Current limiting static switch

Claim 1

For use in a power system including an AC power source and a load, a bidirectional switch for conducting current between the source and the load and for interrupting the flow of such current upon command, said switch comprising: a. first, second, third and fourth thyristors connected to form a bridge circuit having a pair of AC terminals and first and second DC terminals, each of said thyristors including an anode and a cathode, the cathodes of said first and third thyristors being connected in common to said first DC terminal, and the anodes of said second and fourth thyristors being connected in common to said second DC terminal; b. current limiting impedance means connected between said DC terminals, said impedance means together with said first and second thyristors forming a first load current conducting path between said AC terminals, said impedance means together with said third and fourth thyristors forming a second load current conducting path between said AC terminals; c. first energy storage means connected between said first DC terminals and a first point; d. second energy storage means connected between said second DC terminal and a second point; and e. first, second, third, and fourth controlled switch means adapted to be triggered upon command, said first and third switch means being connected to one another between said AC terminals with their juncture comprising said first point, and said second and fourth switch means being connected to one another between said AC terminals with their juncture comprising said second point.