Abstract: A safety low-voltage electric appliance supplied with power by an energy storage system comprises: a multi-energy power supply monitoring and recognizing unit used for integrating power interfaces for multi-energy power supply, and monitoring and tracking a multi-energy state; an energy storage region dynamic energy level unit used for dividing a multi-energy storage region into energy storage regions in terms of an energy storage form and specification, and adjusting energy levels of the dynamic energy storage regions; a multi-energy power supply and storage conversion unit used for controlling electric energy transmission, converting electric energy of the multi-energy power supply into electric energy needed by DC-operated load terminals, and storing the energy storage region dynamic energy level unit; and a low-voltage direct supply safety protection and stabilization unit used for monitoring an electricity consumption state of the load terminals, and performing safety protection on the load terminals.

Abstract: It discloses a ring-connected bridge-type multi-port hybrid DC circuit breaker. When the number of ports is n, n is an integer greater than or equal to 2, the ring-connected bridge-type multi-port hybrid DC circuit breaker includes: an upper DC bus bar, a lower DC bus bar, n thyristor arms, n diode arms, a main breaker branch, and n bypass branches; each thyristor arm connects in series with a diode arm, forming a series circuit; a bypass branch is connected between every two adjacent series circuits, a port is provided at the connection point of the thyristor arm and the diode arm in each series circuit, and the port is used to connect the protected components or the DC lines.

Abstract: A power supply device for a vehicle that includes two or more independent power sources, a simple low-power voltage monitor connected to a fast switch device, an electronic control unit (ECU), and a dedicated standby monitor element. Each power source has a separate path to connect to the load(s). That is to say, a primary path connects the primary power source to the one or more loads, and a backup path connects the backup power source to the one or more loads. Furthermore, each path includes a back-to-back blocking element, which prevents a direct connection between the primary power source and the backup power source. At standby, both or all paths are blocked except the standby monitor, ensuring extremely low quiescent current. When the system is ON, the voltage level of the power system is monitored; if the voltage level drops below a threshold level, then the paths are switched.

Abstract: A switching apparatus comprises: a first current-conductive branch (12) including a first switching element (24), the first switching element (24) configured to be switchable to selectively permit and block a flow of current in the first current-conductive branch (12); a second current-conductive branch (14) including a second switching element (32), the second switching element (32) configured to be switchable to selectively permit and block a flow of current in the second current-conductive branch (14); and first and second terminals (18,20) for connection, in use, to an electrical network (22), wherein the first and second current-conductive branches (12,14) extend between the first and second terminals (18,20), wherein the first current-conductive branch (12) further includes an energy storage element electrically coupled to the second switching element (32) so that the energy storage element is configured as a power source for enabling the operation of the second switching element (32), and the first swi

Abstract: A reclosing fault protection device detects a partial bypass state. Upon detecting the partial bypass state, the fault protection device implements a ground trip delay operating state. The ground trip delay operating state provides a delayed ground trip response characteristic.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit configuration, particularly a protection circuit configuration, includes: at least one first external conductor segment; a first mechanical bypass switch in the first external conductor segment; a first semiconductor switch configuration connected in parallel to the first bypass switch; a first electronic control unit for activating the first semiconductor switch configuration; and a bypass switch activation unit, to which bypass switch activation unit at least one field coil of the bypass switch is connected. At least one control terminal of the bypass switch activation unit is connected to the first electronic control unit. The electronic control unit and/or the bypass switch activation unit controls the at least one field coil of the bypass switch in a preconfigured way either with at least one first electric current or one second electric current, the one second electric current being greater than the at least one first electric current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a DC circuit breaker capable of interrupting fault currents flowing in both forward and backward directions. The DC circuit breaker includes: a mechanical switch installed on a DC transmission line and being opened to interrupt a current in the DC transmission line when a fault occurs at one side or remaining side thereof on the DC transmission line; a first bidirectional switching device connected in parallel with the mechanical switch and switching currents flowing in both forward and backward directions; an LC circuit connected in parallel with the mechanical switch and including a capacitor and a reactor connected in series to induce LC resonance; a first unidirectional switching device connected in parallel with the LC circuit and switching a current to induce LC resonance; and a second bidirectional switching device connected in series with the LC circuit and switching currents flowing in both forward and backward directions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a current circuit breaker that protects a semiconductor module by using fast switches to block a current. The current circuit breaker includes: a first switch configured to be opened upon a fault current being generated; a second switch connected to the first switch and configured to be opened after a predetermined period of time elapses since the first switch has been opened; a semiconductor module having an end connected to the first switch and another end connected to the second switch; a capacitor having a terminal connected to the second switch and the other terminal connected to the semiconductor module; and a surge arrester connected across the capacitor and configured to change its resistance according to a voltage across the capacitor to block the fault current.

