Solid-state transfer will eliminate votage sags

Journal Article · Sun Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1995 · Electrical World

OSTI ID:136277

Voltage sags and momentary interruptions are the greatest cause of power-quality complaints. The recent advent of the medium-voltage, solid-state transfer switch offers the possibility of transferring sensitive loads to an alternate source the instant that a sag is detected on the preferred supply-even before the voltage drop has impacted the proper operation of the sensitive load. Today, an industrial or commercial customer who requires uninterrupted electric service is usually supplied with power via two or more independent feeders. In the event that voltage is lost on the preferred feeder, the load is mechanically switched to the alternate feeder. What`s needed is a solid-state transfer switch that can transfer critical loads to an alternative source fast enough to preserve the operation of even the most sensitive computer equipment - that is, in about four milliseconds. While such subcycle solid-state transfer switches have been available at utilization voltage for several years, the load that they can handle is clearly limited. Recent developments in solid-state electronics now make the medium-voltage solid state transfer switch a commercial reality. Silicon Power Networks (SPN), a partnership between Baltimore Gas & Electric Co (BG&E) and Silicon Power Corp, Malvern, Pa, is developing a medium-voltage, subcycle transfer switch known as PowerDigm. 4 figs.

• OSTI ID: 136277
• Journal Information: Electrical World, Journal Name: Electrical World Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 209; ISSN 0013-4457; ISSN ELWOA3
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION
42 ENGINEERING
CONTROL
DESIGN
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
SEMICONDUCTOR SWITCHES
VOLTAGE DROP