Automatic mechanical life test platform and method for rapid mechanical switch of direct-current circuit breaker
The automated testing platform solves the problems of inconsistency and high labor costs in the life testing of DC circuit breakers' fast mechanical switches, achieving efficient and safe life testing, and supporting remote monitoring and fault alarms.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511836748.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-02-13
AI Technical Summary
Traditional DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switch life testing requires a lot of manpower and resources, the test results are inconsistent and easily affected by human factors, the test cycle is long and unsafe.
An automated testing platform is adopted, including a measurement assistance module, a control module, and a host computer module. It achieves automated control and real-time feedback through communication protocols, integrates remote monitoring and fault alarm functions, reduces labor costs, and improves test consistency and security.
It enables automated testing of DC circuit breakers' fast mechanical switching, reducing labor costs, shortening testing time, improving testing accuracy and safety, and supporting flexible parameter settings and remote operation.
Smart Images

Figure CN121522444A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of automatic control technology, and more specifically to an automated mechanical life testing platform and method for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers. Background Technology
[0002] The fast mechanical switching life of a DC circuit breaker refers to the number of switching operations the switch can perform under no-load current conditions, usually measured by the number of operations. This life parameter directly reflects the durability and stability of the circuit breaker. Due to their complex structure, fast operating speed, and high electrical stress, DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switches are prone to excessive wear during operation, leading to a shortened lifespan. To ensure the reliability of the equipment during long-term use, mechanical life testing of the DC circuit breaker's fast mechanical switches must be considered during the design phase. The results of these mechanical life tests guarantee the overall stability of the DC circuit breaker.
[0003] Mechanical life testing requires simulating the switching actions of a DC circuit breaker under normal operating conditions to ensure it can stably complete switching operations within a specified number of cycles. Traditional mechanical life testing consumes significant manpower and resources, requiring testers to be on-site constantly monitoring and controlling the rapid charging and discharging of the mechanical switch, its opening and closing actions, and speed measurements. Furthermore, it is susceptible to human error and subjective judgment, which can easily lead to inconsistent test results. When problems arise, testers cannot promptly understand the current test situation to determine whether to continue testing or replace components, which can extend the testing cycle and compromise safety.
[0004] Therefore, how to automate the testing process for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers, reduce labor costs, and shorten testing time is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention
[0005] In view of the above problems, the present invention proposes an automated mechanical life testing platform and method for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers, so as to overcome the above problems or at least partially solve the above problems.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: In a first aspect, the present invention provides an automated mechanical life testing platform for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers, comprising: a measurement auxiliary module, a control module, and a host computer module; The host computer module is used to send test commands to the control module; The control module is used to automatically perform a test process of a preset number of times for the fast mechanical switch under test according to the test instructions. Each test process includes: the control module controls the fast mechanical switch under test to perform capacitor charging and energy storage operation, and controls the measurement auxiliary module to collect the capacitor voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test. When the capacitor charging voltage meets the preset protection threshold range, the control module controls the measurement auxiliary module to collect the opening and closing speed of the fast mechanical switch under test, and returns the test status of the fast mechanical switch under test to the host computer module. The host computer module is used to remotely monitor the test status of the fast mechanical switch under test and to issue alarms for abnormal information.
[0007] Furthermore, the control module communicates with the fast mechanical switch under test and the measurement auxiliary module via electrical signals and the Modbus communication protocol; the control module and the host computer module communicate via Ethernet and TCP communication protocols.
[0008] Furthermore, the measurement auxiliary module includes a capacitor voltage sensor, a circuit breaker opening / closing status feedback node sensor, and a speed sensor; The capacitance voltage sensor is used to acquire the capacitance voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time. The opening and closing status feedback node sensor is a position sensor used to collect the opening and closing status information of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time. The speed sensor is used to collect the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time.
[0009] Furthermore, when performing capacitor charging and energy storage operation on the fast mechanical switch under test, the control module is also used to control the fast mechanical switch under test to pause the current operation and send the pause information to the host computer module when the charging voltage of the capacitor does not meet the preset protection threshold range.
[0010] Furthermore, the control module is also used to compare the opening and closing speed of the fast mechanical switch under test with a preset threshold range. When the opening and closing speed does not meet the preset threshold range, the control module controls the fast mechanical switch under test to pause the current operation and sends the pause information to the host computer module.
[0011] Furthermore, the control module is also used to record and save the characteristic curves of the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test in each round of the test process.
