Hybrid circuit breaker with vacuum interrupter

Abstract

A hybrid circuit breaker (1) is disclosed, comprising input connectors (2a, 2b) for an electrical grid, output connectors (3a, 3b) for a load (RL) and a current path (4a, 4b) between the input connectors and the output connectors. Furthermore, the hybrid circuit breaker (1) comprises an electromechanical bypass switch (5) arranged in the current path (4a, 4b) and a semiconductor circuit (6) in parallel to the electromechanical bypass switch (5). Furthermore, the hybrid circuit breaker (1) comprises a control unit (CTRL) capable of controlling a commutation from the current path (4a, 4b) in which the electromechanical bypass switch (5) is arranged to the semiconductor circuit (6) in case of a switching-off operation. The electromechanical bypass switch (5) is embodied as a vacuum interrupter comprising a switch contact (S1) and an actuator (7) designed to drive the switch contact (S1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hybrid circuit breaker, which includes an input connector for connection to a power grid, an output connector for connection to a load, and a current path connecting the input and output connectors. Furthermore, the hybrid circuit breaker includes an electromechanical bypass switch arranged in the current path and a semiconductor circuit connected in parallel with the electromechanical bypass switch. Finally, the hybrid circuit breaker includes a control unit capable of controlling the commutation from the current path containing the electromechanical bypass switch to the semiconductor circuit during a disconnection operation of the hybrid circuit breaker. Background Technology

[0002] GB 2375902 A discloses a hybrid fault current limiting and interruption device for protecting power lines. The device includes a power circuit comprising a solid-state switching element, a voltage clamping element connected in parallel with the switching element, a circuit breaker connected in parallel with the switching element and the voltage clamping element, a disconnecting switch to the power supply side of the switching element, and a current sensor. The device also includes a control circuit comprising a fault current detector and estimator, and a switching mode controller, arranged such that when the detector detects a fault current, the circuit breaker opens and the fault current is passed to the switching element, which is turned on during the final stage of the circuit breaker interrupting the current.

[0003] US2020 / 411262 A1 discloses a circuit breaker including a pole unit having a movable electrode and a fixed electrode. A resilient member is operatively connected to a first end of the pole unit. A linkage extends from a second end of the pole unit and is operatively connected to the movable electrode. A linear actuator is operatively connected to the linkage and positioned away from the pole unit. A Thomson coil or other high-speed actuator is also operatively connected to the linkage. When the resilient member is not extended, a gap is provided between the pole unit and the linear actuator member. To disconnect the electrode, the high-speed actuator first acts on the linkage by pulling the movable electrode away from the fixed electrode. The linear actuator then actuates and closes the gap by pulling the pole unit toward the circuit breaker, increasing the distance between the contacts of the circuit breaker.

[0004] US2020 / 343062 A1 discloses a DC circuit breaker based on vacuum magnetic fuse transfer and its disconnection method. The DC circuit breaker includes a first connection terminal, a second connection terminal, a main current branch, a transfer branch, an energy dissipation branch, and a fuse element. The main current branch is connected between the first and second connection terminals. During current conduction in the DC circuit breaker, current flows through the main current branch. The transfer branch is connected between the first and second connection terminals and is in parallel with the main current branch. The energy dissipation branch is connected between the first and second connection terminals and is in parallel with both the main current branch and the transfer branch. The fuse element is arranged between the main current branch and the transfer branch.

[0005] Genji T et al. (“400V class high-speed current limiting circuit breaker for electric power system”, IEEE Transactions on Power Delivery, Vol. 9, No. 3, 1994) disclosed a high-speed current limiting device using a gate turn-off thyristor (GTO).

[0006] Hybrid circuit breakers as defined above are generally known and are disclosed, for example, in US 9,947,496 B2. When an electromechanical bypass switch opens due to an overload condition, such as at the output connector (e.g., due to an arcing fault or short circuit in the load or the circuit leading to the load), the current flowing through the switch contacts of the electromechanical bypass switch is diverted to the semiconductor circuitry. Specifically, when the contacts of the electromechanical bypass switch open, an arcing voltage is generated between the contacts, causing a current diversion from the bypass switch to the semiconductor switch. After the current diversion, the current through the hybrid circuit breaker no longer flows through the electromechanical bypass switch but instead flows to the semiconductor circuitry. Through these measures, the harmful effects of switching arcing on the switch contacts are promptly reduced, thus limiting the impact on the contacts. Therefore, hybrid circuit breakers combine the advantages of electromechanical circuit breakers, which offer extremely low on-state resistance but are prone to damage to switch contacts due to large amounts of arcing; and they also combine the advantages of solid-state circuit breakers, which have no mechanical switch contacts but have relatively high on-state resistance.

