An apparatus for use in a power delivery system, the apparatus comprising: a DC circuit breaker having first and second terminals and configured to automatically switch from a closed state to an open state during an overcurrent condition; a disconnector switch in series with the DC circuit breaker, the disconnector switch having a first terminal for connecting to a first polarity terminal of a DC power supply, a second terminal for connecting to a second polarity terminal of the DC power supply and a common terminal connected to the first terminal of the DC circuit breaker, the disconnector switch having at least a first position in which the first terminal is connected to the common terminal and a second position in which the second terminal is connected to the common terminal; and an interlock mechanism coupled to the DC circuit breaker and the disconnector switch, the interlock mechanism configured to disable the DC circuit breaker from automatically switching from the closed state to the open state during the overcurrent condition when the disconnector switch is in the second position.

According to some embodiments, a rail transport vehicle electric energy storage and charging system is presented. The system may include an energy storage sub-system and a charging system having a charging rail which only charges a vehicle when the rail is covered. The system may also include a battery-powered rail vehicle having a rail-contacting charging shoe.

A system having electric consumers includes an electrical device including an operating device and wires supplying the consumer. A first wire is provided for conducting the first phase of a three-phase voltage during a normal operation, a second wire conducts a second phase of the three-phase voltage, and a third wire conducts a third phase of the three-phase voltage. The consumer is able to be supplied with the three-phase voltage from the wires during a normal operation. The operating device is configured so that: in a normal operation, the first wire is connected to the first phase of the three-phase voltage; and in a safety case, the first wire is separated from the first phase of the three-phase voltage and will be or is connected to the second phase of the three-phase voltage.

A system having electric consumers includes an electrical device including an operating device and wires supplying the consumer. A first wire is provided for conducting the first phase of a three-phase voltage during a normal operation, a second wire conducts a second phase of the three-phase voltage, and a third wire conducts a third phase of the three-phase voltage. The consumer is able to be supplied with the three-phase voltage from the wires during a normal operation. The operating device is configured so that: in a normal operation, the first wire is connected to the first phase of the three-phase voltage; and in a safety case, the first wire is separated from the first phase of the three-phase voltage and will be or is connected to the second phase of the three-phase voltage.

A circuit breaker/disconnector apparatus for use in a power delivery system comprises a unidirectional DC circuit breaker which has a first terminal and a second terminal and is configured to automatically open during an overcurrent condition in a forward direction and to remain closed independent of current level in a reverse direction. A disconnector switch is in series with the circuit breaker. The disconnector switch has a first terminal for connecting to a first polarity connector of a power supply, a second terminal for connecting to a second polarity connector of the power supply and a common terminal connected to the first terminal of the circuit breaker. The disconnector switch has at least a first position in which the first terminal is connected to the common terminal and a second position in which the second terminal is connected to the common terminal. The second polarity connector of the power supply may be coupled to a track of a transport system and the second polarity connector of the power supply may be coupled to a live overhead cable or live third rail of a transport system. The apparatus can be used to safely ground the live cable or third rail when in a maintenance condition.

A circuit breaker/disconnector apparatus for use in a power delivery system comprises a unidirectional DC circuit breaker which has a first terminal and a second terminal and is configured to automatically open during an overcurrent condition in a forward direction and to remain closed independent of current level in a reverse direction. A disconnector switch is in series with the circuit breaker. The disconnector switch has a first terminal for connecting to a first polarity connector of a power supply, a second terminal for connecting to a second polarity connector of the power supply and a common terminal connected to the first terminal of the circuit breaker. The disconnector switch has at least a first position in which the first terminal is connected to the common terminal and a second position in which the second terminal is connected to the common terminal. The second polarity connector of the power supply may be coupled to a track of a transport system and the second polarity connector of the power supply may be coupled to a live overhead cable or live third rail of a transport system. The apparatus can be used to safely ground the live cable or third rail when in a maintenance condition.

A system and method provide seamless control switchover through an input coupled to a power line and a safety apparatus that actuates if the input remains de-energized for a first time interval. Each of a plurality of subsystems has a control unit that controls a power source to energize the power line and is capable of transitioning between master and slave states. A first switch or second and third switches in series couple the power source to the power line. The first switch is closed during master state operation. The second switch is closed during slave operation and the third switch is open if any subsystem control unit is in master state. The system is configured to open or close the first switch, the second switch, or the third switch responsive to a transition of a control unit to or from master state within the first time interval.

A system and method provide seamless control switchover through an input coupled to a power line and a safety apparatus that actuates if the input remains de-energized for a first time interval. Each of a plurality of subsystems has a control unit that controls a power source to energize the power line and is capable of transitioning between master and slave states. A first switch or second and third switches in series couple the power source to the power line. The first switch is closed during master state operation. The second switch is closed during slave operation and the third switch is open if any subsystem control unit is in master state. The system is configured to open or close the first switch, the second switch, or the third switch responsive to a transition of a control unit to or from master state within the first time interval.

A system for testing a traction block, such as a railway traction block, includes two zones that are physically separated from one another, an operational zone located in a container and divided into at least two parts. One part is a command part accessible by an operator during testing, and the other part is a high-voltage part inaccessible during testing. The system also includes a test zone located outside the container, and configured to receive the traction block to be tested. The test zone is able to be supplied with electricity during the test by the operational zone using dedicated connections.

The present invention concerns a method and system for reducing the electric power consumption of a railway system comprising at least one catenary, trains and at least one substation connected to sections of catenary and providing electric power to the catenary, wherein during the braking of the trains, the braking trains provide electric power to the catenary. The substation is associated to one device for reducing the electric power consumption and the invention: detects the presence of a braking train in one of the section connected to the substation, interrupts the electric power provided by the substation to the catenary if the presence of the braking train is detected, detects the absence of braking trains in each section connected to the substation, means for enabling the electric power to be provided by the substation to the catenary if the absence of braking trains is detected.