Vacuum switch assemblies

摘要

The present invention relates to a vacuum switch assembly for interrupting and isolating fault current. The vacuum switch assembly includes first and second dc lines that, in use, are electrically connected to the dc output terminals of a primary dc power source and a dc network. Each dc line includes at least one vacuum switch having contacts that are opened and closed under the control of a vacuum switch controller. A passive dc power supply unit is electrically connected to the first and second dc lines and includes a secondary dc power source that provides a substantially ripple-free sensing voltage. The vacuum switch controller is adapted to open the vacuum switch contacts when a fault condition (e.g. a fault current or other fault) or an operator request has been identified and when the current flowing between the vacuum switch contacts is below a chopping current associated with the vacuum switches.

主权项

1. A vacuum switch assembly for interrupting and isolating fault current, the vacuum switch assembly comprising:
first and second dc lines electrically connectable to the dc output terminals of a primary dc power source and a dc network, at least one of the first and second dc lines including at least one vacuum switch having contacts, each vacuum switch having a chopping current which is dependent upon the prevailing operating conditions of the vacuum switch before its contacts open; a passive dc power supply unit electrically connected to the first and second dc lines, the passive dc power supply unit including a secondary dc power source; and a vacuum switch controller for independently controlling the opening and closing of the contacts of each vacuum switch, wherein the vacuum switch controller is adapted to selectively open the vacuum switch contacts when a fault condition or an operator request has been identified and when the current flowing between respective vacuum switch contacts is below the chopping current.