[0007] A common drawback of hybrid circuit breakers is their bulkiness when they must conduct large rated currents, as the semiconductor circuitry must withstand very high overcurrents and fault currents. Consequently, they must also absorb very high levels of electrical energy, leading to significant electrical stress on the components, particularly the semiconductor circuitry. Furthermore, electrical energy is converted into heat within the semiconductor circuitry, which must be absorbed and dissipated. In common understanding, semiconductor circuitry is made so large that it can withstand such high overcurrents and fault currents; therefore, as mentioned above, hybrid circuit breakers become bulky at high currents.

[0008] Cooling semiconductor circuits is theoretically possible, but technically complex and challenging. This is because heat is generated very quickly; in other words, the thermal power is very high, and effective cooling must occur near the junction of the semiconductor element. Typically, the outer surface of a standard casing is unsuitable for cooling due to the thermal resistance between the junction and the outer surface, and also due to the heat capacity of the casing. In other words, cooling through the outer surface is too slow.

[0009] It should also be noted that the aforementioned problems exceed the extent to which the rated current increases linearly, because in addition to the increased current, high-speed electromechanical bypass switches also slow down. This is because the conductive and moving components must be heavier to handle the higher current, thus increasing their weight. Furthermore, due to the increased mass of the moving contacts in the electromechanical bypass switch, current commutation occurs later and takes longer. This is why the stress on the semiconductor circuit increases linearly with the rated current.

[0010] In the above context, it should be noted that when an arc fault or short circuit occurs, the current does not immediately reach its peak level; rather, it rises sharply due to grid impedance. Because it takes time for the contacts to open and establish sufficient mechanical distance to build up the required dielectric strength, the worse portion of the semiconductor circuit conducts the overload—the part with the higher current. It is easy to understand that the longer it takes for the current to commutate into the semiconductor circuit, the worse the situation becomes.

[0011] The same problem arises when considering other parts of the hybrid circuit breaker, such as the rheostat used in parallel with the electromechanical bypass switch.

[0012] In summary, the advantages of hybrid circuit breakers over electromechanical and solid-state circuit breakers decrease with increasing rated current, and the use of hybrid circuit breakers is subject to technical and economic limitations. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, the problem of the present invention is to provide an improved hybrid circuit breaker. In particular, the size and cost of the semiconductor circuitry of the hybrid circuit breaker should be reduced, especially for high rated currents. Specifically, the technical and economic limitations of using hybrid circuit breakers should be shifted to higher rated currents without increasing the size and cost of the hybrid circuit breaker.

[0014] The problem of the present invention is solved by a hybrid circuit breaker as defined in claim 1, wherein the electromechanical bypass switch is implemented as a vacuum interrupter, the vacuum interrupter comprising switch contacts and an actuator designed to drive the switch contacts of the vacuum interrupter.

[0015] Because vacuum possesses excellent dielectric strength, a stroke of only about 1 mm is required to achieve the dielectric strength needed for the electromechanical bypass switch of a hybrid circuit breaker. This contact distance can be reached very quickly, provided the driving force is sufficient. Therefore, the electrical energy that the semiconductor circuit must absorb is significantly lower than that in a conventional hybrid circuit breaker design. This results in an overall reduction in electrical stress on the components of the hybrid circuit breaker, particularly on the semiconductor circuit. Through these measures, hybrid circuit breakers can generally withstand higher overcurrents and can be used for higher rated currents without increasing the size of the semiconductor circuit. Furthermore, the technical and economic limitations of using hybrid circuit breakers are shifted to higher rated currents. Therefore, a wider range of electrical installations can benefit from the advantages of hybrid circuit breakers.

[0016] It should be noted that the proposed type of hybrid circuit breaker can be used in both AC and DC applications.

[0017] Other advantageous embodiments are disclosed in the claims, description, and drawings.

