Arc Extinction Chamber Design for High Voltage Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multibreak series breakers for photovoltaic systems face issues of large volume, high power consumption, and complex arc extinguishing mechanisms, which hinder their adoption due to difficulties in construction, installation, and insufficient arc elongation and extinguishing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A breaker design featuring movable and fixed contacts with arc ignition structures, an arc extinguishing chamber, and gas-producing arc isolation shades to facilitate rapid arc movement and elongation, reducing volume and power consumption while improving arc extinguishing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multibreak series technology is used to meet high-voltage demand, then the breaker can operate at higher voltages, but the volume becomes large and power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the arc extinguishing mechanism from multibreak series to a single-break design with optimized arc control parameters. By adjusting the arc ignition grid plate configuration and gas flow parameters, the breaker achieves high voltage capability (up to 800V) with reduced volume compared to traditional multibreak designs.
2Power
If multibreak series technology is used to meet high-voltage demand, then the breaker can operate at higher voltages, but power consumption becomes high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes energy consumption by changing from multibreak series architecture to a streamlined single-break design with improved arc extinguishing efficiency. The gas flow rate and arc ignition timing parameters are optimized to reduce power consumption while maintaining high voltage operation capability.
3Reliability
If arc ignition plate is arranged to facilitate arc skipping, then arc can easily enter arc extinguishing chamber, but structure becomes too complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the arc extinguishing chamber into distinct zones with grid plates arranged in series. This segmentation allows the arc to progress through controlled stages from ignition to extinguishing, improving reliability while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to arc control by arranging grid plates in a three-dimensional configuration within the extinguishing chamber. This dimensional arrangement guides the arc through a controlled path, enhancing extinguishing efficiency without requiring overly complex planar structures.
4Reliability
If previous arc ignition plate design is used, then arc can skip to arc ignition plate, but arc elongation effect is very little
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the arc path by utilizing three-dimensional space within the extinguishing chamber. Grid plates are positioned at different heights and locations to force the arc to travel a longer, more tortuous path, significantly increasing arc length and improving cooling efficiency for high voltage applications.
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
The breaker achieves significant arc elongation by 60% and simplifies the structure, enabling its use in high-voltage photovoltaic systems with reduced breaking points and power consumption, making it suitable for replacing multibreak series breakers.
Implementation Method 1
gas producing arc isolation shades to facilitate rapid arc movement and elongation
Implementation Method 2
movable and fixed contacts with arc ignition structures
Data Source
AI summary
A breaker comprises a static contact, a moving contact, and an arc-extinguishing chamber. A contact surface of an electrical contact of the static contact and an electrical contact of the moving contact and a bottom plane of a base form an acute angle that is located in the first quadrant. The moving contact comprises a conducting rod having a projecting portion, and the electrical contact which is welded on an end surface of the projecting portion in a direction facing the electrical contact of the static contact. A bottom arc-ignition grid plate on the bottom of the arc-extinguishing chamber is arranged lower than the electrical contact of the static contact. A top arc-ignition grid plate on the top of the arc-extinguishing chamber is arranged higher than the maximum position of the electrical contact of the moving contact when the moving contact is opened.