected by way of the interrupter link. In order to determine a switching time, the temporal progression of a driving voltage is determined in the first line section. In addition, a temporal course of an oscillator voltage appearing in the second line section is determined. Potential switching times are determined at the voltage zero crossings of a resulting voltage. The selection of the potential switching times ensues while evaluating the rises of the driving voltage and of the oscillator voltage or of the polarity of the oscillating current.