Electrical circuit protection system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a protection system (10) for an electrical circuit (1), the protection system (10) comprising: - a conductor (11, 12, 13) comprising a first conductor portion (11), a second conductor portion (12) and a third conductor portion (13) electrically connecting the first conductor portion (11) and the second conductor portion (12) to each other, and - a ferromagnetic body (14) arranged in a space between the first conductor portion (11) and the second conductor portion (12), the conductor (11, 12, 13) and the ferromagnetic body (14) being configured such that, when a current flowing through the conductor (11, 12, 13) has an intensity I greater than or equal to a threshold intensity I S , a mechanical force induced in the conductor (11, 12, 13) by the current causes a mechanical rupture of the conductor (11, 12, 13).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of electrical circuit protection systems, particularly for high-voltage DC applications. Background Technology

[0002] In the context of propulsion equipment, particularly for aircraft, power is supplied through energy storage devices in the form of batteries and a battery management system (BMS). Such a defined electrical circuit typically includes electrical protection systems to safeguard the various components of the circuit.

[0003] In particular, high-voltage fuses are a standard electrical protection system. However, fuses are bulky and have the disadvantage of being heavy and large. In addition, these fuses are uncontrollable and have a response time of about a few milliseconds (for even the most sensitive fuses), which may be too long to ensure optimal protection of electrical circuits.

[0004] Another solution involves, for example, the use of contactors, which are combined with current measuring devices or devices for detecting faults in electrical circuits. However, contactors have limited breaking capacity—that is, the maximum current at which a contactor will interrupt the current flow in the event of a short circuit—especially in high-voltage applications. Furthermore, like fuses, contactors have a response time of approximately 25 milliseconds, which may be too long to ensure optimal protection of the electrical circuit.

[0005] Firework switches are also known protection systems. These switches operate by triggering—for example, by an electrical signal—an explosion that irreversibly damages the conductor, thus interrupting the current. However, these switches have limited breaking capacity and can have long response times.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to improve electrical circuit protection systems, especially those for high-voltage DC applications. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure resolves this problem.

[0008] A system for protecting electrical circuits is proposed, comprising a conductor and a ferromagnetic material. The conductor includes a first conductor portion and a second conductor portion, the second conductor portion being spatially arranged relative to the first conductor portion such that the direction of current flowing through the first conductor portion in the space is substantially opposite to the direction of current flowing through the second conductor portion. The conductor includes a third conductor portion electrically connecting the first conductor portion and the second conductor portion. The ferromagnetic material is arranged in the space between the first conductor portion and the second conductor portion. The conductor and the ferromagnetic material are configured such that when the current flowing through the conductor has a value greater than or equal to a threshold intensity I...S When the current reaches an intensity of I, the mechanical force—particularly the tensile force—induced in the conductor by the current causes the conductor to break mechanically.

[0009] Current threshold I S It depends in particular on the geometric, electromagnetic and mechanical properties of the protection system, especially on the conductor and the ferromagnet.

[0010] The term "protection system" refers to an electrical protection system for electrical circuits, which is particularly capable of interrupting the flow of current in the electrical circuit under abnormal operating conditions.

[0011] "Mechanical breakage of the conductor" means that the conductor breaks into at least two distinct segments such that these segments are no longer in electrical contact with each other. Therefore, current can no longer flow through the conductor.

[0012] Mechanical breakage in the conductor can be irreversible.

[0013] If the component of the second direction along the first direction is negative, then the first direction is said to be spatially opposite to the second direction.

[0014] In other words, the component of the current flowing through the second conductor portion that follows the direction of the current flowing through the first conductor portion is negative.

[0015] This disclosure enables the utilization of the Laplace force phenomenon experienced by the first conductor portion and the second conductor portion. In particular, the first conductor portion experiences a Laplace force generated by the flow of current through the second conductor portion. Similarly, the second conductor portion experiences a Laplace force generated by the flow of current through the first conductor portion.

[0016] Furthermore, the spatial arrangement of the first and second conductor portions such that the direction of the current flowing through the first conductor portion is spatially largely opposite to the direction of the current flowing through the second conductor portion, which advantageously results in the Laplace forces acting on the first and second conductor portions being spatially largely opposite. The first and second conductor portions then tend to move away from each other in space, particularly until the conductors break due to tensile stress.