[0018] Advantageously, the actuator of the vacuum interrupter can be implemented as an electric actuator comprising a voice coil movably arranged in a magnetic field. Specifically, the electric actuator may include a permanent magnet having an iron core designed to guide the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet, wherein the voice coil is movably arranged in the air gap of the iron core and the magnetic field flows through the voice coil. The electric actuator can generate relatively high force with a low stroke and is therefore advantageously suitable for use in the proposed hybrid circuit breaker. Due to the high driving force, the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter open very quickly, thereby helping to maintain a low current in the semiconductor circuit. It should be noted that in the above context, "voice coil" can be referred to as "moving coil" throughout the specification.

[0019] The hybrid circuit breaker includes a first capacitor bank electrically connected in a switchable manner to the actuator of the vacuum interrupter, and is designed to assist in disconnecting the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter when the first capacitor bank is switched to the actuator. Specifically, the control unit is additionally designed to switch the first capacitor bank to the actuator of the vacuum interrupter in a first polarity during a disconnection operation. By using the first capacitor bank, the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter can be disconnected more quickly. This is especially true if the actuator of the vacuum interrupter is implemented as an electrically driven actuator. The first capacitor bank (in this first polarity) can be disconnected from the actuator of the vacuum interrupter again, for example, once the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter are open or during a turn-on operation.

[0020] The control unit is additionally designed to switch the first capacitor bank to the actuator of the vacuum interrupter with a second opposite polarity during a turn-on operation. In this way, the first capacitor bank can also be used to close the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter very quickly. This can also help reduce contact aging. The first capacitor bank (in this second polarity) can be disconnected from the actuator of the vacuum interrupter again, for example, once the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter are closed or during a turn-off operation.

[0021] In another advantageous embodiment, the hybrid circuit breaker includes a second capacitor bank that is switchably electrically connected to the actuator of the vacuum interrupter and is designed to assist in closing the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter when the second capacitor bank is switched to the actuator. Specifically, the control unit may be additionally designed to switch the second capacitor bank to the actuator of the vacuum interrupter (with a second opposite polarity) during an on-operation. This is another possible approach to facilitate very rapid closing of the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter. The second capacitor bank (in this second polarity) can then be disconnected from the actuator of the vacuum interrupter, for example, once the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter are closed or during an off-operation.

[0022] Advantageously, the first capacitor bank and / or the second capacitor bank are part of the control unit. In this way, the number of components in the hybrid circuit breaker can be reduced.

[0023] In another advantageous embodiment of the hybrid circuit breaker, the first capacitor bank has a higher capacity than the second capacitor bank. Therefore, opening the vacuum interrupter's switching contacts is faster than closing them. These features prioritize the rapid opening of the vacuum interrupter's switching contacts to maintain a small overall size of the capacitor bank.

[0024] In another advantageous embodiment, the switching contact of the vacuum interrupter is held in the closed or open position by means of a mechanical latch. Therefore, a continuous electromagnetic force is not required to hold the switching contact of the vacuum interrupter in the closed or open position.

[0025] In another advantageous implementation,

[0026] - The switching contact of the vacuum interrupter is held in the closed position by means of a spring and is designed to be disconnected by applying current to the actuator, or

[0027] - The switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter are held in the open position by means of a spring and are designed to close by applying current to the actuator. This is another embodiment in which a continuous electromagnetic force is not required to hold the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter in the closed or open position.

[0028] In particular, the latch can be combined with a spring to achieve the bistable characteristics of the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter, which means that only a driving force is needed to change the switching contacts of the vacuum interrupter between the on and off states, without having to maintain the on and off states.

[0029] Finally, the advantage is:

[0030] - The hybrid circuit breaker additionally includes a relay that switches in series with a vacuum interrupter, and

[0031] The control unit is additionally designed to disconnect the relay after the vacuum interrupter has been disconnected.

[0032] Specifically, if the vacuum interrupter has only single-pole switching contacts, then a full-pole disconnection of the power grid can be achieved via the relay. Typically, single-pole switching contacts are advantageous for vacuum interrupters because of their smaller movement. However, vacuum interrupters can also have full-pole switching contacts. In this case, a relay is not required for current isolation. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The invention will now be described in more detail below with reference to specific embodiments, however, the invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0034] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an exemplary hybrid circuit breaker is shown;

[0035] Figure 2 A portion of an alternative hybrid circuit breaker is shown, in which the first capacitor bank can be switched to the actuator of a vacuum interrupter with two different polarities;

[0036] Figure 3A portion of an alternative hybrid circuit breaker with a first capacitor bank and a second capacitor bank is shown.

