Arc-Blast Nozzle Oxide Composite for CO2 Regeneration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric arc-blast nozzles using carbon dioxide as an arc-control gas face inefficiencies in converting toxic carbon monoxide and carbon powder back into insulating CO2, with prior solutions either insufficient in conversion or increasing the bulk and cost of the circuit breaker.
Innovation Solution
The nozzle is made from a dielectric material comprising a fluorocarbon polymer matrix with oxides, such as TiO2, Al2O3, or SiO2, which acts as an oxidizer, releasing into the arc environment to continuously convert CO and carbon powder into CO2, enhancing mechanical strength and thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CO2 is used as arc-control gas, then arc-extinction capability and electrical insulation are improved, but toxic CO gas and carbon powder are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful CO gas produced by CO2 arc control into beneficial CO2 again through oxidation. The metal oxide (such as MnO2, Fe2O3, CuO) embedded in the nozzle reacts with CO at high temperatures to regenerate CO2, thus transforming the harmful byproduct into the original useful gas that provides good arc-extinction properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces metal oxides as strong oxidizing agents into the nozzle structure. These oxides (MnO2, Fe2O3, CuO, etc.) provide oxygen to oxidize CO into CO2 under high-temperature arc conditions, accelerating the conversion process and effectively removing toxic gases from the circuit breaker environment.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If metal oxide is added to convert CO to CO2, then CO removal is improved, but the nozzle material complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system by embedding metal oxide particles (MnO2, Fe2O3, CuO, etc.) within the ceramic matrix of the nozzle. This composite structure combines the high-temperature stability of ceramic with the CO-oxidizing capability of metal oxides, achieving both structural integrity and toxic gas removal functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies metal oxide oxidation function locally at the nozzle surface and internal walls where arc plasma contacts the nozzle material. The metal oxides are strategically positioned in regions with high CO concentration and temperature to maximize oxidation efficiency while maintaining the bulk nozzle structure's mechanical properties.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional nozzle materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but mechanical strength and thermal resistance under CO2 arc conditions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs ceramic-matrix composite materials that combine the advantages of ceramic (high thermal resistance, electrical insulation) with metal oxide additives (CO oxidation capability, enhanced mechanical strength). This composite approach maintains manufacturability through established ceramic processing while significantly improving thermal and mechanical performance under CO2 arc conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution significantly improves the conversion of CO to CO2, enhancing the electrical endurance of the circuit breaker without increasing bulk or manufacturing costs, while maintaining mechanical and thermal properties.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one oxide acts as an oxidizer, releasing into the arc environment surrounding the electric arc to convert CO and carbon powder into CO2
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric arc-blast nozzle (5) for a circuit breaker comprising a middle portion (7) forming a throat defining internally an axial passage (13) for interrupting an electric arc, and two end portions (9, 11) extending on either side of the middle portion (7) and being designed to receive respective arcing contacts (1) and (3) that are movable axially relative to each other. The middle portion (7) and the two end portions (9, 11) are made of a same dielectric material obtained from a composition consisting of a fluorocarbon polymer matrix and of at least one oxide, the oxide(s) being present in a proportion by weight lying in the range 11% to 50%, relative to the total weight of the composition. The invention also relates to a circuit breaker including such a nozzle (5).