[0017] It should be noted that the usual goal is to minimize the Laplace force to prevent conductor breakage. Here, instead, the Laplace force phenomenon is used to stress the conductor until it undergoes mechanical fracture.

[0018] Furthermore, the introduction of the ferromagnet between the first conductor portion and the second conductor portion effectively amplifies the mechanical force caused by the current flowing through the conductor, thereby promoting the breakage of the conductor.

[0019] Furthermore, the protection system offers the significant advantage of providing high breaking capacity, for example, on the order of approximately 10 kA, and improved response time, for example, on the order of approximately 100 µs. This enhances the safety of electrical circuits.

[0020] This disclosure provides a compact, efficient, and fast solution for the protection of electrical circuits, particularly for high-voltage DC applications.

[0021] Furthermore, this disclosure advantageously enables the realization of a controllable electrical circuit protection system, for example, compared to high-voltage fuses.

[0022] The features described in the following paragraphs may be implemented, either independently or in combination with each other.

[0023] The protection system advantageously includes a discharge device electrically connected in parallel with the conductor. The discharge device is configured to apply a voltage—hereinafter referred to as the breakdown voltage—across the conductor under abnormal operating conditions, such that the current I flowing through the conductor resulting from the application of the breakdown voltage is greater than or equal to the threshold current I. S .

[0024] The breakdown voltage is the minimum voltage that can generate a current of a certain amplitude. If this amplitude is exceeded, the conductor will mechanically break.

[0025] The term "terminals of a conductor" refers to the input and output terminals of the conductor.

[0026] The terminals can constitute physical terminals or geographical terminals of the conductor. In practice, these terminals do not necessarily need to be understood as constituting physical objects. The key is that the discharge device can apply the breakdown voltage between the terminals of the conductor.

[0027] More specifically, each of the first conductor portion, the second conductor portion, and the third conductor portion may each include a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the first conductor portion may form an input terminal of the conductor, the second end of the first conductor portion is electrically connected to the first end of the third conductor portion, or forms a portion of the first end of the third conductor portion, the second end of the third conductor portion is electrically connected to the first end of the second conductor portion, or forms a portion of the first end of the second conductor portion, and the second end of the second conductor portion may form an output terminal of the conductor.

[0028] The discharge device enables the simple triggering of mechanical breakage in the conductor under abnormal operating conditions.

[0029] It should be noted that in the absence of a discharge device, or when the discharge device does not apply the breakdown voltage between the conductor terminals, the mechanical breakage of the conductor may be caused by an abnormally high current—that is, exceeding the threshold current I. S The current is caused by the flow of the conductor.

[0030] The conductor can be, in particular, in the form of a busbar.

[0031] Advantageously, the first and second conductor portions can be tilted relative to each other at an angle of 40° or less, for example, 20° or less, preferably 10° or less, for example, substantially equal to 0°. In other words, when the angle is substantially equal to 0°, the first and second conductor portions are substantially parallel to each other. This configuration advantageously increases the mechanical force exerted on the first and second conductor portions by the current flowing through the conductors.

[0032] The first conductor portion and the second conductor portion may, in particular, be in the form of rods, for example, having a rectangular cross-section.

[0033] The first conductor portion and the second conductor portion may have the same length L, for example, between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably equal to 40 mm.

[0034] Advantageously, the length L of the first conductor portion and the second conductor portion, the distance r between the first conductor portion and the second conductor portion, and the magnetic permeability μ of the ferromagnetic material are... r and the mechanical breaking force F required to cause the conductor to break mechanically. r Determined to make the mechanical fracture force F r Less than or equal to when the current intensity I exceeds the threshold intensity I S The mechanical force caused by the current flowing through the conductor is calculated according to the following equation, where μ0 corresponds to the free permeability: .

[0035] This equation is particularly useful for determining the dimensions of the protection system so that the conductor can undergo mechanical fracture under abnormal operating conditions. It should be noted that the mechanical force induced in the conductor by the current flowing through it is related to the permeability μ of the ferromagnetic material. r It is directly proportional. Therefore, increasing the permeability of the ferromagnetic material amplifies the mechanical force, making it easier to reach the breaking force of the conductor in the presence of abnormally high currents.

