Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.

Abstract: Magnetically latching and releasing a voice coil actuator for controlling electrical switchgear. The voice coil actuator includes a voice coil magnet disposed on a common longitudinal axis with respect to a voice coil assembly. A coil of the voice coil assembly exerts a magnetic force on the voice coil assembly, thrusting the voice coil assembly towards the voice coil magnet. At least one pair of latching members mounted to the voice coil assembly creates a permanent magnet circuit between the latching members and the voice coil magnet. The permanent magnet circuit maintains the position of the voice coil assembly relative to the voice coil magnet, even when power to the coil is removed. This latch can be released by applying a current in the coil or by applying an external, physical force to a member coupled to the voice coil assembly.

Abstract: A closed loop feedback system controls electrical switchgear that moves at least one contact relative to another contact to switch power on and off in an AC electrical circuit. The control system includes a position feedback device that is operatively coupled to at least one of the two contacts to produce contact position information. A processor receives and analyzes the contact position information to control contact motion to provide AC waveform synchronized switching. The electrical switchgear may be a capacitor switch that includes a bi-stable over-toggle latching device. The latching device maintains the contacts in one of an open stable position in which electrical current does not flow through the contacts or a closed stable position in which electrical current flows through the contacts.

Abstract: A closed loop feedback system controls electrical switchgear that moves at least one contact relative to another contact to switch power on and off in an AC electrical circuit. The control system includes a position feedback device that is operatively coupled to at least one of the two contacts to produce contact position information. A processor receives and analyzes the contact position information to control contact motion to provide AC waveform synchronized switching. The electrical switchgear may be a capacitor switch that includes a bi-stable over-toggle latching device. The latching device maintains the contacts in one of an open stable position in which electrical current does not flow through the contacts or a closed stable position in which electrical current flows through the contacts.

Abstract: A closed loop feedback system controls electrical switchgear that moves at least one contact relative to another contact to switch power on and off in an AC electrical circuit. The control system includes a position feedback device that is operatively coupled to at least one of the two contacts to produce contact position information. A processor receives and analyzes the contact position information to control contact motion to provide AC waveform synchronized switching. The electrical switchgear may be a capacitor switch that includes a bi-stable over-toggle latching device. The latching device maintains the contacts in one of an open stable position in which electrical current does not flow through the contacts or a closed stable position in which electrical current flows through the contacts.

Abstract: In a power distribution system, synchronizing switchgear operations with an AC voltage or current waveform can be accomplished more precisely with a closed-loop feedback, microprocessor-based motion control design. By employing a closed-loop feedback, microprocessor-based design, switchgear contact position and velocity can be monitored and optimized in real time during a switching operation, thereby assuring a more accurate switching operation. Moreover, the closed-loop feedback design intrinsically compensates for the effects of such things as ambient temperature, AC waveform fluctuations, and changes in the physical condition of the switchgear. The closed-loop position feedback design is also capable of optimizing various transfer function parameters associated with the closed-loop feedback process, both during and subsequent to a switching operation, to further assure that switching operations are more accurately synchronized with the AC voltage or current waveforms.