Abstract: Various embodiments of the teachings herein include a grid influencing system for a power supply grid comprising: a current-conducting grid influencing component; and a vacuum circuit breaker including a vacuum circuit breaker tube containing an at least partly integrated pre-arcing device for actively generating an arc between two contacts.

Abstract: A current-limiting circuit for limiting the magnitude of an alternating current. The circuit includes a coil unit and a capacitor unit, which are connected electrically in series, and a bypass device for electrically bridging the capacitor unit on occasion of an overcurrent. The bypass device has a first bypass branch and a second bypass branch connected electrically in parallel with the first bypass branch. A third bypass branch is connected electrically in parallel with a second bypass element of the second bypass branch.

Abstract: A system for charging an electrical energy store by means of a converter. The converter monitors an electrical connection between the converter and the electrical energy store. If an interruption of the electrical connection between the converter and the electrical energy store is detected, for example, the opening of a circuit breaker between the electrical energy store and the converter, the further provision of electrical power for charging the electrical energy store through is immediately prevented by the converter.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus includes a converter which converts AC power into DC power and outputs it to a DC link, an inverter which converts the DC power of the DC link into AC power for driving a motor, DC link capacitors connected in series with each other, resistors connected in parallel with the DC link capacitors and connected in series with each other, a DC link voltage detection unit, a current-carrying element which is connected between one of connection points connecting the DC link capacitors to each other and one of connection points connecting the resistors to each other, and carries a current when the applied voltage is higher than a predetermined value, and a short-circuit judgment unit which judges that at least one of the DC link capacitors has shorted when the DC link voltage value is larger than an upper limit or smaller than a lower limit.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus and a short circuit protection circuit and method of capacitor thereof are provided. A rectifier circuit rectifies an AC signal into a DC signal. An electrical energy storage circuit is coupled to the rectifier circuit, and the electrical energy storage circuit includes a plurality of capacitors connected in series. A detection circuit is coupled to the electrical energy storage circuit to detect cross voltages of the capacitors. A control circuit is coupled to the rectifier circuit and the detection circuit. When the cross voltage of any of the plurality of capacitors is greater than a preset voltage, the rectifier circuit is disabled by the control circuit.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provide methods and apparatus for generating a negative boost voltage for memory write operations. One example memory circuit generally includes at least one memory bank, a write circuit coupled to the at least one memory bank, and a boost generation circuit coupled to the write circuit. The boost generation circuit generally includes a first node coupled to a reference potential node of the write circuit; a second node; a first capacitive element having a first terminal coupled to the first node of the boost generation circuit; a first switch configured to selectively couple the first node to a reference potential node for the memory circuit; and a second switch configured to selectively couple a second terminal of the first capacitive element to the second node of the boost generation circuit.

Abstract: A direct-current circuit includes: a breaker that is inserted into the direct-current line and becomes a path for direct current when in a steady state; a resonance circuit connected in parallel with the breaker and superimposing resonance current on the direct current; and a first disconnector and a second disconnector connected to first and second connection points of the breaker and the resonance circuit, respectively, and forming a path for the direct current together with the breaker. The resonance circuit includes a series circuit that includes a capacitor and a reactor and generates the resonance current, a charging resistor for charging the capacitor with a direct-current potential of the direct-current line, a high-speed switch connected in series with the series circuit on the capacitor side and superimposing the resonance current on the direct current, and an arrester connected in parallel with the capacitor and the high-speed switch.

Abstract: A spark gap arrangement includes a triggerable spark gap and a trigger circuit. The spark gap arrangement also includes a first and a second charge storage device, a voltage limiting component, a trigger diode, a triggerable arresting element, and a transformer. The voltage limiting component and the trigger diode are designed to relay an input pulse in a specified voltage range and charge the first charge storage device. Furthermore, the trigger circuit is designed such that the triggerable arresting element is connected via the first charge storage device dependent on the voltage and discharges the second charge storage device via a primary side of the transformer.