[0036] In particular, the spacing r can be between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0037] In particular, the ferromagnetic material can have a permeability between 100 and 1200, preferably between 800 and 1200. This range of values ​​makes it particularly possible to obtain a Laplace force amplification factor of the same order of magnitude as the permeability, which enables the achievement of the conductor's mechanical breaking strength.

[0038] The protection system may include means for detecting faults in the electrical circuit and a control means for controlling the discharge device. The control means is configured such that, upon receiving fault detection information from the detection means, it controls the discharge device to apply the breakdown voltage across the conductor. Therefore, the protection system can be controlled and thus triggered upon detection of abnormal operation.

[0039] The discharge device may preferably include a capacitor capable of applying the breakdown voltage across the conductor and a switch, particularly an electronic switch, connected in series with the capacitor. The switch is configured to allow the breakdown voltage to be applied across the conductor under abnormal operating conditions. This electrical circuit is simple and allows for effective discharge to the protection system under abnormal operating conditions. Furthermore, the switch can be controlled at least in the closed position. This enables control over the tripping of the protection system.

[0040] The switch may preferably include a thyristor.

[0041] The capacitor may in particular include an electrochemical capacitor.

[0042] The capacitor may have a capacitance between 20 µF and 1000 µF.

[0043] The threshold current I S Preferably, the value is greater than or equal to 1000 A.

[0044] Advantageously, in the rated operating configuration, the current flowing through the conductor can have an amplitude between 100 A and 200 A, and the threshold current I S Greater than or equal to 1000 A. In the rated operating configuration, the current amplitude is particularly insufficient to cause mechanical breakage of the conductor.

[0045] Advantageously, the conductor can be made at least partially of a material containing aluminum. Aluminum has the advantage of good electrical conductivity while having low mechanical tensile strength. However, another material that is a good electrical conductor and has low mechanical strength can also be used.

[0046] Advantageously, the conductor may include an electrical connector configured such that when the current flowing through the conductor has a value greater than or equal to the threshold strength I... S When the current reaches an intensity of I, the mechanical force induced in the conductor by the current causes the electrical connector to open. In other words, mechanical breakage in the conductor is achieved by the opening of the electrical connector. The third conductor portion may in particular include the electrical connector. This feature advantageously allows for better control over the area of ​​conductor breakage. Furthermore, such an electrical connector can advantageously be reclosed and therefore reusable.

[0047] At least two, and in particular all three, of the first conductor portion, the second conductor portion, and the third conductor portion can be advantageously configured as a single piece. This feature facilitates the manufacture of the conductor.

[0048] The conductor may advantageously include a predetermined weak point configured to break first in the event of mechanical fracture of the conductor. This feature advantageously allows for better control over the mechanical fracture of the conductor.

[0049] In particular, the third conductor portion may include the weak region.

[0050] The third conductor portion may in particular include at least one cavity, such as multiple cavities, forming the weak region.

[0051] On the other hand, an electrical circuit is proposed, comprising a protection system as described above, a power supply, and a load configured to be powered by the power supply. The protection system is connected in series with both the power supply and the load. The protection system advantageously protects the electrical circuit from current overload or other abnormal operating conditions.

[0052] The load may advantageously include an electric propulsion device.

[0053] The power source can be configured to supply high-voltage direct current to the electrical circuit, for example, a voltage between 800 V DC and 1200 V DC. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Further features, details, and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: 【 Figure 1 A schematic electrical diagram of an electrical circuit including a protection system according to one embodiment is shown.

[0055] 【 Figure 2 Three schematic electrical diagrams are shown, each illustrating the rated operating configuration of a protection system according to one embodiment. Figure 2A) Abnormal operation configuration ( Figure 2 B) and the trip configuration after abnormal operation configuration ( Figure 2 C).

[0056] 【 Figure 3 A schematic electrical diagram of an electrical circuit including a protection system according to another embodiment is shown.

[0057] 【 Figure 4 Three schematic electrical diagrams are shown, each illustrating the rated operating configuration of a protection system according to one embodiment. Figure 4 A) Abnormal operation configuration ( Figure 4 B) and the fault status after abnormal operation ( Figure 4 C).

[0058] 【 Figure 5 An example of an unfolded conductor of a protection system according to one embodiment is illustrated schematically.