[0037] Figure 4 A portion of an alternative hybrid circuit breaker with springs for disconnecting the switch contacts of a vacuum interrupter is shown;

[0038] Figure 5 A portion of an alternative hybrid circuit breaker with springs for closing the switch contacts of the vacuum interrupter is shown, and

[0039] Figure 6 A portion of an alternative hybrid circuit breaker is shown, featuring a latch for keeping the switch contacts of the vacuum interrupter open. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Generally, identical or similar parts are designated with the same / similar names and reference numerals. Features disclosed in the specification apply to parts that have the same / similar names and reference numerals. Indications of orientation and relative position are related to the associated drawings, and therefore, indications of orientation and / or relative position must be modified accordingly in different drawings depending on the specific circumstances.

[0041] Figure 1 An exemplary hybrid circuit breaker 1 is shown, which includes input connectors 2a and 2b for the power grid; output connectors 3a and 3b for a load RL; and current paths 4a and 4b connecting the input connectors 2a and 2b to the output connectors 3a and 3b. Furthermore, the hybrid circuit breaker 1 includes an electromechanical bypass switch 5 in the current path 4a and an exemplary semiconductor circuit 6 connected in parallel with the electromechanical bypass switch 5.

[0042] The electromechanical bypass switch 5 is implemented as a vacuum interrupter, which includes a switch contact S1 arranged in a vacuum chamber B and an actuator 7 designed to drive the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5.

[0043] Because vacuum has excellent dielectric strength, the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 only needs a stroke of about 1 mm to achieve the required dielectric strength for the electromechanical bypass switch 5 of the hybrid circuit breaker 1. This contact distance can be reached very quickly as long as the driving force is sufficient.

[0044] Semiconductor circuit 6 includes rectifiers D1...D4, whose inputs are connected to the series-connected terminals of electromechanical bypass switch 5. In this example, two parallel transistors T1, T2 (more specifically, IGBTs) switch between the outputs of rectifiers D1...D4. However, different numbers of transistors T1, T2 can be used alternatively. Furthermore, an optional snubber circuit 8 is arranged in parallel with the two transistors T1, T2. Snubber circuit 8 includes a snubber resistor R1 and a snubber capacitor C connected in series, and a snubber diode D5 connected in parallel with the snubber resistor R1.

[0045] The hybrid circuit breaker 1 also includes a variable resistor R2, which is connected to the series connection terminal of the electromechanical bypass switch 5 and provides overvoltage protection to it.

[0046] In addition, the hybrid circuit breaker 1 includes a shunt R3, the terminals of which are connected to the input of the control unit CTRL and are used to measure the current I flowing through the input connector 2a.

[0047] The control unit CTRL is used not only to measure the current I, but also to control the commutation from the current path 4a through which the electromechanical bypass switch 5 is located to the semiconductor circuit 6 during switching operations (e.g., when an overcurrent passes through the electromechanical bypass switch 5). Specifically, commutation can be initiated when the electromechanical bypass switch 5 is disconnected by the control unit CTRL and an arc voltage is generated. For this purpose, the output of the control unit CTRL is connected to the input of the electromechanical bypass switch 5 and transistors T1 and T2.

[0048] The control unit CTRL is powered by the power unit 9, which is connected to the current paths 4a and 4b and converts the voltage from the mains voltage source VG into a voltage suitable for the control unit CTRL.

[0049] Furthermore, the hybrid circuit breaker 1 includes an optional relay 10 with relay switch contacts S2 and S3 in the current paths 4a and 4b, thereby providing current isolation. The output of the control unit CTRL can also be connected to the input terminals of the relay switch contacts S2 and S3. In particular, if the vacuum interrupter 5 only has such Figure 1 The single-pole switch contact shown allows for full-pole disconnection of the power grid via the relay 10. Typically, single-pole switch contacts are advantageous for the vacuum interrupter 5 due to their smaller movement. However, the vacuum interrupter 5 can also have full-pole switch contacts. In this case, the relay 10 is not required for current isolation.

[0050] Figure 1The grid voltage source VG connected to the input connectors 2a and 2b of the hybrid circuit breaker 1 is also shown. A load RL is connected to the output connectors 2a and 2b, and an electrical fault EF, such as a short circuit or arc flash, is also shown.

