High voltage disconnecting switch control

1. A system for controlling a high voltage switch having at least one connect/disconnect arm, the system comprising:

actuating means for displacing said at least one connect/disconnect arm;

an optical position sensor for determining a position of said at least one connect/disconnect arm; and

a control module operatively connected to the actuating means and adapted to dynamically adjust a speed of motion of said at least one connect/disconnect arm as a function of said position of said at least one connect/disconnect arm.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said control module comprises at least three speeds to which said at least one connect/disconnect arm can be set.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said control module comprises digital logic.

4. A system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising at least one additional sensor connected to said control module for sensing at least one operating parameter of said system.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4 , wherein said at least one additional sensor is a sensor for sensing environmental conditions of said system.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5 , wherein said control module is adapted to determine a temperature and humidity level of said system in order to react to climate changes therein.

7. A system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising at least one external communication port.

8. A system as claimed in claim 7 , wherein data obtained by said system can be retrieved via said at least one external port.

9. A system as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising external indicators showing a status of said system.

10. A system as claimed in claim 9 , wherein said external indicators show a position of said connecting/disconnecting arm.

11. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said actuating means comprise a motor having at least one speed of operation for opening and for closing said at least one connect/disconnect arm.

12. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein when opening said at least one connect/disconnect arm, said control module adjusts said at least one connect/disconnect arm to a first speed until it reaches a point where an arc would commence, a second speed greater than said first speed until said arc is cut, and a third speed less than said second speed until a fully opened position is reached and a brake is activated, thereby bringing said at least one connect/disconnect arm to a stop.

13. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein when closing said at least one connect/disconnect arm, said control module adjusts said at least one connect/disconnect arm to a first speed until after a formed arc has been cut and a second speed until a fully closed position is reached and a brake is activated, thereby bringing said at least one connect/disconnect arm to a stop.

14. A system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said control module is configured to adjust the speed of motion of said at least one connect/disconnect arm as a function of a type of equipment of said arm, and provides different speeds for initial movement of the arm, after an arc has been cut, and slow down of the arm.

15. A method for controlling a high voltage switch having at least one connect/disconnect arm, the method comprising:

optically sensing a position of said connect/disconnect arm;

dynamically adjusting a speed of motion of said at least one connect/disconnect arm as a function of said position of said at least one connect/disconnect arm; and

actuating said at least one connect/disconnect arm in accordance with said speed of motion.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15 , wherein said dynamically adjusting a speed of motion comprises adjusting said at least one connect/disconnect arm to at least three speeds.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15 , further comprising sensing at least one additional operating parameter of said system.

18. A method as claimed in claim 17 , wherein said at least one additional parameter is an environmental condition of said system.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 , further comprising determining a temperature and humidity level of said system in order to react to climate changes therein.

20. A method as claimed in claim 15 , further comprising providing at least one external communication port on said system.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20 , further comprising retrieving data obtained by said system via said at least one external port.

22. A method as claimed in claim 15 , further comprising providing external indicators showing a status of said system.

23. A method as claimed in claim 22 , wherein said external indicators show a position of said connecting/disconnecting arm.

24. A method as claimed in claim 15 , wherein said actuating said at least one connect/disconnect arm comprises operating said at least one connect/disconnect arm at a first speed until it reaches a point where an arc would commence, a second speed greater than said first speed until said arc is cut, and a third speed less than said second speed until a fully opened position is reached and a brake is activated, thereby bringing said at least one connect/disconnect arm to a stop.

25. A method as claimed in claim 15 , wherein said actuating said at least one connect/disconnect arm comprises operating said at least one connect/disconnect arm at a first speed until after a formed arc has been cut and a second speed until a fully closed position is reached and a brake is activated, thereby bringing said at least one connect/disconnect arm to a stop.

26. A method as claimed in claim 15 , wherein said actuating said at least one connect/disconnect arm comprises adjusting the speed of motion of said at least one connect/disconnect arm as a function of a type of equipment of said arm, and providing different speeds for initial movement of the arm, after an arc has been cut, and slow down of the arm.