[0059] 【 Figure 6 The diagram schematically illustrates the relationship between the mechanical forces acting on the first and second conductor portions of the protection system and the angle between the first and second conductor portions. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Now for reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 They schematically depict an electrical circuit 1 according to one aspect of this disclosure.

[0061] The electrical circuit 1 includes a protection system 10 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a power supply 2, and a load 3 configured to be powered by the power supply 2. Specifically, the protection system 10 is connected in series with the power supply 2 and the load 3. The protection system advantageously protects the electrical circuit from current overload or other abnormal operating conditions.

[0062] The load 3 may advantageously include an electric propulsion device.

[0063] The power source 2 can be configured to supply high-voltage direct current to the electrical circuit, for example, a voltage between 800 VDC and 1200 VDC.

[0064] The power source 2 may in particular include a battery, such as a battery associated with a battery management system.

[0065] The term "protection system 10" refers to an electrical protection system 10 for an electrical circuit, which is particularly capable of interrupting the flow of current in the electrical circuit under abnormal operating conditions.

[0066] The protection system 10 includes conductors 11, 12, and 13 and a ferromagnetic material 14. The protection system may also include a discharge device 4. Figure 1 The image is shown in dashed lines. Alternatively, the protection system may not have a discharge device.

[0067] Figure 2 A, 2B, and 2C respectively show the rated operating conditions of the protection system 10. Figure 2 A) Abnormal working status ( Figure 2 B) and the fracture state after abnormal working conditions ( Figure 2 C) Schematic electrical diagram.

[0068] Under rated operating conditions, the currents i1 and i2 flowing through conductors 11, 12, and 13 can be between 100 A and 200 A. Under rated operating conditions, the current is particularly insufficient to cause mechanical breakage of the conductors.

[0069] Under abnormal operating conditions, the currents i1 and i2 flowing through conductors 11, 12 and 13 can be greater than or equal to 1000 A.

[0070] Conductors 11, 12, and 13 include a first conductor portion 11 and a second conductor portion 12, the second conductor portion being spatially arranged relative to the first conductor portion 11 such that the direction of the current i1 flowing through the first conductor portion 11 is substantially spatially opposite to the direction of the current i2 flowing through the second conductor portion 12. The conductors also include a third conductor portion 13 electrically connecting the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 to each other.

[0071] The ferromagnetic material 14 is arranged in the space between the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12.

[0072] The ferromagnetic material 14 can be in the form of a plate.

[0073] The ferromagnetic body 14 is advantageously made of a ferromagnetic material, such as iron or a high-permeability alloy (Mu-metal).

[0074] The conductors 11, 12, and 13 and the ferromagnetic material 14 are configured such that when the current flowing through the conductor has a threshold intensity I, S When the current reaches intensity I, the mechanical forces F1 and F2—particularly tensile forces—caused by the current in the conductors 11, 12, and 13 lead to the mechanical breakage of the conductors 11, 12, and 13.

[0075] More specifically, in the rated operating configuration ( Figure 2 In (A), current flows through the conductor, and the conductor remains intact. When an abnormal operating condition occurs (…),… Figure 2In case of (B), for example when the current flowing through the conductor is too high—that is, greater than the threshold current—or when the discharge device is triggered, for example after a circuit fault is detected, the mechanical force caused by the current applies mechanical strain to the conductor until it breaks. Figure 2 C).

[0076] The current threshold I S It depends in particular on the geometric, electromagnetic and mechanical properties of the protection system, especially on the conductor and the ferromagnet.

[0077] The threshold current I S Preferably, the value is greater than or equal to 1000 A.

[0078] Mechanical breakage of conductors 11, 12, and 13 is defined as the conductor breaking into at least two distinct segments such that these segments are no longer in electrical contact with each other. Therefore, current can no longer flow through conductors 11, 12, and 13.

[0079] Mechanical breakage in conductors 11, 12, and 13 can be irreversible.

[0080] It should be understood that the first direction is spatially opposite to the second direction, and the component of the second direction along the first direction is negative.

[0081] In other words, the component of the current i2 flowing through the second conductor portion 12 that is in the same direction as the current i1 flowing through the first conductor portion 11 is negative.

[0082] This disclosure enables the utilization of the Laplace force phenomenon experienced by the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12. In particular, the first conductor portion 11 experiences a Laplace force generated by the current i2 flowing through the second conductor portion 12. Similarly, the second conductor portion 12 experiences a Laplace force generated by the current i1 flowing through the first conductor portion 11.