Abstract: An electrical breaker responsive to a fault condition is disclosed. A thermally-activated switch can be disposed between a first terminal and second and third terminals of the breaker. The switch can have a normal operating condition in which the first terminal is electrically connected to the second terminal. The switch can have a fault condition in which the first terminal is electrically connected to both the second terminal and the third terminal, causing a majority of the current to flow between the first terminal and the third terminal and a minority of the current to flow between the first terminal and the second terminal. The breaker can include a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) resistor between the first terminal and one of the second and third terminals. The thermally-activated switch can be integrated into a variety of structures, for example, a battery pack which can house one or more cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is a DC circuit breaker capable of interrupting fault currents flowing in both forward and backward directions. The DC circuit breaker includes: a first mechanical switch for interrupting a current in a DC transmission line; a first diode connected in parallel with the first mechanical switch; a second mechanical switch, connected in series with the first mechanical switch, for interrupting a current in the DC transmission line; a second diode connected in parallel with the second mechanical switch; an LC circuit connected in parallel with the first and second mechanical switches and including a capacitor and a reactor connected in series to induce LC resonance; a first unidirectional switching device connected in parallel with the LC circuit and switching a current to induce LC resonance; and a bidirectional switching device connected in series with the LC circuit and switching currents flowing in both forward and backward directions.

Abstract: Device, circuit, system, and method for arc suppression. A contact separation detector is configured to output an indication of a separation state of a pair of electrical contacts. A contact bypass circuit, coupled to the contact separation detector, is configured to provide an electrical bypass between the pair of contacts based on the indication.

Abstract: A power-protection apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes an over-voltage protection unit for generating an over-voltage detection signal when the power supply of the load is over the upper limit of a predetermined voltage range; an under-voltage protection unit for generating an under-voltage detection signal when the power supply of the load is under the lower limit of the predetermined voltage range; a working-state detection unit for receiving a control signal and generating a working-state detection signal when the level time-change rate of the control signal is over a time-change rate threshold; and a power-control unit coupled to the over-voltage protection unit, the working-state detection unit and the under-voltage protection unit for controlling the on and off of the power supply according to the over-voltage detection signal, the under-voltage detection signal or the working-state detection signal.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a direct current switching apparatus including at least a first mechanical switching device which is suitable to be positioned along an operating path of an associated DC circuit and includes a fixed contact and a corresponding movable contact which can be actuated between a closed position and an open position along the operating path, wherein an electric arc can ignite between the contacts under separation. The switching apparatus includes an electronic circuit having a semiconductor device which is suitable to be positioned along a secondary path and connected in parallel with the first mechanical switching device. The electronic circuit can be configured to commute the flow of current from the operating path to the secondary path and extinguish an electric arc ignited when the movable contact separates from the fixed contact when the first mechanical switching device fails to extinguish the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a new mechatronic circuit-breaker and its associated triggering method for breaking either alternating currents or direct currents at high voltages.

Abstract: An electrical power cell system including first and second electrical power cells having first and second terminals, one or more transient voltage suppressors connected in parallel with a relay, the relay having two states, the first state of the relay connects the first and second electrical power cells in series, and the second state of the relay bypasses the first electrical power cell so that the first electrical power cell is not connected in series with the second electrical power cell.

Abstract: A switch for a high-voltage direct current transmission path includes a vacuum circuit breaker for disconnecting the transmission path and a gas-insulated circuit breaker for disconnecting the transmission path. The gas-insulated circuit breaker is connected in series with the vacuum circuit breaker. A device is provided for building up a counter-current against the current in the transmission path for the purpose of reducing the current across the vacuum circuit breaker. The elements of the switch are actuated by a control device in such a way that the switch is switched off at or close to the zero crossing of the current.

