Smart link coupled to power line

摘要

A smart link in a power delivery system includes an insulator, which electrically isolates a power line, and a switchable conductance placed in parallel with the insulator. The switchable conductance includes switchgear for sourcing, sinking, and/or dispatching real and/or reactive power on the power line to dynamically in response to dynamic loading, transient voltages and/or currents, and phase conditions or other conditions on the power line.

主权项

1. A method, comprising:
in a power delivery system that includes an insulator assembly deployed to electrically isolate a power line, the insulator assembly having two switchable states—an insulating state and a parallel conducting state, sensing a power line condition or parameter; and in response, switching the insulator assembly to the parallel conducting state; wherein switching the insulator assembly to the parallel conducting state comprises diverting a current through a resistive device or varistor; wherein diverting a current through a resistive device or varistor comprises thermally coupling the resistive device or varistor to a heat sink to dissipate resistive heat; wherein thermally coupling the resistive device or varistor to a heat sink comprises thermally coupling the resistive device or varistor to the heat sink having phase change materials to absorb heat; and wherein thermally coupling the resistive device or varistor to a heat sink comprises providing current carrying paths in the resistive device or varistor and intermixing the phase-change materials of the heat sink within the current carrying paths.