[0083] Furthermore, the spatial arrangement of the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 such that the direction of the current flowing through the first conductor portion is mainly spatially opposite to the direction of the current flowing through the second conductor portion, which advantageously ensures that the Laplace forces acting on the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 are mainly spatially opposite.

[0084] The first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 then tend to move away from each other in space, particularly until the mechanical breakage of the conductors 11, 12, 13, in which the conductors are subjected to tensile stress.

[0085] It should be noted that the usual goal is to minimize the Laplace force to prevent conductor breakage. Here, instead, the Laplace force phenomenon is used to stress the conductor until it undergoes mechanical fracture.

[0086] Furthermore, the introduction of the ferromagnetic material 14 between the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 effectively amplifies the mechanical force caused by the current flowing through the conductor, thereby promoting the breakage of the conductor.

[0087] Furthermore, the significant advantages of this protection system include providing high breaking capacity, for example, on the order of approximately 10 kA, and improved response time, for example, on the order of approximately 100 µs. This enhances the safety of electrical circuits.

[0088] This disclosure provides a compact, efficient, and fast solution for the protection of electrical circuits, particularly for high-voltage DC applications.

[0089] Furthermore, this disclosure advantageously enables the realization of a controllable electrical circuit protection system, for example, compared to high-voltage fuses.

[0090] When the protection system 10 includes the discharge device 4, the discharge device 4 is electrically connected in parallel with the conductors. The discharge device 4 is configured to apply a breakdown voltage V across the terminals 15a and 15b of the conductors 11, 12, and 13 in an abnormal operating state. C The voltage, causing the current I flowing through the conductors 11, 12, 13 (based on the breakdown voltage V) C The applied current (generated by the application of the current) is greater than or equal to the threshold current I. S .

[0091] The breakdown voltage V C Especially voltages high enough to cause mechanical breakage of the conductor.

[0092] The terms "terminals 15a, 15b of the conductor" refer to the input and output terminals of the conductor.

[0093] The terminals can constitute physical terminals or geographical terminals of the conductor. In practice, these terminals do not necessarily need to be understood as constituting physical objects. The key is that the discharge device can apply the breakdown voltage between the terminals of the conductor.

[0094] More specifically, each of the first conductor portion 11, the second conductor portion 12, and the third conductor portion 13 may each include a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end of the first conductor portion may form an input terminal 15a of the conductor, the second end of the first conductor portion is electrically connected to the first end of the third conductor portion, or is the same as the first end of the third conductor portion, the second end of the third conductor portion is electrically connected to the first end of the second conductor portion, or is the same as the first end of the second conductor portion, and the second end of the second conductor portion may form an output terminal 15b of the conductor.

[0095] The discharge device 4 enables the simple triggering of mechanical breakage in the conductor under abnormal operating conditions.

[0096] It should be noted that in the absence of a discharge device, or when the discharge device 4 does not apply the breakdown voltage between the conductor terminals 15a and 15b, the mechanical breakage of the conductors 11, 12, and 13 may be caused by an abnormally high current (i.e., exceeding the threshold current I). S The current flows within the conductors 11, 12, and 13, causing the current to flow.

[0097] Furthermore, the conductors 11, 12, and 13 may be at least partially made of a material containing aluminum. Aluminum has the advantage of good electrical conductivity while having low tensile strength. However, another material that is a good electrical conductor and has low mechanical strength may also be used.

[0098] In particular, the conductors 11, 12, and 13 may be in the form of busbars.

[0099] The first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 may, in particular, be in the form of rods, for example, having a rectangular cross-section.

[0100] The first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 may have a diameter of 1 mm. 2 Up to 5mm 2 The cross-sectional area between them.

[0101] The first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 may have the same length L, for example, between 20 mm and 60 mm, preferably 40 mm.

[0102] Furthermore, the length L of the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12, the distance r between the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12, and the permeability μ of the ferromagnetic material 14 are also considered. r And the mechanical breaking force F required to cause the conductors 11, 12, and 13 to break mechanically. rIt can be determined that the mechanical fracture force F r Less than or equal to when the current intensity I exceeds the threshold intensity I S The mechanical forces F1 and F2 caused by the current flowing through the conductors 11, 12, and 13 are calculated according to the following equations, where μ0 corresponds to the free magnetic permeability: .