Abstract: A direct current circuit breaker has a first to fifth node. A first breaker is arranged between the first node and the fourth node, and a second breaker is arranged between the fourth node and the third node. A parallel circuit of a commutator device is arranged parallel to an energy absorber between the fourth node and the fifth node, and a switch is arranged in series to the parallel circuit. A series circuit containing a semiconductor switch and a resistor is arranged between the second node and the third node.

Abstract: An improved arc suppression circuit is disclosed for a switch having switch comprising a shunt circuit connected across the switch. A trigger circuit senses the voltage across the switch for actuating the shunt circuit when voltage across the switch contacts exceeds a predetermined level to reduce arcing current at the switch.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for minimizing an inrush current to a load after a voltage sag in a power voltage. In one embodiment, a method is provided comprising the steps of applying a power voltage to a load, and detecting a sag in the power voltage during steady-state operation of the load. The method includes the steps of adding an impedance to the load upon detection of the sag in the power voltage, and removing the impedance from the load when the power voltage has reached a predefined point in the power voltage cycle after the power voltage has returned to a nominal voltage.

Abstract: In an electrical distribution system an arc management system has a transducer mounted in proximity to the circuit breaker for detecting and signaling a secondary effect of an overcurrent event within the case of the circuit breaker. The transducer provides an additional input to an arc fault detection system using other detectors and thus helps to control nuisance activations of the arc extinguishing mechanism. The system is particularly suited for circuit breakers without electronics, or the like, allowing for retrofit of existing systems. The system may monitor and act upon the excessive duration of the secondary effects.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be provided that contain wireless communication circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches that receive radio-frequency antenna signals from antennas. The wireless communications circuitry may include switching circuitry interposed between the MEMS switches and the antennas. The switching circuitry may protect the MEMS switches from radio-frequency signals that are received by the antennas by temporarily isolating the MEMS switches from the radio-frequency signals during MEMS switch configuration processes. The switching circuitry may include a crossbar switch formed from solid state circuitry. The wireless communications circuitry may include control circuitry that controls the MEMS switches and the switching circuitry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a current limiter comprising a first circuit portion arranged in parallel with a second circuit portion, the first circuit portion comprising a superconductor element arranged in series with a switching arrangement, the second circuit portion comprising a load element, the superconductor element being disposed within a cooling chamber, and the cooling chamber and the switch being disposed within a vacuum chamber, wherein the switching arrangement comprises: a mechanical actuator which is operable between a closed condition in which current is conducted through the first circuit portion and an open condition in which current is diverted from the first circuit portion through the second circuit portion and a controller for monitoring and operating the switch.

Abstract: An electric circuit, including an electric load operable from an operating current; an energy storage system providing the operating current at both a first mode and a second mode with the first mode having a first current in a first range of zero to a first particular current value and with the second mode having a second current in a second range of the first particular current value to a second particular current value; and an active protection coupled to the energy storage system, the active protection dynamically reconfigurable between a first mode and a second mode, the first mode applying a first overcurrent protection rating to the operating current when the operating current is operating in the first mode and the second mode applying a second overcurrent protection rating to the operating current when the operating current is operating in the second mode.

Abstract: A high voltage DC switchyard comprises at least one busbar, at lest two DC lines connected to said at least one busbar through DC breakers comprising a section of at least one semiconductor device of turn-off type and rectifying member in anti-parallel therewith. At least one said DC line is connected to at least one said busbar through a unidirectional said DC breaker, i.e. a DC breaker that may only block current therethrough in one direction.