Abstract: An actuating device for a vacuum switching tube has a connecting element which can be connected to an electric contact of the vacuum switching tube, an electromagnetic actuating device for displacing the connecting element between a first and a second position, and a retaining yoke, relative to which the connecting element can be displaced and has a first magnetic element. The first magnetic element generates a first and a second magnetic circuit in the retaining yoke. The actuating device further has a ferromagnetic retaining anchor, which is arranged on the connecting element. The retaining anchor is located in the first position of the connecting element in the first magnetic circuit and in the second position of the connecting element in the second magnetic circuit. The connecting element is held in the first and in the second position by a respective magnetic force between the retaining yoke and the retaining anchor.

Abstract: A sealed storage canister is provided. The sealed storage canister in one example includes a sealed enclosure configured to be substantially hermetically sealed for retaining a predetermined gas or gas mixture, multiple unsealed Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) located within the sealed enclosure, with the multiple unsealed HDDs configured to allow the predetermined gas or gas mixture to move through the multiple unsealed HDDs, at least one mounting element configured to receive the multiple HDDs, and an external connector configured to be externally accessible, with the external connector being directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the multiple unsealed HDDs.

Abstract: A series spark gap includes at least three partial spark gaps. In a continuous operation mode, a supply voltage acting over the partial spark gaps is divided by a first voltage dividing mechanism. During triggering, more than half of the partial spark gaps are bypassed by using a bypass mechanism such that more than half of the supply voltage acts over the partial spark gaps that are not bypassed, whereby the partial spark gap or the partial spark gaps that are not bypassed ignite. The voltage acting over the bypassed partial spark gaps is divided asymmetrically using the bypass mechanism, whereby the bypassed partial spark gaps ignite sequentially in the order determined by the asymmetric voltage division.

Abstract: An apparatus for short-circuit protection of a three-phase load in a three-phase system includes an input for connection of the apparatus to a three-phase network, an output for connection of the three-phase load to the apparatus, a means for producing an auxiliary short circuit in the three-phase network by ignition of the means, a means for identifying a short circuit at the three-phase load, and a means for generating an ignition pulse upon identification of the short circuit. The means for producing the auxiliary short circuit and the means for identifying the short circuit are provided in the current path between the input and the output. The means for producing the auxiliary short circuit is ignitable by the ignition pulse. The means for generating the ignition pulse is formed so that the ignition pulse can be generated by a short-circuit current established by the means for identifying the short circuit.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a casing configured to cut off ambient light and have a casing-opening portion at the bottom, an image capturing unit configured to perform image capturing of a medium that is exposed to an inside of the casing in the casing-opening portion, a plurality of light sources configured to be arranged on the inside of the casing and emit light to different areas on horizontal plane in the casing-opening portion, a control unit configured to control at least the image capturing unit and the plurality of light sources, and an attachment configured to be detachably attached to the bottom of the casing. The attachment surrounds the casing-opening portion in a state in which the attachment is attached to the casing and cuts off the ambient light together with the casing in a state in which the bottom is placed on the medium.

Abstract: An auxiliary power device includes an auxiliary power source having first and second charging cells connected in series, a cell balance circuit configured to sense a charging voltage between the first and second charging cells, generate a balance voltage based on the sensed charging voltage, and applies the generated balance voltage between the first and second charging cells, and a microprocessor configured to diagnose the first and second charging cells based on the sensed charging cells and control the cell balance circuit.

Abstract: Power conversion equipment which can detect a short circuit failure of series connected smoothing capacitors is provided. The equipment includes a capacitor failure detecting circuit having switch units, exciting resistors, contact resistors, and diodes. A switch unit is provided with an exciting circuit and a contact circuit, and when a predetermined current flows through the exciting circuit, the contact circuit is closed. The exciting circuit and an exciting resistor are alternately connected in series, and the contact circuit and a contact resistor are alternately connected in series. These serially-connected circuits are connected in parallel with each capacitor. When excitation of a switch circuit having a lowest potential is turned OFF, it is judged that one or more of the series connected capacitors has failed via a short circuit.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for implementing adjustable speed drives. For instance, an apparatus may comprise an inverter circuit configured to drive a multi-phase electrical load, the inverter configured to be powered by first and second direct-current (DC) bus lines, a fan drive circuit configured to be powered by the first and second DC bus lines, a fan configured to be controlled by the fan drive circuit and having a plurality of windings coupled together at an electrical node, a first capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the first DC bus line and a second terminal coupled to the electrical node, and a second capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the second DC bus lines and a second terminal coupled to the electrical node.

Abstract: A method for protecting against a failure within a multi-phase capacitor bank including a plurality of capacitor units each including a plurality of capacitor elements connected to each other, wherein capacitor units are connected to each other and the failure may involve two neighboring capacitor units. The method includes steps of measuring the current of each individual phase of the capacitor bank, calculating the magnitude of an unbalanced current based on the measured currents, measuring the voltage of each individual phase of the capacitor bank, calculating the magnitude of an unbalanced voltage based on the measured voltages, determining an operating point based on the calculated magnitudes of the unbalanced current and the unbalanced voltage, examining where the defined operating point is located in a specified operating region, and initializing a trip signal based on the location of the defined operating point in the specified operating region.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement of the invention includes: At least one measuring device, which generates, repeatedly during operation, measured values, especially digital, measured values, representing the at least one measured variable to be registered; as well as an electronic data processing system superordinated to the at least one measuring device, especially a data processing system which is spatially distributed and/or spatially remote from the measuring device. Measuring device and data processing system are connected together by means of at least two line-pairs, through each of which an electrical current flows, at least at times, during operation. According to the invention, the measuring device transmits the internally generated, measured values to the data processing system via both line-pairs. In this way, it is then possible to transmit a plurality of measured values simultaneously, when each of the two line-pairs is embodied as part of a two-conductor current-loop.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement including at least two capacitors that are connected in series to a voltage is provided. The circuit arrangement also includes a voltage divider, arranged in parallel to the at least two capacitors, the voltage divider divides the voltage to the at least two capacitors, and a protective diode arranged in parallel to every capacitor in series to a series resistance in such a manner that the threshold voltage of the protective diode is lower than the admissible voltage of the capacitor arranged in parallel to the protective diode. In addition a protective circuit is arranged in parallel to the series resistances.

Abstract: A power conversion apparatus includes: a line breaker that is connected in series to a direct-current power supply; a first capacitor that is connected in parallel to the direct-current power supply through the line breaker; a discharge circuit that includes a resistor and a first switching circuit connected in series and is connected in parallel to the first capacitor; a power converter for driving a synchronous machine; a second capacitor that is connected in parallel to a direct-current side of the power converter; a second switching circuit that is connected in series between the first capacitor and the second capacitor; and a control circuit for controlling the discharge circuit. The control circuit controls the discharge circuit on the basis of the voltage of the first capacitor and the voltage of the second capacitor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for identifying a faulted phase in at least one shunt capacitor bank. The apparatus generally includes a sampling circuit for sampling current or voltage signals associated with the shunt capacitor bank. A microcontroller is coupled to the sampling circuit and programmed to measure a compensated neutral point phase angle from the sampled signal, and compare the compensated neutral point phase angle with a fixed reference phase angle to identify the faulted phase of the shunt capacitor bank. The method generally includes the steps of sampling a current or voltage signal associated with the shunt capacitor bank, determining a compensated neutral point phase angle from the sampled signal, and comparing the compensated neutral point phase angle with a fixed reference phase angle to identify the faulted phase of the shunt capacitor bank. The invention also relates to an apparatus and method for identifying the location of the fault (e.g.

Abstract: An energy storage subsystem includes a metal casing and an electrical storage system mechanically fastened within the metal casing and including at least one super-capacitor module having a plurality of super-capacitors linked together in series. The subsystem includes at least one electrical protection device configured to open an electrical circuit to link electrical ground to either the metal casing or the super-capacitor module.

