Piezoelectrics in Circuit Breakers

Design and Test

This book demonstrates how a piezoelectric actuator can be used as part of the actuation system in a circuit breaker mechanism. The design of circuit breaker could be simplified by the use of smart materials. A simpler mechanism requires fewer mechanical parts. This can improve reliability, reduce size, power consumption and manufacturing costs. It allows substantial miniaturization of these devices resulting in a completely new type of circuit breaker.