Electricity: electrical systems and devices – Safety and protection of systems and devices – Load shunting by fault responsive means
Patent
1975-06-09
1977-05-10
Miller, J D
Electricity: electrical systems and devices
Safety and protection of systems and devices
Load shunting by fault responsive means
361 91, 361 89, 361111, 361118, 361120, H02H 320
Patent
active
040230716
ABSTRACT:
Apparatus is disclosed for absorbing and dissipating the electrical energy present in voltage transients and surges occurring in a power distribution system for protecting the system and equipment connected thereto from damage due to such transients and surges. First bilateral nonlinear semiconductors having zener-type voltage breakdown characteristics and capability of essentially instantaneous breakdown for inputs exceeding a selected voltage breakdown are connected in parallel with the circuits to be protected. Such semiconductors have low energy-dissipating capability; therefore, second bilateral nonlinear semiconductors having much greater energy-dissipating capability, similar voltage breakdown characteristics, and slower response time are connected in parallel with the first semiconductors. The breakdown of the second semiconductors occurs in time to prevent the first semiconductors from being damaged from excessive dissipation. A gaseous discharge gap-type arrestor is connected essentially in parallel with the first and second semiconductors and has a selected striking voltage appropriate to the breakdown voltages of the semiconductors.Upon firing of the arrestor, the voltage is dropped to a very low value and the remaining surge energy is dissipated in the arrestor. Firing of the arrestor occurs after the breakdown of the second semiconductor in time to prevent the dissipation capability of the second semiconductor from being exceeded.
The cooperative and consecutive breakdown of the three elements serves to limit the peak voltage of a surge to a safe value and dissipate the surge energy without damage to the elements, thereby preventing damage to the power distribution system and associated equipments.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3353066 (1967-11-01), De Souza
patent: 3423636 (1969-01-01), Rowley, Jr.
patent: 3452252 (1969-06-01), Mapham
patent: 3480832 (1969-11-01), Person
patent: 3558830 (1971-01-01), Bender
patent: 3693053 (1972-09-01), Anderson
patent: 3737725 (1973-06-01), Donnelly
patent: 3883782 (1975-05-01), Beckwith
patent: 3890543 (1975-06-01), Jonassen
patent: 3894274 (1975-07-01), Rosenberry
patent: 3934175 (1976-01-01), Clark
"Circuit, Protectors"-MCG, Electronics Inc., Application Note 749, 1974.
Miller J D
Salce Patrick R.
Wiggins Macdonald J.
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