Abstract: Described herein is, for example, a battery or capacitor over voltage (overcharge) and under-voltage protection circuit, that, for example, is adapted to not draw current from the battery or capacitor to be charged unless charge energy is detected and to not charge an energy storage device when an over-charge condition is sensed. The protection circuit may, for example, not be turned on unless an over voltage condition is present. Incoming energy to the system can be shunted to ground via a shunt load of various types including resistive loads and active components such as a zener diode. In some embodiments, no switching of the inbound power is required. Within limits, no regulation of inbound power is needed. When inbound power is sufficient to charge the battery or capacitor, regulation can occur via the applied shunt regulator if overcharge voltage conditions exist. Either type of charge source, voltage or current, can be used to provide charge energy.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement of the invention includes: At least one measuring device, which generates, repeatedly during operation, measured values, especially digital, measured values, representing the at least one measured variable to be registered; as well as an electronic data processing system superordinated to the at least one measuring device, especially a data processing system which is spatially distributed and/or spatially remote from the measuring device. Measuring device and data processing system are connected together by means of at least two line-pairs, through each of which an electrical current flows, at least at times, during operation. According to the invention, the measuring device transmits the internally generated, measured values to the data processing system via both line-pairs. In this way, it is then possible to transmit a plurality of measured values simultaneously, when each of the two line-pairs is embodied as part of a two-conductor current-loop.

Abstract: A thyristor controlled series capacitor module including a capacitor connectable in series with a power line, a thyristor valve connected in parallel with the capacitor, a breaker connected in parallel with the thyristor valve, and an inductor. By providing a simplified breaker arrangement, the number of components is reduced.

Abstract: A system and apparatus that allows the use of a 3-phase AC motor in a vehicle by associating a series capacitor with each phase winding. The capacitor can be charged through the motor winding and then switched to discharge through the winding in a resonant oscillatory mode. The capacitor values can be chosen so that the winding and capacitor in series resonates at approximately 60 Hz. Oscillations in each phase can be staggered by around 120 degrees. The charging and discharging is controlled by electronic SPDT switches that switch around 300 VAC/500 VDC at around 15 amps for each phase. With an average DC current of 20 amps from a 48 volt battery pack (four 12 volt batteries connected in series) and 75% discharge of the capacitors, the present invention can run a 7.5 HP, 3-phase, 240 VAC motor for approximately 3.5 hours or longer. A simple oscillator circuit can drive the switches at the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement including at least two capacitors that are connected in series to a voltage is provided. The circuit arrangement also includes a voltage divider, arranged in parallel to the at least two capacitors, the voltage divider divides the voltage to the at least two capacitors, and a protective diode arranged in parallel to every capacitor in series to a series resistance in such a manner that the threshold voltage of the protective diode is lower than the admissible voltage of the capacitor arranged in parallel to the protective diode. In addition a protective circuit is arranged in parallel to the series resistances.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electric energy storage device having a good cycle characteristic and a temperature characteristic and a method of charging and discharging the electric energy storage device. The electric energy storage device including a capacitor and a secondary battery combined in series is provided. When the capacitor of the electric energy storage device is an electric double layer capacitor, the capacitor is used to the voltage of OV or less to increase an available energy usage.

Abstract: An electronic ballast with remote capacitor placement includes a first housing (34); a second housing (36); an AC/DC converter (22); a DC bus (24) operably connected to the AC/DC converter (22); a lamp driver (26) operably connected to the DC bus (24); and a storage capacitor (32) connected to the DC bus (24) with capacitor wires (30). The AC/DC converter (22), the DC bus (24), and the lamp driver (26) are disposed in the first housing (34); the storage capacitor (32) is disposed in the second housing (36); and the first housing (34) is thermally isolated and physically separated from the second housing (36).