Abstract: A current-limitation system for limiting a current through an DC connection in case of a fault occurring in a DC grid of which the DC connection forms a part is provided, as well as a method of operating a current-limitation system for limiting a current through an DC connection in case of a fault occurring in a DC grid of which the DC connection forms a part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an HVDC switchyard arranged to interconnect a first part of a DC grid with a second part of the DC grid. By means of the invention, a first part of the DC grid is connected to the busbars of the HVDC switchyard via a fast DC breaker, while further part(s) of the DC grid are connected to the busbars of the HVDC switchyard by means of switchyard DC breakers of lower breaking speed. By use of the inventive HVDC switchyard arrangement, the cost for the HVDC switchyard can be considerably reduced, while adequate protection can be provided. In one embodiment, the fast DC breaker is an HVDC station DC breaker forming part of an HVDC station. In another embodiment, the fast DC breaker is a switchyard DC breaker.

Abstract: A DC circuit breaker arrangement for interrupting a current on a transmission line or in a HVDC circuit is provided. The DC circuit breaker arrangement comprises a first DC breaker and a second DC breaker, identical to the first DC breaker. The second DC breaker is connected in parallel with the first DC breaker on the transmission line or in the HVDC circuit and the current is divided between the first and the second DC breakers. By means of the invention, a DC circuit breaker arrangement is provided able to handle very high currents. The invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a switch unit and a power generation system thereof. The switch unit includes a contact switch having a main contact and a control terminal, where the control terminal receives a first drive signal to turn on the contact switch; and a bi-directional controllable switch structure, which is connected in parallel to two ends of the main contact of the contact switch and receives one or more second drive signals to turn on the switch structure. When the switch unit performs a turn-off operation, the bi-directional controllable switch structure provides a commutation bypass for the contact switch, so as to protect the contact switch.

Abstract: A device (13) to break an electrical current flowing through a power transmission or distribution line (14) comprises a parallel connection of a main breaker (8) and a non-linear resistor (11), where the main breaker (8) comprises at least one power semiconductor switch of a first current direction. The device (13) further comprises a series connection of a high speed switch (10) comprising at least one mechanical switch and of an auxiliary breaker (9), the auxiliary breaker having a smaller on-resistance than the main breaker (8) and comprising at least one power semiconductor switch of the first current direction. The series connection is connected in parallel to the parallel connection. In a method to use the device (13) first the auxiliary breaker (9) is opened, thereby commutating the current to the main breaker (8), afterwards the high speed switch (10) is opened and afterwards the main breaker (8) is opened thereby commutating the current to the non-linear resistor (11).

Abstract: An electrical switching device is presented. The electrical switching device includes multiple switch sets coupled in series. Each of the switch sets includes multiple switches coupled in parallel. A control circuit is coupled to the multiple switch sets and configured to control opening and closing of the switches. One or more intermediate diodes are coupled between the control circuit and each point between a respective pair of switch sets.

Abstract: A circuit breaker comprising a first dc line electrically connectable to first incoming and first outgoing dc lines, wherein the first dc line comprises a first fault-interrupting switch contact system and a first switching aid network. The first switching aid network comprises first and second rectifier strings, wherein each rectifier string comprises one or more series connected reverse blocking power electronic devices that define a first H-bridge rectifier. The first switching aid network further comprises a snubber string, the snubber string comprising at least one series connected power electronic devices capable of being turned on by gate control and a capacitor. The first switching aid network further comprises a pre-charge string comprising at least one series connected power electronic devices capable of being turned on by gate control and a resistor, and a surge arrester connected between the first and second dc output terminals of the first H-bridge rectifier.

Abstract: A SCFCL system includes a first SCFCL, a second SCFCL, and a controller configured to control at least one switch to couple the first SCFCL to a power line between an AC source and a load, and to electrically isolate the second SCFCL from the power line during a first operating mode when the first SCFCL is in service and the second SCFCL serves as a spare. During the first operating mode, the second SCFCL, may be maintained in a latent standby state or an immediate standby state. The second SCFCL may be automatically switched into service to provide for fault current protection in case the first SCFCL needs to be taken out of service for maintenance, repair, or replacement.

Abstract: A hybrid DC contactor includes contacts that provide a first current path between a DC power source and a load, an electromagnetic coil to position the contacts, a semiconductor switch in parallel with contacts that, when turned on, provides a second parallel current path that diverts current away from the contacts when the main contacts are being opened in either direction. A controller is provided to terminate power to the electromagnetic coil to open the contacts, detect an arc voltage across the contacts as the contacts open, provide a gate signal to the semiconductor switch to pulse the switch on for a pre-determined period of time to route current to the semiconductor switch, measure a current through the contacts and, if current is present through the contacts, then provide another gate signal to the semiconductor switch to pulse the switch on again so as to route current thereto.

