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The Hybrid Static Switch

The document compares three types of static switches: electronic, mechanical, and hybrid. Electronic switches have fast transfer times but low overload capacity. Mechanical switches have longer transfer times but handle overloads well. Hybrid switches combine the advantages of both by using power semiconductors to transfer the load during mechanical switching, providing both high performance and reliability. The hybrid switch is the recommended technology as it merges benefits while eliminating disadvantages of the other options.

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Angela Tien
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85 views

The Hybrid Static Switch

The document compares three types of static switches: electronic, mechanical, and hybrid. Electronic switches have fast transfer times but low overload capacity. Mechanical switches have longer transfer times but handle overloads well. Hybrid switches combine the advantages of both by using power semiconductors to transfer the load during mechanical switching, providing both high performance and reliability. The hybrid switch is the recommended technology as it merges benefits while eliminating disadvantages of the other options.

Uploaded by

Angela Tien
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The hybrid static switch

benefits, capabilities and


comparison with other technologies

INTRODUCTION
The static switch is one of the most critical components of an Uninterruptable Power Supplies (UPS) and in data center
applications. The reliability and performance of the static switch directly impacts the reliability and performance of all of the
devices and applications fed by the static switch.

There are three main types of static switch technologies: electronic, mechanical and hybrid. What is the difference between
them? Which technology is the most reliable, and which is most appropriate for your needs?

TECHNOLOGIES
Electronic static switch
An electronic static switch uses power semiconductor switching modules (mostly SCRs/thyristors) to achieve the transfer
between two synchronized voltage sources (Figure 1a), or between a UPS inverter (source1 in Figure 1b) and a reserve power
source (source2 in Figure 1b).

Figure 1

In a static switch configured as in Figure 1a the load current passes continuously and uninterruptedly through a solid state
semiconductor switching module (SSM), whether the current is coming from source1 or source2.

In a static switch configured as in Figure 1b, when the reserve source (source2) is supplying current to the load the current passes
continuously through the SSM.

In Figure 1a the transfer between the two sources is accomplished by stopping the firing of the SSM on source1 and then firing
the SSM on source2. In Figure 1b the transfer is performed by controlling the inverter (source1) and by firing the SCR on source2.

The most important benefit of this technology is the fast response time, which produces a fast transfer time.
The hybrid static switch
benefits, capabilities and
comparison with other technologies

There are disadvantages to this technique, including:

• Low overload and short circuit capacity

• Need of accurate control

• The possibility of a dc component at output in case of thyristor failure

• Necessity of back-feed protection

• Difficulty of achieving continuity of load in certain cases upon failure of controller

• High power dissipation, and cooling requirements.

Mechanical static switch


A mechanical static switch uses mechanical parts (contactors or changeover relays) to achieve the transfer between two
synchronized sources (see Figure 2).

Figure 2

The load curremt continuously and uninterruptedly passes through the mechanical device – a contactor or changeover relay.

The transfer between the two sources is performed by completely opening (“breaking”) source1’s mechanical switching device and
then closing (“making”) source2’s mechanical switching device. The transfer time is the interval between the opening and closing
of the mechanical switching devices.

This technology is acceptable in low-capacity devices where changeover relays can be used. The transfer time of changeover relays
is short and acceptable for many kinds of loads.

The mechanical static switch has a significant disadvantage: its relatively long transfer time, especially on high capacity devices.
Transfer times range from 20 to 100 ms and even higher, depending on the brand and rating of the contactors.

Nevertheless this technology has important advantages:

• Its heat dissipation approaches zero

• It handles overloads and short circuits relatatively well

• An auto-lock option can be easily implemented to keep the load on a particular voltage source upon controller failure, and

• It functions well in extreme ambient conditions.


The hybrid static switch
benefits, capabilities and
comparison with other technologies

Hybrid Static Switch


Hybrid static switch technology uses both mechanical and electronic means to achieve the transfer between two synchronized
voltage sources. Contactors or changeover relays are used along with semiconductor modules (see Figure 3).

Figure 3

The load current continuously and uninterruptedly passes through the mechanical device – a contactor or changeover relay – and
momentarily passes through a semiconductor switching module.

The transfer between the two voltage sources is accomplished by:

1. Firing the semiconductor switching module.

2. Immediately releasing the mechanical switching device of source one.

3. Enabling the second source mechanical switching device.

4. Stopping the firing of the semiconductor switching module.

In other words, the semiconductor switching module carries the load during the period of the mechanical switching.

The hybrid static switch merges the advantages of the mechanical static switch with those of the electronic static switches, while
eliminating their respective disadvantages.

A back-feed protection device (relay, contactor) is usually included in series with the semiconductor switching module.
The hybrid static switch
benefits, capabilities and
comparison with other technologies

CONCLUSION
Reliability and performance are two important parameters for any electronic or electric device, especially for the static switch
because of its critical role as the connection point between the electrical sources and the critical loads.

Electronic static switches provide high performance; mechanical static switches provide high reliability.

The hybrid static switch is recommended by the IEC 62040-3 standard (edition 2.0, 2011-03) in paragraph C.2.1.3 since it combines
the merits of electronic and mechanical static switches, providing high performance and reliability.

Written by

Mohammed Qumbar International Support Technical Manager

Checked and modified by

Zvi Keller Gamatronic Engineering Manager

Ran Rakovsky Gamatronic R&D Manager

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