Abstract: A series spark gap is triggered such that in parallel with partial spark gaps (1, 2) of the series spark gap there are coupled first voltage distribution means. Further, at least in one partial spark gap (1, 2) there is arranged an additional electrode (10) whose voltage is set to a given level by means of second voltage distribution means. The voltage level of the additional electrode (10) is changed by disturbing the voltage distribution of the second voltage distribution means. Thus the spark gap between the main electrode (6a, 6b) of the partial spark gap (1) and the additional electrode (10) will be ignited. Capacity of the second voltage distribution means is lower than that of the first voltage distribution means and consequently the voltage acting over the first voltage distribution means does not change significantly.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a hybrid electric vehicle propulsion energy storage pack from an overvoltage condition is described. The energy storage pack includes a plurality of energy storage cells electrically connected in series and electrically coupled with a vehicle direct current (DC) bus. The system includes one or more overvoltage detection circuits, a disconnect circuit and one or more connection verification circuits. The one or more voltage detection circuits detect an overvoltage condition across a subset of the plurality of energy storage cells. The disconnect circuit electrically decouples the energy storage pack from the DC power bus upon detection of an overvoltage condition across the subset of the plurality of energy storage cells. The one or more connection verification circuits verify that the overvoltage detection circuit is electrically coupled to the subset of the plurality of energy storage cells.

Abstract: A thyristor controlled series capacitor module including a capacitor connectable in series with a power line, a thyristor valve connected in parallel with the capacitor, a breaker connected in parallel with the thyristor valve, and an inductor. By providing a simplified breaker arrangement, the number of components is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed are an electric energy storage device having a good cycle characteristic and a temperature characteristic and a method of charging and discharging the electric energy storage device. The electric energy storage device including a capacitor and a secondary battery combined in series is provided. When the capacitor of the electric energy storage device is an electric double layer capacitor, the capacitor is used to the voltage of OV or less to increase an available energy usage. When this energy storage device is used as a power in a place where a rapid keeping and repairing is difficult such as out in the fields including in the mountain, at the sea, on the road, the cost for keeping and repairing can be largely reduced.

Abstract: A circuit that includes a filter and a DC bus is provided that reduces the potential for failure of a second capacitor of the filter in the event a first capacitor shorts. The filter is electrically connected across the DC bus and includes serially connected capacitors and a capacitor fuse electrically connected in series with the capacitors. The capacitor fuse is adapted to open in the event a first capacitor of the series shorts in order to prevent failure of a second capacitor of the series. In one embodiment of the invention, a static power converter includes a pair of serially connected capacitors having a DC bus fuse serially connected therewith. In another embodiment of the invention, a filter connected across a DC bus includes a plurality of capacitor legs that each include a capacitor fuse serially connected to a plurality of serially connected capacitors.

Abstract: A bypass capacitor having a given capacitance is arranged on the power/ground line adjacently to a driver circuit in a chip to reduce an effect of transient phenomenon at switching. The capacitance of the bypass capacitor is preset so as to be larger than a parasitic capacitance of the driver circuit to prevent the characteristic impedance of the power/ground line from being higher than the characteristic impedance of internal wiring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for operating a high-pressure discharge lamp, comprising a switched mode power supply circuit (SMPS) for supplying power to the high pressure discharge lamp from a supply voltage, the power supply circuit comprising a half bridge commutating forward (HBCF) circuit including an inductance(Lhbcf?), a capacitor circuit of a first capacitor (Cs1) and a second capacitor (Cs2) in series, the lamp (LA) being connectable between the inductance (Lhbcf) and a point (M) between the first and second capacitor (Cs1,Cs2); wherein overvoltage protection means are connected parallel to the lamp, which switch from an off-state with a high resistance operation to an on-state with a low resistance operation when the voltage difference across the protection means exceeds a breakover voltage (Vbo), the breakover voltage (Vbo) being selected to correspond to a predetermined maximum voltage across the first or the second capacitor (Cs1,Cs2).

Abstract: A series-capacitor installation intended to be placed on a platform, insulated towards ground, for connection into a power line (L) for carrying a line current (IL) has a first and a second capacitor group (C1 and C2, respectively). The capacitor groups are mutually parallel-connected and a non-linear voltage-limiting resistor (Z) is connected in parallel with the capacitor groups, the first capacitor group for carrying a first capacitor current (IC1) and the second capacitor group for carrying a second capacitor current (IC2). Protective equipment is intended, in dependence on currents sensed in the installation and on chosen criteria for evaluation thereof, to initiate a protective measure for the installation under an abnormal operating condition.

Abstract: A harmonic wave distortion suppressor includes a main body, at least a connecting pin and a coating. The main body is made of a first material and covered with a second material for absorbing an instantaneous high voltage or sharp wave. The connecting pin is coupled to two lateral sides of the main body respectively so as to form a capacitor. The coating is coated on the main body locally with a clearance being exposed and the clearance provides a function of charging and discharging locally. When the high voltage or sharp wave passes through the harmonic wave distortion suppressor, peak discharging effect of the clearance can not only isolate the high voltage or sharp wave from entering an electronic device but also prevent an iron core in the electronic device from occurring magnetization effect resulting from the high voltage or sharp wave so that quality of signal transmission and receiving can be secured.

Abstract: A device comprising a fault detector and communications module. The communications module can transmit and receive information and data via a commercial two-way wireless system, which may include two-way paging technology. The inventive device is capable of measuring imbalance currents in a remote capacitor bank, and if the imbalance current exceeds a set threshold the inventive device communicates this information, and/or other information, to an electric utility control center. The communications module is mounted using a standard utility meter socket, thereby allowing the communications module and an associated adaptive capacitor control to be stacked and mounted on the same meter socket to provide an integral unit. A two-way infrared communication port is also provided.

Abstract: A film which is a biaxially oriented film comprising polyethylene-2,6-naphthalenedicaboxylate as a principal component, having a thermal strain; ratio RMD (150) in the machine direction of the film at a temperature of 150° C. is −1.5%≦RMD (150)≦0.0% when the thermal strain ratio RMD (T) in the machine direction of the film at a temperature T° C. based on the length LMD (t) in the machine direction (MD) of the film at a temperature t ° C.

Abstract: The relay obtains three-phase current signals from two power line sources thereof, typically two independent feeder lines. The two sets of signals are processed by a single processing means, which independently controls the circuit breakers associated with each feeder line, depending on the values of current obtained.

Abstract: A reach-measurement method is used in connection with a series-compensated line of a power system. The series-compensated line includes an installed series capacitance having a bus side and a line side, and a non-linear protection device parallel to the installed series capacitance. The series-compensated line has a line current, a bus side voltage, and a line side voltage. The series capacitance and the non-linear protection device have a capacitance voltage thereacross equal to the bus side voltage minus the line side voltage. In the method, a number (n) of line current samples are measured, where such samples are representative of values of a line current waveform at successive instants of time on the series-compensated line. Capacitance voltage values are computed based on the measured line current samples in accordance with an equation which takes into account the non-linear protection device parallel to the installed series capacitance.

Abstract: In machines having electro-hydraulic transmission controls, it is desirable to ensure that in the event of an electrical malfunction or power failure the transmission responds appropriately. In the subject invention, a system is provided in a transmission which in the event of an individual clutch solenoid fault (short-to-battery, short-to-ground, and open circuit fault) keeps the machine in gear and protects the transmission from damage. A short-to-battery fault will allow shifting to an available gear that utilizes the faulted clutch. If there is a short-to-ground or open circuit fault then the transmission will latch the current gear or shift to a predetermined gear that does not utilize a faulted clutch.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power supply for storing electrical energy in capacitors connected in series, the power supply having a function of shorting out capacitors at fault. Shorting means are connected in parallel with the capacitors, respectively. If any one of the capacitors is charged abnormally, it is detected by detection means. The terminals of this detected capacitor are shorted out by the corresponding one of the shorting means. The shorting means can also act as bypass means ancillary to parallel monitors, respectively. By detecting temperature rises of the bypass means, abnormal charging of the capacitors can be judged.

