Patent ID: 8638531

Claim:
A hybrid direct current (DC) contactor comprising: a multi-pole arrangement comprising a plurality of poles configured to provide a first current path between a DC power source and a load; an electromagnetic coil configured to position the plurality of poles in a closed position when power is supplied thereto, with the plurality of poles moving from the closed position to an open position when power to the electromagnetic coil is terminated; a solid state device positioned in parallel with the plurality of poles, the solid state device including a semiconductor switch that, when turned on, provides a second, parallel current path that diverts current away from the plurality of poles when the poles are being opened in either direction; and a controller configured to: terminate a supply of power to the electromagnetic coil so as to cause the plurality of poles to begin to open; detect an arc voltage across the poles as the main poles are opening; provide a gate signal to the semiconductor switch to cause the semiconductor switch to pulse on for a pre-determined period of time so as to route current to the semiconductor switch; measure a current through the main contacts; and if current is still present through the poles, then provide another gate signal to the semiconductor switch to cause the semiconductor switch to again pulse on for another pre-determined period of time so as to route current to the semiconductor switch.