Electric Arc Detection via Acoustic-Electrical Signal Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric arc detection systems in on-board electrical devices face challenges in quickly and reliably detecting electric arcs due to the need for confirmation times that exceed the speed of arc propagation, leading to potential damage and increased complexity in installation and weight of protection systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an acoustic acquisition chain and an electric acquisition chain to correlate acoustic and electric signals, allowing for rapid detection and isolation of electric arcs without the need for confirmation periods, using ultrasonic transducers and correlators to trigger a cut-off signal when a correlation indicative of an electric arc is detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electric arc detection systems use confirmation time to avoid false alarms, then reliability is improved, but the detection speed deteriorates because confirmation time (hundreds of milliseconds to seconds) exceeds arc propagation speed (100 meters per second)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into two independent channels: acoustic signal processing and electrical signal processing. Each channel operates independently with its own processing chain, allowing parallel execution without sequential confirmation delays. The acoustic chain detects arc initiation through sound waves while the electrical chain monitors current variations, and both channels can trigger protection independently, eliminating the confirmation time bottleneck.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signal detection as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between electrical arc initiation and protection activation. Acoustic waves propagate at the speed of sound and provide immediate physical evidence of arc occurrence, serving as a reliable mediator that eliminates the need for lengthy electrical confirmation processes while maintaining high detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If insulation means such as ceramic walls, washers, and mechanical protections are added to protect against electric arc propagation, then protection effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical insulation systems (ceramic walls, washers, grilles, cowlings) with an electronic-acoustic detection and protection system. Instead of using physical barriers to prevent arc propagation, the system uses acoustic sensors to detect arc initiation and triggers electrical protection mechanisms, eliminating the need for bulky mechanical protections while maintaining protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the protection function from physical insulation elements and relocates it to the detection and control system. By removing ceramic walls, washers, and mechanical grilles, the system achieves protection through rapid detection and circuit interruption, significantly simplifying the overall device structure and reducing installation complexity.
3Reliability
If mechanical protections such as grilles and cowlings are added to guard against foreign bodies, then protection against short circuits is improved, but thermal stress increases due to limited heat exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical grilles and cowlings with an acoustic-electrical protection system that detects and responds to arc initiation without physically blocking heat exchange pathways. This allows thermal management to proceed naturally while protection is achieved through detection and circuit interruption, eliminating thermal stress caused by mechanical barriers.
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
Enables quasi-real-time detection and isolation of electric arcs, minimizing installation constraints and increasing the availability of electrical devices while avoiding the drawbacks of traditional protection methods.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic acquisition chain (7) configured to acquire acoustic signals emitted by said connection element
Implementation Method 2
an electric acquisition chain (9) configured to acquire electric signals representative of the electric current intensities supplying said connection element
Implementation Method 3
a correlator (11) coupled to said acoustic and electric acquisition and configured to evaluate a correlation between the acoustic signals and the electric signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a system for detecting and passivating an electric arc on at least one connection element (5) of an electrical device (3), characterized in that it comprises: - an acoustic acquisition chain (7) configured to acquire acoustic signals emitted by said connection element (5), - an electrical acquisition chain (9) configured to acquire electrical signals representative of the intensities of electric current supplying said connection element (5), and - a correlator (11) coupled to said acoustic (7) and electrical (9) acquisition chains and configured to evaluate a correlation between the acoustic signals and the electrical signals and to trigger a cut-off signal (15) suitable for cutting an electrical circuit (17) relating to said connection element (5) when said correlation is representative of the beginning of an electric arc.