Arc Splitter Device for High-Voltage Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breaker apparatuses for high voltage circuits are complex, expensive, and voluminous, and struggle with safely opening circuits under load, particularly in meshed networks where electric arcs can lead to safety issues and equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical breaker apparatus with an electric arc splitter device featuring distinct conductive elements that create multiple individual free paths in an insulating fluid, allowing for safe and efficient opening and closing of high voltage circuits by spacing apart conductive elements to manage electric arcs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional circuit breakers are used to open high voltage circuits under load, then the circuit can be safely opened, but the apparatus becomes complex, expensive, and voluminous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single arc extinction function into multiple arc splitter chambers, each containing a set of arc splitter blades. The arc is segmented into multiple smaller arcs that can be extinguished independently in separate chambers, allowing the use of simpler disconnector design while maintaining reliable arc extinction capability for high voltage circuits under load
2Device complexity
If disconnectors are used to transfer load currents in meshed networks, then the design is simpler, but the apparatus is not primarily designed to break circuits under load
Solution Approach 1:
The disconnector is equipped with multiple arc splitter chambers containing arc splitter blades that divide the arc into segments. This segmentation enables the disconnector to safely interrupt load currents despite not being primarily designed for breaking circuits under load, maintaining both design simplicity and operational reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The arc splitter blades act as intermediary elements between the moving and stationary electrodes. These blades create multiple arc paths and facilitate controlled arc extinction, enabling the disconnector to perform load breaking functions that it was not originally designed for
3Productivity
If electric arcs are allowed to form during circuit opening, then the circuit can be interrupted, but the arcs may lead to safety issues and equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The arc is divided into multiple segments by the arc splitter blades in separate chambers. Each segment is shorter and can be extinguished more easily, reducing the harmful effects of arc-related damage while maintaining the ability to interrupt the circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The arc, which is normally a harmful phenomenon causing equipment damage, is converted into a beneficial tool for circuit interruption. By controlling the arc through multiple splitter chambers and blades, the system uses the arc's energy to drive the interruption process while minimizing damage through segmentation and controlled extinction
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 enables compact, safe, and efficient operation of high voltage circuit breakers, reducing the risk of arc-related damage and extending equipment lifetime while maintaining regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid is selected for its insulating character, in particular so as to present dielectric strength that is greater than that of dry air at equivalent pressure
Implementation Method 2
distinct conductive elements that, for at least one active state of the splitter device, are spaced apart and electrically insulated from one another so as to define, in a surrounding insulating fluid, a multitude of successive distinct individual free paths in which electric arcs can be struck on opening and/or closing the electric circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanical breaker apparatus for breaking an electric circuit comprises two electrodes that are movable relative to each other, and including an electric arc splitter device having a multitude of distinct conductive elements that are spaced apart and electrically insulated relative to one another. The splitter device has a first portion and a second portion that are movable relative to each other between: an electrical contact position; and a spaced-apart position of the two portions. The splitter device has at least one series of the distinct conductive elements that, in an electrically closed position of the electrodes of the mechanical apparatus, are arranged along the continuous electrically-conductive path for the nominal electric current through the apparatus as defined by the two portions of the splitter device in the electrical contact position.