Richard L Grabowski

US Patent:

20080174926, Jul 24, 2008

Filed:

Jan 18, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/655371

Inventors:

Glen Allen Evans - Garwood NJ, US
Richard Michael Grabowski - Nutley NJ, US

International Classification:

H02H 3/38
H02J 15/00
H02H 3/20
H02H 3/24
H02H 3/087

US Classification:

361 90, 320166, 361 937

Abstract:

A DC high power distribution system provides power to a load in parallel with one or more storage capacitors. The system includes a hot-swap controller and an array of parallel-connected transistors connected in series between a DC source and the capacitors/load. A power contactor is connected in parallel to the transistor array, both of which are connected to control outputs of the controller. The controller monitors various circuit conditions of interest, such as input over-voltage, input under-voltage, and over-current. If the circuit conditions meet designated parameters, the controller activates the transistors for charging the capacitors, for limiting inrush current. After charging, the controller activates the power contactor for shunting the transistors and carrying the + ampere current during ongoing operation. If any of the monitored circuit conditions fail to meet designated parameters, the controller halts operation of the circuit by deactivating the power contactor and/or transistors.