Abstract: In a protection circuit for protecting a plurality of chargeable electric cells by detecting overdischarge and overcharge by detection circuits for respective electric cells to control a protection switch upon detection, the detection circuit is a single chip device comprising an overcharge detection circuit and an overdischarge detection circuit to produce first and second detection signals, respectively, first and second terminals to be connected to an electric cell, third and fourth terminals for receiving first and second input signals, respectively, and fifth and sixth terminals for delivering first and second output signals, respectively. The first input signal and the first detection signal are processed by an OR gate to produce a first processed signal which is delivered to the fifth terminal. The second input signal and the second detection signal are processed by AND gate to produce a second processed signal which is delivered to the sixth terminal.

Abstract: This series-capacitor compensation equipment comprises a series-capacitor bank in series with a power line and an overvoltage protection circuit for the capacitor bank comprising the series combination of a surge arrester and electric bus structure connected in series with the power line and in parallel with the capacitor bank. The surge arrester includes metal-oxide varistor elements which impart a relatively high resistance to the arrester when the voltage across the arrester is in a normal range and a relatively low resistance when the voltage across the arrester rises to a predetermined value that produces arrester operation. The capacitor bank will discharge through the overvoltage protective circuit should a varistor element fail during arrester operation.

Abstract: A power capacitor (30, 40) composed of a plurality of parallel-connected strings (36) of capacitor elements (33,43), wherein each string comprises a plurality of series-connected capacitor elements, said parallel strings are interconnected at their end points only and said capacitor elements (33,43) are adapted such that, in case of a breakdown, the electrodes are welded together to achieve a solid short circuit of the faulty capacitor element. (FIG.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for relieving a capacitor of a controlled series compensator as a function of the load on its arrester when high-current line faults occur. The current flowing through the arrester is used to determine its absorbed energy, from which a temperature gradient is then determined as an indicator of a sudden load on the arrester and compared with a limit value. This comparison value is processed, as a function of the determined actual arrester temperature and the measured line current, to yield a control signal. The power converter valve of the controlled series compensator is triggered in response to this control signal in such a way that its equivalent impedance is switched from capacitative to inductive. The number of disconnections required as a result of high-current line faults is thereby considerably reduced, thus greatly increasing availability of the system.

Abstract: The power supply, useful with an electromagnetic force apparatus such as a riveter or a bolt inserter, includes two capacitor banks which are charged through charging doubler modules. Each charging doubler module includes an AC capacitor which is responsive to a power source. The AC capacitor is connected to a node point between two diode elements, which are connected in series across the capacitor bank. An analog-to-digital converter converts the voltage on the capacitor bank to a digital voltage for comparison with a selected digital charge voltage in a controller. The selected digital charge voltage may vary over time by means of a compensating algorithm. A ground fault indicator using a biasing voltage is connected between a selected electrical circuit portion of the force apparatus and earth ground. A gas discharge tube in combination with a current sensing element is connected to the capacitor banks to determine a possible overvoltage condition.

Abstract: An overvoltage protective device for a series capacitor (C) has a main spark gap and a first auxilary spark gap, arranged adjacent thereto, for ignition of the main spark gap. A second auxiliary spark gap is arranged in association with the first auxiliary gap for ignition thereof. The first and second auxiliary spark gaps are connected between one of the electrodes of the the main spark gap and a voltage divider which comprises resistors (R1, R2, R3 ) and a varisistor (VR1) . When the knee voltage of the varisistor is exceeded, the second auxiliary spark gap is ignited, the arc of which initiates ignition of the first auxiliary spark gap, the arc of which in turn moves towards and ignites the main spark gap. During the arcing time of the spark gap, a controlled discharge of the series capacitor through a resistor (R2) takes place.