[0051] The components of the hybrid circuit breaker 1 are preferably arranged in a common housing. However, modular design is also possible.

[0052] In this example, the actuator 7 of the mechanical bypass switch 5 is implemented as an electric actuator, which includes a voice coil 11 movably arranged in a magnetic field. The electric actuator 7 may include a permanent magnet 12 having an iron core 13, the iron core being designed to guide the magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet 12, such as... Figure 1 As illustrated in the example, the voice coil 11 is movably arranged in the air gap of the iron core 13, and the magnetic field flows through the voice coil. Specifically, the voice coil 11 is connected to the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 by means of a rod 14. The electric actuator 7 can generate a relatively high force with a low stroke, and is therefore advantageously suitable for use in the proposed hybrid circuit breaker 1. Due to the high driving force, the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 opens very quickly, thereby helping to maintain a low current in the semiconductor circuit 6.

[0053] Furthermore, an optional first capacitor bank 15 is electrically connected to the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5 in a switchable manner, and helps to disconnect the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 when the first capacitor bank 15 is switched to the actuator 7 (in this example, switched to its voice coil 11). More specifically, the control unit CTRL is designed to switch the first capacitor bank 15 to the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5 in a first polarity during a cut-off operation. The first capacitor bank 15 in this first polarity can be disconnected from the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5 again, for example, once the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 is opened or during a turn-on operation. Switching the first capacitor bank 15 to the actuator 7 and switching from the actuator to the first capacitor bank occurs by triggering the first set of switching contacts S4. Other measures can be used to close the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 and / or keep it open, such as... Figures 2 to 6 As depicted in the text.

[0054] By using the first capacitor bank 15, the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 can be disconnected more quickly. If the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5 is implemented as follows... Figure 1 This is especially true for electric actuators in such cases.

[0055] The basic function of the hybrid circuit breaker 1 is as follows: If the current I measured by shunt R3 exceeds the current limit, the control unit CTRL switches the first capacitor bank 15 to the actuator 7 by using the first set of switch contacts S4, which in turn causes the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 to open. Furthermore, the control unit CTRL also drives transistors T1 and T2, thereby causing a current commutation from the vacuum interrupter 5 to the semiconductor circuit 6. Finally, the control unit CTRL disconnects the relay 10, thus providing current isolation. To connect the hybrid circuit breaker 1, the control unit CTRL closes the relay 10 and disconnects transistors T1 and T2. Then, the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 closes. Several options are possible for this step, which will be discussed below using... Figures 2 to 6 These options are presented here. It should also be noted that the first capacitor bank 15 and the relay 10 are optional. The actuator 7 can also be directly switched to the power unit 9, and a single-pole switch can be considered sufficient. Alternatively, the vacuum interrupter 5 can also have more than one switching contact S1.

[0056] Figure 2 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 This is a partial alternative to the hybrid circuit breaker 1. In this embodiment, the control unit CTRL is additionally designed to switch the first capacitor bank 15 to the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5 with a second opposite polarity during a closing operation. For this purpose, the first set of switch contacts S4 is designed as a bipolar switch that reverses the polarity of the voltage fed to the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5. In this way, the first capacitor bank 15 is used not only to open the switch contacts S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5, but also to close the switch contacts S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 very quickly. This can also help reduce contact aging. It should also be noted that the first set of switch contacts S4 can have a third switching state, which provides current isolation between the first capacitor bank 15 and the actuator 7. Therefore, the switching sequence can be... Note that the first set of switch contacts S4 always has a natural but transient current isolation state because when the switch state changes from S4 = first polarity to S4 = second polarity, the first set of switch contacts S4 (rapidly) moves through the current isolation region. Typically, the first capacitor bank 15 in the second polarity state can be disconnected from the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5 again, for example, once the switch contacts S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 are closed or during a cut-off operation.

[0057] Figure 3 It shows the relationship with Figure 1This is a partial alternative to the hybrid circuit breaker 1, differing from the hybrid circuit breaker in that it includes a second capacitor bank 16 electrically connected in a switchable manner to the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5, and designed to assist in closing the switch contacts S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 when the second capacitor bank 16 is switched to the actuator 7. More specifically, the control unit CTRL is additionally designed to switch the second capacitor bank 16 to the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5 (with a second opposite polarity) during an on-off operation using the second set of switch contacts S5. This is another possible approach to facilitate very rapid closing of the switch contacts S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5. The second capacitor bank 16 in the second polarity can again be disconnected from the actuator 7 of the vacuum interrupter 5, for example, once the switch contacts S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 are closed or during an off-off operation.

