Abstract: A power conversion system and methods of power conversion and construction of such a system are disclosed, where the system includes at least two pairs of input and output bus bars, and two pairs of switching devices, with the switching devices of each respective pair coupled in parallel in between a respective pair of the bus bars. When one of the switching devices of each pair is closed, the bus bars of the respective pair of bus bars are short-circuited to one another, thus bypassing the other of the switching devices of each pair. The other of the switching devices of each pair is attached to at least one intermediate portion, which in turn is attached to a mass. Substantially all the heat generated by the other of the switching devices of each pair is communicated to the mass, which has a heat capacity capable of receiving that heat.

Abstract: A method for interrupting current is provided wherein substantially all current is conveyed through a normal current carrying path in a circuit interrupter. A movable element is displaced for interruption of the current, and a balance is struck between the normal current carrying path and a parallel alternative or transient current carrying path. The transient current carrying path includes at least one variable or controllable resistance element. The transient current carrying path presents a substantially open circuit during normal operation. The variable resistance elements have a lower resistance during initial phases of circuit interruption, favoring transition of all current from the normal current carrying path to the transient path. Thereafter, the variable resistance elements increase in resistivity, producing additional back-EMF to drive the fault current to a zero level and to limit let-through energy.

Abstract: A technique is provided for enhancing performance of a circuit interrupter by deionizing arc plasma developed during an interruption event. A source material is disposed in a secondary current carrying path parallel to a primary current carrying path through the device. Upon movement of a movable contact in the primary current carrying path, current begins to flow through the source material, causing surface ablation of a material which deionizes arc plasma, resulting in greater voltage investment in the arc and more rapid extinction.

Abstract: An electrical circuit interrupter includes a primary or normal current carrying path and a transient or alternative current carrying path. The normal current carrying path is established by a movable spanner extending between stationary contacts during normal operation. The transient current carrying path includes at least one variable resistance element which transitions from a lower resistance to a higher resistance during interruption. The transient current carrying path forms an open circuit in parallel with the normal current carrying path during normal operation. Upon interruption, the transient current carrying path is favored for the fault current, completely interrupting the normal current carrying path. The variable resistance elements increase their resistivity during this phase of operation to aid in providing high levels of back-EMF for complete interruption of fault current through the device and limitation of let-through energy.

Abstract: A method for interrupting current is provided wherein substantially all current is conveyed through a first current carrying path in a circuit interrupter. A movable element is displaced for interruption of the current, and current is directed through both the first current carrying path and a second current carrying path in parallel with the first path The second current carrying path includes at least one variable or controllable resistance element. Both current carrying paths conduct current during interruption, with resistance of the paths driving the current to a null level. Current through the first current carrying path may be terminated prior to current through the second path. The variable resistance element draws current into the second current carrying path once an arc in the first path reaches a resistance sufficient to transition a portion of the current to both paths.

Abstract: A technique for reducing arc retrogression in a circuit interrupter includes providing a source material in a parallel current carrying path in the interrupter. The source material and parallel current carrying path support no current during normal operation. Upon interruption of a primary current carrying path, current flows through the source material, causing surface ablation of material which enhances the dielectric of the arc plasma, permitting more rapid entry of the arc into a dissipating structure such as a splitter plate stack. The source material transitions to a higher resistance level by heating to limit current flow during interruption.

Abstract: A technique is provided for forcing greater voltage investment in an arc developed during interruption of a current carrying path. A source element is provided in a secondary current carrying path parallel to a primary path through the device. Upon interruption of the primary current carrying path, an arc is forced to migrate towards a dissipating structure under the influence of an electromagnetic field. The source material then begins to carry current and undergoes surface ablation, releasing gas which is directed towards the migrating arc. The arc is thus caused to expand further, increasing voltage investment and resulting in more rapid extinction and reduction in let-through energy.

Abstract: A detachable securement apparatus for a mounting rail, wherein the mounting rail has first and second mounting flanges extending lengthwise along opposite sides of a support section. The apparatus has a body, a securement assembly and a release assembly. Extending from the body, the securement assembly has first and second interface members each including a contact region configured to exert a holding force on the first and second mounting flanges, respectively. The release assembly is configured for removing the holding force on both the first and second mounting flanges to allow vertical removal of the body. The release assembly has an engagement member coupled to the body and to the first and second interface members, and is engagable on a side of the body.

Abstract: An electrical circuit interrupter includes a primary or normal current carrying path and a transient or alternative current carrying path. The normal current carrying path is established by a movable spanner extending between stationary contacts during normal operation. The transient current carrying path includes at least one variable resistance element which transitions from a lower resistance to a higher resistance during interruption. The transient current carrying path forms an open circuit in parallel with the normal current carrying path during normal operation. Upon interruption, the transient current carrying path is favored for the fault current, completely interrupting the normal current carrying path. The variable resistance elements increase their resistivity during this phase of operation to aid in providing high levels of back-EMF for complete interruption of fault current through the device and limitation of let-through energy.

Abstract: A method for interrupting current is provided wherein substantially all current is conveyed through a normal current carrying path in a circuit interrupter. A movable element is displaced for interruption of the current, and a balance is struck between the normal current carrying path and a parallel alternative or transient current carrying path. The transient current carrying path includes at least one variable or controllable resistance element. The transient current carrying path presents a substantially open circuit during normal operation. The variable resistance elements have a lower resistance during initial phases of circuit interruption, favoring transition of all current from the normal current carrying path to the transient path. Thereafter, the variable resistance elements increase in resistivity, producing additional back-EMF to drive the fault current to a zero level and to limit let-through energy.

Abstract: A multiphase circuit interrupter includes a plurality of power phase sections for establishing and interrupting electrical power carrying paths for a plurality of phases Each power phase section includes first and second conductive regions which contact one another to complete the current carrying path for the phase. The second conductive region is movable to an interrupted position to interrupt the path. An interphase current carrying path is established between the power phase sections to conduct electrical energy between the sections following a trip event in any one of the sections. The interphase current carrying path may be established by a conductive element extending between the power phase sections. Channels may be formed in the interrupter housing between the power phase sections to communicate conductive plasma generated during separation of the contact regions from one another between the power phase sections.

Abstract: A multiphase circuit interrupter includes a plurality of power phase sections for establishing and interrupting electrical power carrying paths for a plurality of phases. Each power phase section includes first and second conductive regions which contact one another to complete the current carrying path for the phase. The second conductive region is movable to an interrupted position to interrupt the path. An interphase current carrying path is established between the power phase sections to conduct electrical energy between the sections following a trip event in any one of the sections. The interphase current carrying path may be established by a conductive element extending between the power phase sections. Channels may be formed in the interrupter housing between the power phase sections to communicate conductive plasma generated during separation of the contact regions from one another between the power phase sections.