Abstract: A hybrid switch circuit includes a hybrid switch that couples an input conductor connected to an AC power supply to an output conductor connected to a load. The hybrid switch includes a power semiconductor in parallel with an electromagnetic relay. A control circuit turns on the hybrid switch by turning on the power semiconductor at a zero-voltage crossing of the AC voltage to provide a conductive path and then closing the relay to provide a conductive bypass path that bypasses the power semiconductor. The control circuit turns off the hybrid switch by opening the relay and subsequently turning off the power semiconductor at a zero crossing of the load current. The control circuit operates in response to at least one switch control signal that indicates whether an operating fault condition exists.

Abstract: A circuit fault detector and interrupter which consists of parallel current conduction paths, including a path through a mechanical contactor and a path through a power electronics switch having active feedback control. A fault can be detected by a fault detection circuit within 50 ?S of the occurrence of the fault, causing the mechanical contactor to be opened and the fault current to be commutated via a laminated, low-inductance bus through the power electronics switch. The power electronics switch is thereafter turned off as soon as possible, interrupting the fault current and absorbing the inductive energy in the circuit. The fault current can be interrupted within 200 microseconds of the occurrence of the fault, and the device reduces or eliminates arcing when the mechanical contactor is opened.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) power system is disclosed that includes hybrid DC contactors corresponding to each of a plurality of PV strings, with each hybrid DC contactor having main contacts, a solid state switching unit positioned in parallel with the main contacts, and sensors configured to measure a voltage and current on respective PV strings. A controller is provided in the PV power system that is configured to receive voltage and current data on the PV strings, detect a fault condition on a respective PV string based on the voltage and current data, cause the main contacts of a respective hybrid DC contactor to remain closed on each PV string for which a fault condition is detected, and cause the main contacts of a respective hybrid DC contactor to open on each PV string for which no fault condition is detected, so as to clear the fault condition.

Abstract: A DC circuit breaker arrangement for interrupting a direct current on a line, includes: n DC circuit breakers connected in parallel, where n>2, which parallel connection of DC circuit breakers is connected in series with the line, the direct current of the line being divided between the n DC circuit breakers, and n reactors, each reactor being connected to one of the DC circuit breakers, for preserving the current division during current interruption. A method for interrupting or commutating a direct current on a transmission line or in a HVDC circuit is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting arcs in a direct-current path of a photovoltaic system, wherein values of a current (IDC) of the direct-current path are detected during a repeating time frame (7) and a mean value (8) is generated, and such a photovoltaic system. In order to reliably detect arcs by means of a component of the photovoltaic system, values of a voltage (UDC), of the direct-current path are detected during the time frame (7) and a mean value (8, 8?) is generated, and at least one detection signal (9) and at least one detection threshold (10) are continuously calculated based on the mean values (8, 8?) for the current (IDC) and the voltage (UDC) by means of a calculation method.

Abstract: A modular circuit arrangement for switching electrical power includes a relay socket, an adapter and a relay. The adapter is detachably connectable to the relay socket and includes a semiconductor relay and a control unit electrically connected to the semiconductor relay. The relay includes a mechanical switch and is electrically and mechanically detachably connectable to the adapter so as to connect the semiconductor relay of the adapter in parallel to the mechanical switch. The control unit is configured to actuate the relay and the semiconductor switch at different times.

Abstract: A solid state power controller system can include a direct current load, a solid state power controller apparatus including an alternating current sensor coupled to the direct current load, a direct current sensor coupled to the direct current load, a voltage sensor coupled to the direct current load, a main switch coupled to the direct current load via the alternating and direct current sensors, an auxiliary switch coupled in parallel to the main switch, a current limiting resistor coupled in series to the auxiliary switch and a solid state power controller coupled to the main switch, the auxiliary switch, the alternating current sensor, the direct current sensor, and the voltage sensor, and a direct current power source coupled to the solid state power controller apparatus.