[0058] The first set of switch contacts S4 and the second set of switch contacts S5 can be triggered simultaneously but in opposite ways, or there can be an additional state where both the first set of switch contacts S4 and the second set of switch contacts S5 are open. In the first case, the control unit CTRL changes only between the following states: S4 = closed, S5 = open, S1 = open and S4 = open, S5 = closed, S1 = closed. In principle, no other measures are needed to keep the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 in the closed and open states. However, the state can also be changed as follows: S4 = closed, S5 = open, S5 = Disconnect, S5 = Closed S5 = Open, S1 = Closed. In this case, when both the first set of switch contacts S4 and the second set of switch contacts S5 are open, additional measures can be taken to keep the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 closed or open. Figures 4 to 6 An example of how to achieve this is shown.

[0059] exist Figures 1 to 3 In this configuration, capacitor bank 15 and second capacitor bank 16 are separate modules outside of the control unit CTRL. However, first capacitor bank 15 and / or second capacitor bank 16 can also be part of the control unit CTRL. In this way, the number of components in the hybrid circuit breaker 1 can be reduced.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the first capacitor bank 15 has a higher capacity than the second capacitor bank 16, such as... Figure 3 As can be seen, the first capacitor bank 15 contains a larger number of capacitors. These features prioritize the rapid disconnection of the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 in order to keep the overall size of the capacitor banks 15 and 16 small.

[0061] Figure 4 It shows the relationship with Figure 1 This is another (smaller) part of a hybrid circuit breaker, a different alternative to the hybrid circuit breaker 1. Specifically, the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 is held in the open position by means of a spring 17 and is designed to close by applying current to the actuator 7. Therefore, a continuous electromagnetic force is not required to hold the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 in the open position. This implementation is particularly helpful when combined with the actuator 7, which is designed solely for closing the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5.

[0062] Figure 5 and Figure 4 Very similar. In contrast, the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 is held in the closed position by means of a spring 17 and is designed to be opened by applying current to the actuator 7. Therefore, a continuous electromagnetic force is not required to hold the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 in the closed position. This implementation is particularly helpful when combined with the actuator 7, which is designed solely to open the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5.

[0063] Figure 6 It shows that it is still related to Figure 1 This is a partial alternative to the hybrid circuit breaker 1. Specifically, the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 is held in the open position by means of a mechanical latch 18. The latch 18 includes a pin 19 biased by a spring 20 and a pawl 21 connected to a voice coil 11. When the voice coil 11 moves downward, the pin 19 locks the pawl 21 and thus locks the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5. Therefore, this is another embodiment where a continuous electromagnetic force is not required to hold the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 in the open position. Of course, some type of unlocking mechanism is needed; however, for simplicity, it is not included. Figure 6 As shown in the diagram. It should be noted that the pawl 21 can also be constructed in reverse, such that the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 is latched in the closed position. This embodiment is particularly helpful when combined with the actuator 7, which does not need to be constantly activated to hold the switch contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 in the open or closed position.

[0064] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above, but combinations of different variations are possible. In particular, the first capacitor bank 15 and the second capacitor bank 16, the spring 17, and the latch 18 can be combined in any desired manner. In particular, the latch 18 can be combined with the spring 17 to obtain the bistable characteristics of the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5, which means that only a driving force is needed to change the switching contact S1 of the vacuum interrupter 5 between the on and off states, without needing to maintain the on and off states.

[0065] In practice, the hybrid circuit breaker 1 may have more or fewer components than those shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, this specification may include the subject matter of other independent inventions.

