Abstract: A start-up method for reducing inrush current to a transformer when closing a switching device. The switching device includes three single-pole operated current interrupting means. The method includes monitoring a voltage. The method includes, for each of a sequence of iterations: at a same opening angle relative to a reference angle of the voltage, starting an opening sequence of the switching device; at a closing angle relative to the reference angle, which is shifted in relation to the closing angle of all other iterations in the sequence, starting a closing sequence of the switching device; and obtaining an indication of the overall inrush current resulting from the closing. The method includes selecting for future use with the opening angle, the closing angle of one of the iterations in which the overall inrush current is relatively low when compared with the other iterations of the sequence.

Abstract: A method of operating a switching device in a system. The method includes monitoring a voltage; operating the system at each of a plurality of system configurations; and, for each of the system configurations and a predetermined same opening angle relative to a reference angle of the monitored voltage, determining a suitable closing angle relative to the reference angle and storing information about the determined suitable closing angle in association with the system configuration in a database. The method then includes, determining a system configuration in the system; at the predetermined same opening angle, opening the switching device; from the database, obtaining a closing angle of the determined suitable closing angles, wherein the system configuration with which the obtained closing angle is associated in the database corresponds to the determined system configuration; and at the obtained closing angle, closing the switching device.

Abstract: A method of operating a Fault Current Limiter Circuit Breaker including a plurality of FLCB modules connected in series, including at least a first module and a second module. Each module has a plurality of parallel component legs including a mechanical switch leg having a mechanical switch, a semiconductor switch leg having a semiconductor switch, and a Metal Oxide Varistor leg having a MOV. The method includes, when the FLCB is in an open configuration, obtaining an indication that the FLCB should be closed; in response to the obtained indication, closing the semiconductor switch of each of the modules; and, after the closing of the semiconductor switches and while the mechanical switch of the second module remains open, closing the mechanical switch of the first module.

Abstract: A method of operating a Fault Current Limiter Circuit Breaker including a plurality of FLCB modules connected in series, including at least a first module and a second module. Each module includes a plurality of parallel component legs including a mechanical switch leg including a mechanical switch, a semiconductor switch leg including a semiconductor switch, and a Metal Oxide Varistor leg including a MOV. The method includes, when the FLBC is in an open configuration, obtaining an indication that the FLCB should be closed; in response to the obtained indication, closing the semiconductor switch of each of the modules; and, after the closing of the semiconductor switches and while the mechanical switch of the second module remains open, closing the mechanical switch of the first module.

Abstract: A steering wheel that includes optoelectronic components, each specific optoelectronic component including a light projector projecting light out of the steering wheel at two different angles, denoted a1 and a2, a light sensor detecting reflections of the light projected by neighboring optoelectronic components by an object above the steering wheel, a lens oriented relative to the light sensor such that the light sensor receives maximum intensity when light enters the lens at either of two particular angles, specifically, when light enters the lens at a particular angle b1, and at a particular angle b2 different than b1, wherein angle b1 views reflections of light projected at angle a1 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on one side, and angle b2 views reflections of light projected at angle a2 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on the side opposite the one side.

Abstract: A steering wheel that includes optoelectronic components, each specific optoelectronic component including a light projector projecting light out of the steering wheel at two different angles, denoted a1 and a2, a light sensor detecting reflections of the light projected by neighboring optoelectronic components by an object above the steering wheel, a lens oriented relative to the light sensor such that the light sensor receives maximum intensity when light enters the lens at either of two particular angles, specifically, when light enters the lens at a particular angle b1, and at a particular angle b2 different than b1, wherein angle b1 views reflections of light projected at angle a1 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on one side, and angle b2 views reflections of light projected at angle a2 by the optoelectronic component neighboring the specific optoelectronic component on the side opposite the one side.