[0012] Furthermore, the control module is also used to send pause information to the tester's terminal via SMS, telephone, or email.
[0013] Furthermore, the control module is connected to multiple groups of fast mechanical switches under test. After receiving the test command, in each round of the test process, according to the preset group interval time, the control module performs capacitor charging and energy storage operation on each group of fast mechanical switches under test. After each group of fast mechanical switches under test has completed the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test, the control module performs the opening and closing speed test on each group of fast mechanical switches under test. Alternatively, after receiving the test command, the control module, in each round of the test process, performs the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test and the opening and closing speed test on the previous group of fast mechanical switches under test according to the grouping order and group interval time, and then performs the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test and the opening and closing speed test on the next group of fast mechanical switches under test.
[0014] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for testing the automated mechanical life of a DC circuit breaker's fast mechanical switch, applicable to the aforementioned DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switch automated mechanical life testing platform, comprising the following steps: Upon receiving a test command, the system automatically executes a preset number of test cycles on the fast-acting mechanical switch under test; each test cycle includes: The system controls the fast mechanical switch under test to perform capacitor charging and energy storage operation, and collects the capacitor voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test. It determines whether the capacitor charging voltage meets the preset protection threshold range. If it does not meet the threshold, the system controls the fast mechanical switch under test to pause the current operation and issues an alarm message. If the conditions are met, the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test are collected, and it is determined whether the opening and closing speeds meet the preset threshold range. If not, the fast mechanical switch under test is controlled to pause the current operation and an alarm message is issued. If the conditions are met, the next round of testing is initiated.
[0015] Furthermore, the fast mechanical switches under test include multiple switches and are divided into multiple groups. During testing, the test process is performed on multiple groups of fast mechanical switches under test a preset number of times according to the preset group interval time.
[0016] As can be seen from the above technical solution, compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: (1) This invention forms a fully automated testing platform through a measurement auxiliary module, a control module, and a host computer module. It integrates automated control technology and real-time feedback technology to ensure the consistency and objectivity of each test process, and reduces labor costs and shortens test time. At the same time, the testing platform supports remote monitoring and operation, which effectively reduces labor costs, shortens the test cycle, and improves the accuracy of the test, thereby improving the efficiency of the test.
[0017] (2) The test platform of the present invention has the function of flexible parameter setting. It can flexibly adjust parameters such as capacitor charging voltage, test group interval time and number of single actions according to test requirements, and can meet the mechanical life test requirements of DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switch under different voltage levels and different application conditions.
[0018] (3) This invention integrates remote monitoring and fault alarm functions. Through sensors, it monitors detailed parameters such as the movement position, movement speed characteristics, and movement time of mechanical parts in real time. When a set of parameters exceeds the set threshold during testing, it can automatically pause the test and issue a corresponding fault alarm, ensuring the safety and reliability of the test. In addition, this mechanical life test platform also has remote operation and alarm functions, which can enable testers to remotely start and stop the current test. When the test is suspended due to a fault, the testers are notified in a timely manner through network information, further improving the flexibility and security of the system. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the automated mechanical life testing platform for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart of an automated mechanical life test method for a DC circuit breaker with fast mechanical switching provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0022] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this embodiment of the invention discloses an automated mechanical life testing platform for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers, including: a measurement auxiliary module, a control module and a host computer module; The host computer module is used to send test commands to the control module; The control module is used to automatically perform a test process of a preset number of times according to the test instructions. The number of tests can be hundreds or thousands. Each test process includes: the control module controls the fast mechanical switch under test to perform capacitor charging and energy storage operation, and controls the measurement auxiliary module to collect the capacitor voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test. When the capacitor charging voltage meets the preset protection threshold range, the control module controls the measurement auxiliary module to collect the opening and closing speed of the fast mechanical switch under test, and returns the test status of the fast mechanical switch under test to the host computer module. The host computer module is used to remotely monitor the test status of the fast mechanical switch under test and to issue alarms for abnormal information.
[0023] Specifically, the host computer module, control module, auxiliary testing module, and the fast mechanical switch under test are all connected to the power supply. The control module acts as a relay, communicating with the host computer module via Ethernet and TCP protocols, and with the fast mechanical switch under test and the measurement auxiliary module via electrical signals and Modbus protocols, transmitting test commands from the host computer module to the fast mechanical switch under test and the measurement auxiliary module. Throughout the testing process, the main control module primarily monitors key information such as the operating speed, driving voltage, and open / closed status of the fast mechanical switch.