[0066] It should also be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the use of the article "a (or an)" does not exclude multiple elements. Elements described in different embodiments can also be combined. It should also be noted that the reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0067] List of icon numbers

[0068] 1. Hybrid Circuit Breaker

[0069] 2a, 2b input connectors

[0070] 3a, 3b output connectors

[0071] Current paths 4a and 4b

[0072] 5. Electromechanical bypass switch

[0073] 6. Semiconductor circuits

[0074] 7 Actuators

[0075] 8. Buffer circuit

[0076] 9. Power Unit

[0077] 10 Relays

[0078] 11 Voice Coil

[0079] 12 permanent magnets

[0080] 13 Iron core

[0081] 14 strokes

[0082] 15 First Capacitor Bank

[0083] 16 Second capacitor bank

[0084] 17 Springs

[0085] 18. Latch

[0086] 19 sales

[0087] 20 Springs

[0088] 21. Claws

[0089] B Vacuum Chamber

[0090] C Buffer capacitor

[0091] CTRL control unit

[0092] D1…D4 rectifiers

[0093] D5 Buffer Diode

[0094] EF electrical fault

[0095] I Current

[0096] R1 buffer resistor

[0097] R2 rheostat

[0098] R3 splitter

[0099] RL load

[0100] S1 Vacuum Interruptor Switching Contacts

[0101] S2 and S3 relay switch contacts

[0102] S4 First group of switch contacts

[0103] S5 Second set of switch contacts

[0104] T1 and T2 transistors (IGBT)

[0105] VG grid voltage source

Claims

1. A hybrid circuit breaker (1), the hybrid circuit breaker comprising: - Input connectors (2a, 2b), which are ready to be connected to the power grid. - Output connectors (3a, 3b), which are ready to be connected to the load (RL). - Current path (4a, 4b), which connects the input connector (2a, 2b) to the output connector (3a, 3b), - Electromechanical bypass switch (5), which is arranged in the current path (4a, 4b), - Semiconductor circuit (6), said semiconductor circuit is connected in parallel with said electromechanical bypass switch (5), and - Control unit (CTRL), which is capable of controlling the commutation from the current path (4a, 4b) where the electromechanical bypass switch (5) is arranged to the semiconductor circuit (6) in the event of a cut-off operation. -The electromechanical bypass switch (5) is implemented as a vacuum interrupter, which includes a switch contact (S1) and an actuator (7) designed to drive the switch contact (S1) of the vacuum interrupter (5). Its features are, The hybrid circuit breaker also includes: - A first capacitor bank (15) is electrically connected to the actuator (7) of the vacuum interrupter (5) in a switchable manner and is designed to help disconnect the switch contact (S1) of the vacuum interrupter (5) when the first capacitor bank (15) is switched to the actuator. -The control unit (CTRL) is additionally designed to switch the first capacitor bank (15) to the actuator (7) of the vacuum interrupter (5) with a first polarity in the case of a cut-off operation, and to switch the first capacitor bank (15) to the actuator (7) of the vacuum interrupter (5) with a second opposite polarity in the case of a turn-on operation.

2. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator (7) of the vacuum interrupter (5) is implemented as an electric actuator, which includes a voice coil (11) movably arranged in the magnetic field.

3. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electric actuator (7) includes a permanent magnet (12) having an iron core (13) designed to guide a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnet (12), wherein a voice coil (11) is movably arranged in the air gap of the iron core (13) and the magnetic field flows through the voice coil.

4. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that... The second capacitor bank (16) is electrically connected to the actuator (7) of the vacuum interrupter (5) in a switchable manner and is designed to help close the switch contact (S1) of the vacuum interrupter (5) when the second capacitor bank (16) is switched to the actuator (7).

5. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control unit (CTRL) is additionally designed to switch the second capacitor bank (16) to the actuator (7) of the vacuum interrupter (5) in the event of a turn-on operation.

6. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first capacitor bank (15) and / or the second capacitor bank (16) are part of the control unit (CTRL).

7. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first capacitor bank (15) has a higher capacity than the second capacitor bank (16).

8. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The switch contact (S1) of the vacuum interrupter (5) is held in the closed position or the open position by means of a mechanical latch (18).

9. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, - The switch contact (S1) of the vacuum interrupter (5) is held in the closed position by means of a spring (17) and is designed to be disconnected by applying current to the actuator (7), or - The switch contact (S1) of the vacuum interrupter (5) is held in the open position by means of a spring (17) and is designed to be closed by applying current to the actuator (7).

10. The hybrid circuit breaker (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The hybrid circuit breaker (1) additionally includes a relay (10) that switches in series with the vacuum interrupter (5), and - The control unit (CTRL) is additionally designed to disconnect the relay (10) after the vacuum interrupter (5) has been disconnected.

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