Comprehensive review of permanent magnet actuator for high and medium voltage circuit breakers application: Design, optimization and control

Permanent magnet actuators are widely used in fields requiring precise and reliable motion control, such as valves, pumps, and switches. They have also been extensively applied in vacuum circuit breakers, particularly in high- and medium-voltage applications, due to their high reliability and simplified mechanical design. To address the limitations of conventional spring, hydraulic, and electromagnetic operating mechanisms, various topologies of permanent magnet actuators have been developed. By using permanent magnet actuators in high- and medium-voltage circuit breakers, the number of components in the operating mechanism can be reduced, leading to improved reliability and controllability. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of various topologies, models, designs, optimization techniques, and control strategies for permanent magnet actuators. The current research interests are also examined from an application-oriented perspective. As a review, this paper serves as a “one-stop” source of information and a selection guide for those interested in high- and medium-voltage circuit breakers incorporating permanent magnet actuators. • A comprehensive review of topologies, models, designs, optimization for PMA. • A comprehensive review of control strategies for permanent magnet actuators. • Discuss current research interests for permanent magnet actuators.