Patent ID: 6121758
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: H02J,Y02E

Abstract:
A system for minimizing transients in an electric power distribution system comprising:an electrical bus for distributing electric power, said electrical bus including at least a single phase ac voltage;a capacitor operatively associated with said electrical bus for varying a capacitance on said electrical bus to perform power factor correction;a mechanical switch for electrically connecting and disconnecting said capacitor to said electrical bus, said mechanical switch including a variable switch delay defined by a time delay between a switch trigger and said connecting and disconnecting of said capacitor to said electrical bus;a disturbance detector for measuring a voltage disturbance on said single phase ac voltage of said electrical bus when said capacitor is connected to and disconnected from said phase by said mechanical switch, anda switch controller for determining said variable switch delay based on said voltage disturbance whereby said controller issues said switch trigger at such a time to minimize said voltage disturbance when said mechanical switch electrically connects and disconnects said capacitor to said electrical bus.