Adapter Device for Busbar Phase Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional busbar systems and adapter devices are not suitable for modern voltage networks, as they lack separate phase protection, requiring complex system conversions and larger circuit breakers, making retrofitting with existing means costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An adapter device with a base body, current path distributor, and current path combiner that allows for separate switching of each phase of a busbar, enabling the use of compact circuit breakers with remote control and measurement functions, and facilitating cost-effective retrofitting of existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional adapters are used for converting existing busbar systems, then the system can be retrofitted with circuit breakers, but separate phase protection is not achieved since phases are routed through a single circuit breaker's current paths
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device divides the single-phase coupling into three separate phase couplings, with each phase (L1, L2, L3) having its own current path through the adapter body. This segmentation enables independent protection of each phase while maintaining a unified adapter structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device provides different current path configurations for different phases, allowing each phase to be independently routed and protected. The local quality of each current path is optimized for separate phase control while maintaining overall system integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If circuit breakers with larger dimensions are used for digitization, then remote control and measurement functions are enabled, but the existing busbar system requires complex conversion or complete replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device serves as an intermediary component between the existing busbar system and the circuit breaker with digital functions. It provides the necessary electrical coupling and current path distribution without requiring modification of the busbar system itself, thus enabling digitization while maintaining system compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device provides multiple functions: electrical coupling between busbar and circuit breaker, current path distribution for three phases, and mechanical mounting support. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall conversion process.
3Reliability
If the entire busbar system is replaced to accommodate modern requirements, then separate phase protection and digitization are achieved, but the conversion cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the phase protection and current distribution functions from the busbar system itself and relocates them to the adapter device. This allows the existing busbar system to remain in place while gaining the benefits of separate phase protection through the adapter's internal current path structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an adapter device (1) for coupling a circuit breaker (2) to a busbar (3), comprising a base body (4), a current path distributor (7) with a distributor input (8) and three distributor outputs (9) for dividing the current path of the busbar (3), and a current path combiner (10) with three combiner inputs (11) for combining the three current paths of the circuit breaker (2) and a combiner output (12), wherein the current path distributor (7) is arranged on a receptacle (13) of the base body (4) such that the distributor outputs (9) can be electrically coupled to each current input of the circuit breaker (2) by placing a circuit breaker (2) in the receptacle. The invention further relates to a circuit breaker assembly (17) comprising an adapter device (1), a busbar (3), and a circuit breaker (2).