Method and apparatus for operating a magnetic actuator in a power switching device

• US 20060007623A1
• Filed: 07/09/2005
• Published: 01/12/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/09/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ABB Schweiz AG (ABB Limited)
• Original Assignee: ABB Technology AG (ABB Limited)
• Inventors: Trivette, Marty L., Barbour, Erskine R., Shang, Bryan A.
• Granted Patent: US 7,508,645 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 361/115
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 33/6662 using bistable electromagnetic actuators, e.g. linear polarised electromagnetic actuators
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 47/325 by switching regulator

Abstract

A method and apparatus for operating a magnetic actuator in a power switching device by transmitting at least two different electrical current waveforms to the actuator. Both waveforms are sent to the actuator from a controller in the same direction to move an actuator'"'"'s armature from a first position to a second position. The first current waveform causes the armature to move from the first position to the second position. The second waveform is transmitted to the actuator to keep the armature moving towards the second position without overdriving the armature.

Claims

1. A method of operating an actuator used in a power switching device, said power switching device for use in the power generation, distribution and transmission industry, the method comprising:

providing a controller,

transmitting a first electrical current waveform in a first direction from said controller to said actuator, said actuator having an armature, said first electrical current waveform causing said armature to move from a first position towards a second position; and

,

transmitting a second electrical current waveform in said first direction to said actuator from said controller, wherein said second electrical current waveform is different than said first electrical current waveform.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said second electrical current waveform is transmitted when said armature is at or near said second position.

3. The method of claim 2 further comprising transmitting a third electrical current waveform when said armature is at said second position.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein said first electrical waveform or said second electrical current waveform is modified automatically.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said actuator is used in a circuit breaker.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said actuator is used in a recloser.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein said first position is a closed position and said second position is an open position.

8. The method of claim 1 wherein said first position is an open position and said second position is a closed position.

14. The actuator of claim 7 wherein in said first position said actuator is closed and in said second position said actuator is open.

9. An actuator for use in a power switching device comprising:

an armature, said armature moving from a first position towards a second position in response to a first electrical current waveform transmitted in a first direction to said actuator, said actuator receiving a second electrical current waveform transmitted in said first direction, said second electrical current waveform being different than said first electrical current waveform.

10. The actuator of claim 9 wherein said first electrical current waveform and said second electrical current waveform are generated by a controller.

11. The actuator of claim 9 wherein said second electrical current waveform is transmitted to said actuator when said armature is at or near said second position.

12. The actuator of claim 11 wherein a third electrical current waveform is transmitted to said actuator when said armature is at said second position.

13. The actuator of claim 9 wherein in said first position said actuator is open and in said second position said actuator is closed.

15. An electrical power switching device comprising:

an actuator, said actuator comprising an armature, said armature movable between a first position and a second position in response to a first electrical current waveform and a second electrical current waveform transmitted to said actuator in a first direction, wherein said first electrical current waveform is different than said second electrical current waveform.

16. The power switching device of claim 15 wherein said first electrical current waveform and said second electrical current waveform are generated by a controller.

17. The power switching device of claim 15 wherein said second electrical current waveform is transmitted to said actuator when said armature is at or near said second position.

18. The power switching device of claim 17 wherein a third electrical current waveform is transmitted to said actuator when said armature is at said second position.

19. The power switching device of claim 15 wherein in said first position said actuator is open and in said second position said actuator is closed.

20. The power switching device of claim 15 wherein in said first position said actuator is closed and in said second position said actuator is open.