[0103] This equation is particularly useful for determining the dimensions of the protection system so that the conductor can undergo mechanical fracture under abnormal operating conditions. It should be noted that the mechanical force induced in the conductor by the current flowing through it is related to the permeability μ of the ferromagnetic material 14. r It is directly proportional. Therefore, increasing the permeability of the ferromagnetic material amplifies the mechanical force, making it easier to reach the breaking force of the conductor in the presence of abnormally high currents.

[0104] In particular, the spacing r can be between 1 mm and 5 mm.

[0105] The ferromagnetic material 14 preferably has a permeability between 100 and 1200, more preferably between 800 and 1200. This range of values ​​makes it possible to obtain a Laplace force amplification factor of the same order of magnitude as the permeability, which enables the achievement of the conductor's mechanical breaking strength.

[0106] The protection system 10 may further include means for detecting faults in the electrical circuit and a control means for controlling the discharge device 4. The control means is configured such that upon receiving fault detection information from the detection means, it controls the discharge device to apply the breakdown voltage across terminals 15a, 15b of the conductors 11, 12, 13. Therefore, the protection system 10 can be controlled and thus triggered upon detection of abnormal operation.

[0107] refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 A, Figure 4 B and Figure 4 C, the discharge device 4 may advantageously include terminals capable of applying the breakdown voltage V across the conductors 11, 12, 13. C The capacitor 41 and the switch 42 connected in series with the capacitor 41, particularly an electronic switch.

[0108] The switch 42 is configured to allow the breakdown voltage V under abnormal operating conditions. C The terminals 15a and 15b of the conductors 11, 12, and 13 are applied.

[0109] Figure 4 A, Figure 4 B and Figure 4 C shows the rated operating conditions of the protection system 10. Figure 4 A) Abnormal working status ( Figure 4 B) and the fracture state after abnormal operation ( Figure 4 Schematic electrical diagram of (C). In rated operating configuration ( Figure 4 In case A), current flows through the conductor, the conductor remains intact, and circuit breaker 42 disconnects. When an abnormal operating condition occurs ( Figure 4 In case B), for example after a circuit fault is detected, switch 42 closes, thereby applying the breakdown voltage V across the terminals of conductors 11, 12, and 13. C The mechanical force exerted on the conductor by the current flowing through it and by the applied breakdown voltage, until it breaks ( Figure 4 C).

[0110] The circuit is simple and allows for effective discharge to the protection system under abnormal operating conditions of the electrical circuit. Furthermore, the switch can be controlled at least in the closed position. This enables control over the triggering of the protection system.

[0111] Switch 42 may preferably include a thyristor.

[0112] Capacitor 41 may in particular include an electrochemical capacitor.

[0113] Capacitor 41 may have a capacitance between 20 µF and 1000 µF.

[0114] Advantageously, the conductor may include an electrical connector configured such that when the current flowing through the conductor has a value greater than or equal to the threshold strength I... S When the current reaches an intensity of I, the mechanical force induced in the conductor by the current causes the electrical connector to open. In other words, mechanical breakage in the conductor is achieved by the opening of the electrical connector. The third conductor portion may in particular include the electrical connector. This feature advantageously allows for better control over the area where mechanical breakage of the conductor occurs. Furthermore, such an electrical connector can advantageously be reclosed and therefore reusable.

[0115] Furthermore, at least two, and in particular all three, of the first conductor portion 11, the second conductor portion 12, and the third conductor portion 13 can be formed as a single piece. In other words, at least two, and in particular all three, of the first conductor portion 11, the second conductor portion 12, and the third conductor portion 13 can be formed as a single piece. This feature facilitates the installation of the conductor.

[0116] Figure 5An example of the unfolded state of conductors 11, 12, and 13 is shown schematically.

[0117] The conductors 11, 12, and 13 may advantageously include predetermined weak regions configured to break first in the event of mechanical fracture of the conductors 11, 12, and 13. This feature advantageously allows for better control over the mechanical fracture of the conductors 11, 12, and 13.

[0118] In particular, the third conductor portion 13 may include the weak region.

[0119] The third conductor portion 13 may in particular include at least one cavity 16 forming the weak region, such as multiple cavities.