Abstract: A device for controlling an electrical current includes control circuitry, a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch in communication with the control circuitry, the MEMS switch responsive to the control circuitry to facilitate the interruption of an electrical current, a Hybrid Arcless Limiting Technology (HALT) arc suppression circuit disposed in electrical communication with the MEMS switch to receive a transfer of electrical energy from the MEMS switch in response to the MEMS switch changing state from closed to open, the HALT arc suppression circuit including a capacitive portion, and a variable resistance arranged in parallel electrical communication with the capacitive portion of the HALT arc suppression circuit, the variable resistance to dissipate a portion of the transferred electrical energy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an arc extinguishing hybrid transfer switch, including a mechanical switch and a first thyristor branch connected in parallel with the first contact branch of the mechanical switch, wherein the first thyristor branch includes a first thyristor, a second thyristor, a first polarized capacitor and a second polarized capacitor, the first thyristor and the first polarized capacitor are connected in series in the same direction, the second thyristor and the second polarized capacitor are connected in series in the same direction, and a branch consisted of the first thyristor and the first polarized capacitor and a branch consisted of the second thyristor and the second polarized capacitor are connected in parallel in reverse direction. The invention further discloses a switching method for the arc extinguishing hybrid transfer switch for implementing an arc extinguishing of a mechanical switch.

Abstract: A hybrid switch circuit includes a hybrid switch that couples an input conductor connected to an AC power supply to an output conductor connected to a load. The hybrid switch includes a power semiconductor in parallel with an electromagnetic relay. A control circuit turns on the hybrid switch by turning on the power semiconductor at a zero-voltage crossing of the AC voltage to provide a conductive path and then closing the relay to provide a conductive bypass path that bypasses the power semiconductor. The control circuit turns off the hybrid switch by opening the relay and subsequently turning off the power semiconductor at a zero crossing of the load current. The control circuit operates in response to a hybrid switch control signal that indicates whether an operating fault condition exists.

Abstract: A device that allows standard non-load break disconnect switches to become full load break disconnect switches in that they can interrupt high levels of their rated current with no arcing or burning when the switch is opened under load in direct current use on electric railways, electric trolley bus systems, mine operations and motor controls.

Abstract: A battery unit includes: a battery having cell units connected in parallel, in which one or a plurality of battery cells is connected in series; an external terminal provided for the battery; a switching element provided between each internal terminal and the external terminal of the cell unit; a protection circuit monitoring whether or not a fault occurs in each of the plurality of cell units and cutting off, through the switching element, a connection between the internal terminal and the external terminal of the cell unit with the fault detected; and an informing signal output terminal notifying an external device that the connection with the external terminal with respect to at least one of the cell units is cut off.

Abstract: A device (1) has a series circuit of submodules with a power semiconductor circuit and an energy accumulator connected in parallel with the power semiconductor circuit. Each submodule is associated with a short circuit device for shorting the submodule. The short circuit device is a vacuum switching tube. The device is cost-effective and at the same time enables safe bridging of a defective submodule.

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: Alternating electric current flow through a lamp fixture (L) of a maximum power rating is reduced without being terminated should a lamp be used in the fixture of a power rating that exceeds the fixture's maximum power rating. This is done using a thermally responsive switch (B) connected in series with a resistor (S) of relatively low resistance and in parallel with a resistor (P) of relatively high resistance, the switch and resistors being thermally connected, and by simultaneously passing alternating current to the fixture through an auxiliary line which has a diode (D1) that substantially halves current flow through the auxiliary line.

Abstract: A superconducting article and method of fabrication are provided. The superconducting article includes a superconducting structure, which includes a superconducting conductor and multiple discrete overlay regions of higher heat capacity than the superconducting conductor. The multiple discrete overlay regions are disposed along a length of the superconducting conductor, in thermal contact with the superconducting conductor, and positioned to define a heat modulation pattern along the length of the superconducting structure. The multiple discrete overlay regions create a temperature distribution favorable to transition of the superconducting structure under load from a normal resistive state to a superconductive state by facilitating formation of a continuous superconducting path along the length of the superconducting structure.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a switching device, a high power supply system and methods for switching high power including a relay and a power semiconductor switch arranged in parallel to the relay.