[0024] The measurement auxiliary module includes a capacitor voltage sensor, a circuit breaker status feedback node sensor, and a speed sensor; A capacitive voltage sensor is used to acquire the capacitive voltage of a fast mechanical switch under test in real time. The opening and closing status feedback node sensor is a position sensor used to collect the opening and closing status information of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time. The speed sensor is used to collect the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time.
[0025] The control module performs capacitor charging and energy storage operations on the fast mechanical switch under test according to the test instructions, and sets a preset protection threshold range. It controls the capacitor voltage sensor to collect the capacitor voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time. When the detected capacitor charging voltage does not meet the preset protection threshold range, the control module pauses the current operation of the fast mechanical switch under test and sends the pause information to the host computer module. The host computer module issues corresponding alarm information for the abnormal situation. Simultaneously, the pause information is sent to the tester's terminal via email, telephone, or SMS. The tester can remotely monitor the test status and continue testing upon returning to their workstation, ensuring that the tester is quickly informed of the test status and that test safety is guaranteed.
[0026] When the capacitor voltage sensor detects that the capacitor charging voltage meets the protection threshold range set by the tester, the control module issues opening and closing operations to the fast mechanical switch under test (DUT). Simultaneously, the speed sensor collects the opening and closing speeds. The module compares the opening and closing speeds of the DUT with the preset threshold range. If the speed does not meet the preset threshold range, the control module pauses the current operation of the DUT and sends the pause information to the host computer module. Similarly, the pause information can be sent to the tester's terminal via email, telephone, or SMS. The tester can remotely monitor the test status and resume testing upon returning to their workstation, ensuring the tester is quickly informed of the test status and guarantees test safety.
[0027] In the opening and closing speed test, the control module is also used to record and save the characteristic curves of the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test in each round of the test process.
[0028] The testing platform of this invention can perform automatic and continuous testing. When the capacitor charging and speed range meet the requirements, the testing platform can continuously perform the next round of testing until the number of tests set by the tester (e.g., 5000 times) is reached, at which point the test ends.
[0029] In another embodiment, the control module is connected to multiple groups of fast mechanical switches under test. After receiving the test command, in each round of the test process, according to the preset group interval time, the control module performs capacitor charging and energy storage operation on each group of fast mechanical switches under test. After each group of fast mechanical switches under test has completed the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test, the control module performs the opening and closing speed test on each group of fast mechanical switches under test. Alternatively, after receiving the test command, the control module, in each round of the test process, performs the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test and the opening and closing speed test on the previous group of fast mechanical switches under test according to the grouping order and group interval time, and then performs the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test and the opening and closing speed test on the next group of fast mechanical switches under test.
[0030] Furthermore, to facilitate manual analysis of parameters such as capacitor charging voltage and interval time for different fast mechanical switches by testers, the test platform of this invention also supports individual control operation for each step of the test process, including capacitor charging, discharging, and the opening and closing of the fast mechanical switch. Testers first set the capacitor charging protection threshold for this test and start the capacitor charging operation. When the capacitor is charged to meet the set protection threshold range, the fast mechanical switch is opened and closed. The operating speed and mechanical position of the fast mechanical switch are observed at this time to determine whether the operation is completed normally. If there are any abnormal problems, it can help testers flexibly adjust the test parameters and conditions.
[0031] More advantageously, the test platform of the present invention also includes an installation cabinet, which can integrate and install modules such as quick mechanical switches, control modules, host computer modules, and measurement auxiliary modules into the cabinet, and provides quick connectors to facilitate rapid installation and unified management, adapting to different test site requirements.
[0032] In other embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the present invention also provides a method for automated mechanical life testing of DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switches, which is applicable to the above-mentioned automated mechanical life testing platform for DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switches, and includes the following steps: Upon receiving a test command, the system automatically executes a preset number of test cycles on the fast-acting mechanical switch under test; each test cycle includes: The system controls the fast mechanical switch under test to perform capacitor charging and energy storage operation, and collects the capacitor voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test. It determines whether the capacitor charging voltage meets the preset protection threshold range. If it does not meet the threshold, the system controls the fast mechanical switch under test to pause the current operation and issues an alarm message. If the conditions are met, the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test are collected, and it is determined whether the opening and closing speeds meet the preset threshold range. If not, the fast mechanical switch under test is controlled to pause the current operation and an alarm message is issued. If the conditions are met, the next round of testing is initiated.
[0033] The test includes multiple fast mechanical switches, which are divided into multiple groups. During the test, the test process is performed on multiple groups of fast mechanical switches according to the preset group interval time, and the test is performed a preset number of times.