[0120] Furthermore, the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 may be tilted relative to each other at an angle of 40° or less, for example, 20° or less, preferably 10° or less, for example, substantially equal to 0°. In other words, when the angle is substantially equal to 0°, the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 are substantially parallel to each other. This configuration has the advantage of increasing the force exerted on the first conductor portion and the second conductor portion by the current flowing through the conductors.

[0121] Figure 6 A graph schematically illustrating the relationship between the mechanical force exerted on the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 of the protection system and the angle between the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 is shown.

[0122] Figure 6 It is clearly shown that the larger the angle, the smaller the mechanical force. Therefore, it is more advantageous to arrange the first conductor portion 11 and the second conductor portion 12 such that they are substantially parallel to each other.

Claims

1. A protection system (10) for an electrical circuit (1), the protection system (10) comprising: - Conductors (11, 12, 13), the conductors comprising a first conductor portion (11) and a second conductor portion (12), the second conductor portion being spatially arranged relative to the first conductor portion (11) such that the direction of the current (i1) flowing through the first conductor portion (11) is substantially spatially opposite to the direction of the current (i2) flowing through the second conductor portion (12); the conductors comprising a third conductor portion (13) electrically connecting the first conductor portion (11) and the second conductor portion (12) to each other; and - A ferromagnetic material (14), which is arranged in the space between the first conductor portion (11) and the second conductor portion (12). The conductors (11, 12, 13) and the ferromagnetic material (14) are configured such that when the current flowing through the conductors (11, 12, 13) has a threshold intensity I greater than or equal to the threshold intensity I. S When the current reaches intensity I, the mechanical forces (F1, F2) generated by the current in the conductors (11, 12, 13) cause the conductors (11, 12, 13) to break mechanically.

2. The protection system (10) according to claim 1, comprising a discharge device (4) electrically connected in parallel with the conductor, the discharge device (4) being configured to apply a breakdown voltage (V) across the terminals (15a, 15b) of the conductors (11, 12, 13) in an abnormal operating state. C ), so that the breakdown voltage (V) C The current I flowing through the conductors (11, 12, 13) generated by the application of the threshold current I is greater than or equal to the threshold current I. S .

3. The protection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The first conductor portion (11) and the second conductor portion (12) are tilted relative to each other at an angle of 40° or less, for example 20° or less, preferably 10° or less, for example substantially equal to 0°.

4. The protection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The length L of the first conductor portion (11) and the second conductor portion (12), the distance r between the first conductor portion (11) and the second conductor portion (12), and the permeability μ of the ferromagnetic material (14) r And the mechanical breaking force F required to cause the conductors (11, 12, 13) to break mechanically. r Determined to make the mechanical fracture force F r Less than or equal to when the current intensity I exceeds the threshold intensity I S The mechanical forces (F1, F2) caused by the current flowing through the conductors (11, 12, 13) are calculated according to the following equations, where μ0 corresponds to the free permeability: 。 5. The protection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The ferromagnet (14) has a permeability μ between 100 and 1200. r .

6. The protection system (10) in combination with claim 2 according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The discharge device (4) includes terminals (15a, 15b) capable of applying the breakdown voltage (V) across the conductors (11, 12, 13). C A capacitor (41) and a switch (42) connected in series with the capacitor (41), the switch (42) being configured to allow the breakdown voltage (V) in an abnormal operating state. C Apply across the terminals (15a, 15b) of the conductors (11, 12, 13).

7. The protection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Under rated operating conditions, the currents (i1, i2) flowing through the conductors (11, 12, 13) have an amplitude I between 100 A and 200 A, and wherein the threshold amplitude I... S Greater than or equal to 1000 A.

8. The protection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conductors (11, 12, 13) are at least partially made of a material containing aluminum.

9. The protection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least two, in particular all three, of the first conductor portion (11), the second conductor portion (12), and the third conductor portion (13) are formed as a single piece.

10. The protection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conductors (11, 12, 13) have predetermined weak points configured to fail first when the conductors (11, 12, 13) experience mechanical fracture.

11. An electrical circuit (1) comprising a protection system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, a power supply (2) and a load (3) configured to be powered by the power supply (2), the protection system (10) being connected in series with the power supply (2) and the load (3).

12. The electrical circuit (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, The load (3) includes an electric propulsion device.

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