A modular circuit breaker includes a module assembly coupled to a primary assembly. The primary assembly includes a primary housing, separable contacts disposed therein, a first terminal conductor electrically connected to one of the separable contacts, a conductive tab electrically connected to another one of the separable contacts and which extends outward from a first end of the primary housing, an operating mechanism disposed in the primary housing for selectively opening and closing the separable contacts, and a trip mechanism disposed in the primary housing cooperative with the operating mechanism to trip open the separable contacts. The module assembly includes a module housing having a second terminal conductor positioned therein and electrically connected to the conductive tab, a third terminal conductor structured to be electrically connected to a neutral conductor of a load, and a fourth terminal conductor structured to be coupled to a neutral bus.

A reverse fault current interruptor (RFCI) may be employed in one or more locations in an electrical power system. In one example, an RFCI may be installed in a combiner box of a solar power system. The RFCI may include a reverse current detector and a circuit protector such as a circuit breaker, operable in combination to clear a line-line fault in the combiner box. The RFCI enables a reduction of incident energy levels through detection of a reversal in a fault current characteristic of some DC power systems, where a traditional overcurrent protection device (OCPD) (e.g., fuse, breaker) may not trip in the same period of time.

The present invention provides a series compensator and a control method. The series compensator includes a series transformer, a series transformer bypass device, a voltage source converter, a high-speed converter bypass device, a high-speed switch, and a reactor. The reactor and the high-speed switch are connected in parallel to form a current limiting module; one winding of the series transformer has two ends connected in series to a line, and the other winding thereof is sequentially connected to the current limiting module and the high-speed converter bypass device; the voltage source converter and the high-speed converter bypass device are connected in parallel; and at least one winding of the series transformer are connected in parallel to at least one series transformer bypass device. The series compensator of the present invention indirectly provides the current limiting module, so as to effectively limit the short-circuit current of a system, reduce the fault current to which the compensator is subjected, and improve the reliability of an alternating current system and the series compensator. Moreover, the current limiting module has a low voltage level, and the high-speed switch has a small breaking current, thereby providing good industrial applicability.

The present invention provides a series compensator and a control method. The series compensator includes a series transformer, a series transformer bypass device, a voltage source converter, a high-speed converter bypass device, a high-speed switch, and a reactor. The reactor and the high-speed switch are connected in parallel to form a current limiting module; one winding of the series transformer has two ends connected in series to a line, and the other winding thereof is sequentially connected to the current limiting module and the high-speed converter bypass device; the voltage source converter and the high-speed converter bypass device are connected in parallel; and at least one winding of the series transformer are connected in parallel to at least one series transformer bypass device. The series compensator of the present invention indirectly provides the current limiting module, so as to effectively limit the short-circuit current of a system, reduce the fault current to which the compensator is subjected, and improve the reliability of an alternating current system and the series compensator. Moreover, the current limiting module has a low voltage level, and the high-speed switch has a small breaking current, thereby providing good industrial applicability.

An exemplary mechanically operated switching device includes at least one movable contact and an operating mechanism for coupling/separating the movable contact to/from a corresponding fixed contact. The operating mechanism includes first elastic mechanism for, upon release, providing the energy to separate the movable and fixed contacts. At least one shunt release having: a member movable between first and second stable positions, wherein movement from the first stable position to the second stable position releases the first elastic mechanism; at least a permanent magnet generating a force for holding the movable member in the first stable position, wherein the movable member held in the first stable position compresses a second elastic mechanism; and at least one electrical winding associated with the movable member and the electronic mechanism, which is configured to electrically drive the winding to generate a magnetic force that releases of the compressed second elastic mechanism.

A circuit breaker having a movable contact arm for opening and closing the circuit which is controlled separately by a circuit breaker mechanism for circuit protection and by a switch lever mechanism which does not require actuation of the circuit breaker mechanism to function. The switch lever may be activated by a solenoid or other suitable means, and various interlocking mechanical states exist among the elements that provide added safety features.

A circuit breaker having a movable contact arm for opening and closing the circuit which is controlled separately by a circuit breaker mechanism for circuit protection and by a switch lever mechanism which does not require actuation of the circuit breaker mechanism to function. The switch lever may be activated by a solenoid or other suitable means, and various interlocking mechanical states exist among the elements that provide added safety features.

A circuit breaker including a case, a trip mechanism, and a trip lever moveable between a first position and a second position. The trip lever includes a first end selectively contacting the trip mechanism and a second end opposite the first end. The circuit breaker also includes a biasing device including a housing coupled to the case and a lever arm coupled to the housing. The lever arm includes an engagement surface in contact with the second end and configured to move between an initial position corresponding to the first position and a final position corresponding to the second position. The biasing device also includes a bias member extending between the housing and the lever arm and biasing the engagement surface against the second end. The lever arm exerts a first torque in the first position and exerts a second torque different from the first torque in the second position.

A circuit breaker including a case, a trip mechanism, and a trip lever moveable between a first position and a second position. The trip lever includes a first end selectively contacting the trip mechanism and a second end opposite the first end. The circuit breaker also includes a biasing device including a housing coupled to the case and a lever arm coupled to the housing. The lever arm includes an engagement surface in contact with the second end and configured to move between an initial position corresponding to the first position and a final position corresponding to the second position. The biasing device also includes a bias member extending between the housing and the lever arm and biasing the engagement surface against the second end. The lever arm exerts a first torque in the first position and exerts a second torque different from the first torque in the second position.

A circuit breaker characteristic monitoring device monitors the operation of a circuit breaker to estimate the amount of consumption of a movable contact and fixed contacts included in the circuit breaker. The device includes an operating time measurement unit to measure at least one of closing time, which is the time required for the circuit breaker to be closed after starting a closing operation, and opening time, which is the time required for the circuit breaker to be open after starting an opening operation, and a contact consumption amount estimation unit to estimate the amount of consumption of the movable contact and the fixed contacts on the basis of the result of measurement performed by the operating time measurement unit and travel speed of the movable contact during the closing operation or the opening operation for which the measurement result is obtained.