Method and apparatus to independently control contactors in a multiple contactor configuration
First Claim
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1. A method of controlling contactor switching comprising the steps of:
- monitoring voltage in an electrical system having a power source and a load;
closing at least a first contactor of a multi-contactor assembly at a first phase angle following a voltage zero-crossing in the system, the multi-contactor assembly configured to regulate power supplied to the load by the power source; and
thereafterclosing another contactor of the multi-contactor assembly at a prescribed moment following the closing of the first contactor.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus to independently control the closing or making of contactors in a modular contactor assembly is disclosed. The apparatus includes a contactor assembly having multiple contactors such that each contactor is separately controlled such that one contactor may be closed without the other contactors of the assembly being closed. The contactors are arranged such that a pair of contactors is caused to close following a zero-voltage crossing of a power signal. A third contactor is caused to close after the pair of contactors has closed.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of controlling contactor switching comprising the steps of:
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monitoring voltage in an electrical system having a power source and a load; closing at least a first contactor of a multi-contactor assembly at a first phase angle following a voltage zero-crossing in the system, the multi-contactor assembly configured to regulate power supplied to the load by the power source; and
thereafterclosing another contactor of the multi-contactor assembly at a prescribed moment following the closing of the first contactor. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A modular contactor system comprising:
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a plurality of stationary contacts and a plurality of movable contacts housed within a single contactor assembly; a plurality of actuating assemblies, each in operable association with at least one movable contact; and a controller in operable association with the plurality of actuating assemblies and configured to cause less than all the plurality of movable contacts to engage less than all the plurality of stationary contacts when the controller receives a closed circuit command signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A controller to independently regulate closing of contactors of a modular contactor assembly independently, the controller programmed to:
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transmit a first contactor close signal to at least one actuating assembly for a pair of contactors at a first moment after a preceding zero voltage in an electrical system so as to close the pair of contactors; and transmit a second contactor close signal to an actuating assembly for a third contactor at a second moment after the first moment so as to close the third contactor such that at least one of high transient current and resultant negative torque oscillations in the electrical system are minimized. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification