Arc Extinguishing Switch Thyristor Capacitor Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power switching technologies, such as Automatic Transfer Switches (ATS) and Static Transfer Switches (STS), face challenges with slow switching speed, high turn-on loss, short-circuit failure risks, and high costs due to the use of mechanical switches and thyristors, which limits their effectiveness and longevity.
Innovation Solution
An arc extinguishing switch design that incorporates a mechanical switch in parallel with a first electric branch featuring controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranches controlled by thyristors and capacitors, allowing for efficient switching and arc extinction, reducing the power requirements for thyristors and minimizing bypass risks during short-circuit failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a thyristor and a mechanical switch are simply connected in parallel, then the switching speed is improved, but the power requirement for the thyristor becomes very high and the product cost increases greatly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitor as an intermediary component between the thyristor and the mechanical switch. The capacitor absorbs the energy that would otherwise require high-power thyristors to handle, enabling the use of lower-power thyristors while maintaining fast switching capability. The capacitor acts as a temporary energy storage device that mediates the power transfer during switching transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the circuit by introducing capacitance elements. This transforms the power handling requirements from being directly borne by the thyristor to being shared between the thyristor and capacitor, thereby reducing the power rating needed for the thyristor while maintaining switching performance.
2Speed
If a thyristor and a mechanical switch are simply connected in parallel, then the switching speed is improved, but when a short-circuit failure occurs on the thyristor, the mechanical switch is bypassed causing a threat to the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective circuitry and control mechanisms that anticipate potential thyristor failures. The system includes monitoring and control logic that detects abnormal conditions and responds by preventing the mechanical switch from bypassing the failed thyristor, thereby cushioning against the potential harm to the load before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms that monitor the state of the thyristor and the circuit conditions. When a short-circuit failure is detected, the feedback signal triggers control actions that prevent the mechanical switch from closing, ensuring continuous protection of the load. This closed-loop control system dynamically adjusts the switching behavior based on real-time circuit conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If a mechanical switch is used, then the cost is low, but the switching speed is slow and it is easy to cause an arc that reduces the life time of the switch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the advantages of both mechanical switches and thyristors by combining them in a parallel configuration with capacitor assistance. The mechanical switch provides the low-cost, high-current handling capability, while the thyristor with capacitor assistance provides fast switching without arcs. This hybrid configuration allows the mechanical switch to operate in a more favorable electrical environment, reducing arc damage and extending its lifespan while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
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 solution achieves rapid switching with reduced turn-on loss, extended mechanical switch lifespan, lower costs, and enhanced protection during failures by leveraging thyristor and capacitor combinations to manage arc events and current flow effectively.
Implementation Method 1
share a first capacitor connected in series with the two thyristors
Implementation Method 2
the first controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch and the second controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch are respectively controlled by two thyristors
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an arc extinguishing switch, including a mechanical switch and a first electric branch connected in parallel with a first contact branch of the mechanical switch, the first electric branch includes a first controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch and a second controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch, the first controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch and the second controllable unidirectional turn-on subbranch are respectively controlled by two thyristors to be turned on in AC positive and negative periods correspondingly and share a first capacitor connected in series with the two thyristors. The invention further discloses a switching method using the arc extinguishing switch. In the invention, the high power requirement for the thyristor in the arc extinguishing switch and the product cost are lowered, and it is avoided that the mechanical switch is bypassed when the short-circuit failure occurs on the thyristor.