Circuit breaker

EP4560677A4Pending Publication Date: 2025-10-29OSAKA SANGYO UNIVERSITY
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2023854786
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-08-19
Filing Date
2023-07-27
Publication Date
2025-10-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing DC circuit breakers face challenges in achieving a fault rate of less than 10^-9/hour for their interrupting function, particularly due to the limitations of mechanical switches and semiconductors, which require robust construction and result in increased weight and size.

Method used

A circuit breaker design that includes two bidirectional semiconductor switches connected in parallel, with at least one circuit incorporating a mechanical switch in series with the semiconductor switch. This configuration allows for faster interruption of overcurrents and reduces the reliance on large, heavy mechanical switches.

Benefits of technology

The proposed design reduces the fault rate for the interrupting function while minimizing the weight and size of the circuit breaker, achieving the required fault rate of less than 10^-9/hour.

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Abstract

A circuit breaker 1 includes: a first circuit C1 including a first bidirectional semiconductor switch S1; and a second circuit C2 including a second bidirectional semiconductor switch S2. In the first circuit C1, a mechanical switch M1 connected in series with the first bidirectional semiconductor switch S1 is provided. During normal operation, the first bidirectional semiconductor switch S1 and the first mechanical switch M1 are turned on to pass a normal current through the first circuit C1. When a fault occurs in the load 2, the first bidirectional semiconductor switch S1 is turned off to interrupt an overcurrent. When a fault occurs in the first bidirectional semiconductor switch S1, the first mechanical switch M1 is opened to pass the normal current for the load 2 through the second circuit C2.
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Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Hybrid circuit breaker

    EP3664117A1

  • Method and Apparatus for Electrical Switching

    US20220239115A1

  • Device and method to break the current of a power transmission or distribution line and current limiting arrangement

    WO2011057675A1