A new class of high speed disconnect switch based on piezoelectric actuators

With the adoption of power electronic converters in shipboard power systems and associated novel fault management concepts, the ability to isolate electric faults quickly from the power system is becoming more important than breaking high magnitude fault currents and the corresponding arcing between opening contacts within a switch. This allows for the design of substantially faster, as well as potentially lighter and more compact, mechanical disconnect switches. Herein, we are proposing a new class of mechanical disconnect switches that utilize piezoelectric actuators to isolate within less than one millisecond. This technology may become a key enabler for future all-electric ships.