AC Power Distribution Switch Isolation Before Safe Power-Up

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power distribution systems for alternating current (AC) face challenges in ensuring safe and reliable power-up and disconnection processes, particularly in detecting the state of solid-state disconnecting power electronic switching devices before mechanical switches are closed, to prevent safety risks due to potential failure states.

Innovation Solution

A power distribution protection system that includes a main input unit, a main-circuit electronic switch unit, a controllable mechanical isolating switch, a main-circuit automatic detection unit, and a main control unit. This system auto-detects the state of the main-circuit electronic switch before closing the mechanical isolating switch, ensuring the switch is in a normal state before powering up, and automatically disconnects the switch if an abnormal state is detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical isolating switch is closed during power-up, then the power distribution system can be activated, but the electronic switching device may be in a failure state causing safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of power-up processVSAvoiddetection and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the electronic switching device state before closing the mechanical isolating switch. The detection unit checks whether the electronic switching device is in a normal state, and only if the detection passes, the mechanical switch is closed to activate power distribution. This preliminary action prevents activating the system when the electronic switch is in a failure state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where the detection unit continuously monitors the electronic switching device state and provides feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the control unit decides whether to close the mechanical isolating switch or maintain it in the open position, ensuring safe operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the mechanical isolating switch is closed without detection, then the power distribution system activates quickly, but the electronic switching device may fail to disconnect rapidly in failure states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverapid disconnection capabilityVSAvoidpower-up time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the electronic switching device state before closing the mechanical isolating switch. This ensures that the electronic switch is in a normal state and capable of rapid disconnection when needed, while the power-up time is minimized by only performing detection when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the system detects electronic switch state before closing mechanical switch, then safety risks are prevented, but the system requires additional detection and control components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of failure state activationVSAvoiddetection and control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of the electronic switching device state before closing the mechanical isolating switch. The detection unit checks whether the electronic switching device is in a normal state, and only if the detection passes, the mechanical switch is closed to activate power distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection unit automatically detects the state of the electronic switching device and the control unit automatically controls the mechanical isolating switch based on the detection results, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If the system monitors electrical parameters continuously, then comprehensive protection is provided, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive protection coverageVSAvoidauxiliary power supply consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs periodic detection of electrical parameters including overcurrent, overload, leakage current, overvoltage, and undervoltage conditions. The detection is conducted at appropriate intervals rather than continuously, providing comprehensive protection while managing energy consumption of the auxiliary power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4553875A1Power distribution protection system and method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC (CHINA) CO LTD
  • EP4553875A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4553875A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4553875A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a power distribution protection system and a method thereof. The power distribution protection system comprises: a main input unit configured to receive an alternating current power input; a main-circuit electronic switch connected in series to the main input unit; a controllable mechanical isolating switch connected in series to the main-circuit electronic switch; a main output unit connected in series to the controllable mechanical isolating switch and configured to output alternating current power; a main-circuit automatic detection unit configured to detect an electrical parameter of output from the main-circuit electronic switch in a disconnection state of the controllable mechanical isolating switch; a main control unit configured to determine whether a state of the main-circuit electronic switch is normal based on electrical parameter information detected by the main-circuit automatic detection unit; and an auxiliary power supply unit configured to provide working power supply for the main control unit and the main-circuit automatic detection unit, wherein when the state of the main-circuit electronic switch is normal, the controllable mechanical isolating switch is closed, and then the main-circuit electronic switch is turned on; and when the state of the main-circuit electronic switch is abnormal, the controllable mechanical isolating switch remains disconnected under the control of the main control unit.