[0034] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on its differences from other embodiments. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to interchangeably. For the apparatus disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the method section.
[0035] The above description of the disclosed embodiments enables those skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.
Claims
1. An automated mechanical life testing platform for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers, characterized in that, include: Measurement auxiliary module, control module, and host computer module; The host computer module is used to send test commands to the control module; The control module is used to automatically perform a preset number of test cycles on the fast mechanical switch under test according to the test instructions. Each round of testing includes: the control module controls the fast mechanical switch under test to perform capacitor charging and energy storage operation, and controls the measurement auxiliary module to collect the capacitor voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test. When the capacitor charging voltage meets the preset protection threshold range, the measurement auxiliary module is controlled to collect the opening and closing speed of the fast mechanical switch under test, and the test status of the fast mechanical switch under test is returned to the host computer module. The host computer module is used to remotely monitor the test status of the fast mechanical switch under test and to issue alarms for abnormal information.
2. The automated mechanical life testing platform for DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switching as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module communicates with the fast mechanical switch under test and the measurement auxiliary module via electrical signals and the Modbus communication protocol; The control module and the host computer module communicate with each other via Ethernet and TCP communication protocols.
3. The automated mechanical life testing platform for DC circuit breakers with fast mechanical switching as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The measurement auxiliary module includes a capacitor voltage sensor, a circuit breaker status feedback node sensor, and a speed sensor; The capacitance voltage sensor is used to acquire the capacitance voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time. The opening and closing status feedback node sensor is a position sensor used to collect the opening and closing status information of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time. The speed sensor is used to collect the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test in real time.
4. The automated mechanical life testing platform for DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switching as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When performing capacitor charging and energy storage operation on the fast mechanical switch under test, the control module is also used to control the fast mechanical switch under test to pause the current operation and send the pause information to the host computer module when the charging voltage of the capacitor does not meet the preset protection threshold range.
5. The automated mechanical life testing platform for DC circuit breakers with fast mechanical switching as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is also used to compare the opening and closing speed of the fast mechanical switch under test with a preset threshold range. When the opening and closing speed does not meet the preset threshold range, the control module is used to suspend the current operation of the fast mechanical switch under test and send the suspension information to the host computer module.
6. The automated mechanical life testing platform for DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switching as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is also used to record and save the characteristic curves of the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test in each round of testing.
7. The automated mechanical life testing platform for DC circuit breaker fast mechanical switching as described in claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The control module is also used to send pause information to the tester's terminal via SMS, telephone, or email.
8. The automated mechanical life testing platform for DC circuit breakers with fast mechanical switching as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is connected to multiple groups of fast mechanical switches under test. After receiving the test command, in each round of the test process, according to the preset group interval time, the module performs capacitor charging and energy storage operation on each group of fast mechanical switches under test. After each group of fast mechanical switches under test has completed the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test, the module then performs the opening and closing speed test on each group of fast mechanical switches under test. Alternatively, after receiving the test command, the control module, in each round of the test process, performs the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test and the opening and closing speed test on the previous group of fast mechanical switches under test according to the grouping order and group interval time, and then performs the capacitor charging and energy storage operation test and the opening and closing speed test on the next group of fast mechanical switches under test.
9. A method for automated mechanical life testing of a DC circuit breaker with fast mechanical switching, characterized in that, It is applicable to the automated mechanical life testing platform for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers as described in any one of claims 1-8, and includes the following steps: Upon receiving a test command, the system automatically executes a preset number of test cycles on the fast-acting mechanical switch under test; each test cycle includes: The system controls the fast mechanical switch under test to perform capacitor charging and energy storage operation, and collects the capacitor voltage of the fast mechanical switch under test. It determines whether the capacitor charging voltage meets the preset protection threshold range. If it does not meet the threshold, the system controls the fast mechanical switch under test to pause the current operation and issues an alarm message. If the conditions are met, the opening and closing speeds of the fast mechanical switch under test are collected, and it is determined whether the opening and closing speeds meet the preset threshold range. If not, the fast mechanical switch under test is controlled to pause the current operation and an alarm message is issued. If the conditions are met, the next round of testing is initiated.
10. The automated mechanical life test method for fast mechanical switching of DC circuit breakers as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The test includes multiple fast mechanical switches, which are divided into multiple groups. During testing, the test process is performed on multiple groups of fast mechanical switches according to the preset group interval time, and the test is performed a preset number of times.