Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch array for power switching includes an input node, an output node, and a plurality of MEMS switches, wherein the input node and the output node are independently in electrical communication with a portion of the plurality of MEMS switches, and wherein a failure of any one of the plurality of MEMS switches does not render ineffective another MEMS switch within the MEMS switch array.

Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes detection circuitry configured to detect occurrence of a zero crossing of an alternating source voltage or an alternating load current. The system also includes switching circuitry coupled to the detection circuitry and comprising a micro-electromechanical system switch. Additionally, the system includes control circuitry coupled to the detection circuitry and the switching circuitry and configured to perform arc-less switching of the micro-electromechanical system switch responsive to a detected zero crossing of an alternating source voltage or alternating load current.

Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes detection circuitry configured to detect occurrence of a zero crossing of an alternating source voltage or an alternating load current. The system also includes switching circuitry coupled to the detection circuitry and comprising a micro-electromechanical system switch. Additionally, the system includes control circuitry coupled to the detection circuitry and the switching circuitry and configured to perform arc-less switching of the micro-electromechanical system switch responsive to a detected zero crossing of an alternating source voltage or alternating load current.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) switch array for power switching includes an input node, an output node, and a plurality of MEMS switches, wherein the input node and the output node are independently in electrical communication with a portion of the plurality of MEMS switches, and wherein a failure of any one of the plurality of MEMS switches does not render ineffective another MEMS switch within the MEMS switch array.

Abstract: A system is presented. The system includes a first micro-electromechanical system switch. Further, the system includes arc suppression circuitry coupled to the first micro-electromechanical system switch, wherein the arc suppression circuitry comprises a balanced diode bridge and is configured to facilitate suppression of an arc formation between contacts of the first micro-electromechanical system switch.

Abstract: A protection system for a power distribution system is provided. The protection system includes a central computer, a plurality of data modules, and a data network. The data modules are each in communication with a different circuit breaker of the power distribution system. The data network communicates between the central computer and the plurality of data modules. The central computer sends an instruction to the plurality of data modules over the data network to aid in synchronization of sampling of a power condition at the plurality of data modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker includes an associated node electronics unit wherein a node electronics unit redundancy requirement is predetermined. The method includes monitoring electrical system parameters associated with the circuit breaker with the node electronics unit, communicating the electrical system parameters over a digital network to at least one central control processing unit, receiving commands and actions from the at least one central control processing unit over the digital network, determining circuit breaker actuation commands based at least partially on the received commands and actions, and operating the circuit breaker based on the circuit breaker actuation commands.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present technique, a power regulating system for providing a regulated voltage to a load is provided. The system comprises an energy source and a regulator circuit that receives energy from the energy source and produces a regulated voltage, which is supplied to the load. An energy storage device is charged once the regulated voltage reaches a predetermined level. In accordance with another aspect of the present technique, a method for providing a regulated voltage to a load is provided. The method includes regulating power from an energy source and controlling charging of an energy storage device. The charging is controlled by allowing the energy storage device to charge when a regulated voltage provided by a regulator circuit reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A protection system for a power distribution system is provided. The protection system includes a central computer, a plurality of data modules, and a data network. The data modules are each in communication with a different circuit breaker of the power distribution system. The data network communicates between the central computer and the plurality of data modules. The central computer sends an instruction to the plurality of data modules over the data network to aid in synchronization of sampling of a power condition at the plurality of data modules.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a power distribution system circuit breaker is provided. The circuit breaker includes an associated node electronics unit wherein a node electronics unit redundancy requirement is predetermined. The method includes monitoring electrical system parameters associated with the circuit breaker with the node electronics unit, communicating the electrical system parameters over a digital network to at least one central control processing unit, receiving commands and actions from the at least one central control processing unit over the digital network, determining circuit breaker actuation commands based at least partially on the received commands and actions, and operating the circuit breaker based on the circuit breaker actuation commands.