Arc Suppression Device Admittance Control via Zero-Sequence Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arc suppression devices face challenges in adjusting speed and accuracy to match changing network conditions, which can lead to insufficient compensation of fault currents and safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that determine symmetrical and asymmetrical network admittances based on zero-sequence voltage values and adjust the arc suppression device accordingly, allowing for fast and accurate tuning of the device to match network conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional tuning methods are used to adjust arc suppression device admittance, then the device can be tuned to match network capacitance, but the adjustment speed and accuracy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetuning accuracyVSAvoidadjustment speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit continuously monitors zero-sequence voltage and automatically adjusts the arc suppression device admittance based on real-time measurements, creating a closed-loop feedback system that achieves both high accuracy and rapid response to network changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-calculates the required admittance adjustment based on measured zero-sequence voltage and network parameters, enabling the controller to proactively tune the arc suppression device before fault conditions develop, improving both speed and accuracy of compensation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the arc suppression device admittance is not accurately matched to network capacitance, then adjustment speed may be faster, but fault current compensation becomes insufficient leading to safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault current compensation effectivenessVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual or mechanical tuning methods with an automated electronic control system that uses digital signal processing to calculate and adjust admittance, achieving precise fault current compensation while managing complexity through software-based control algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically changes the admittance parameter of the arc suppression device based on real-time measurement of zero-sequence voltage and network conditions, ensuring accurate fault current compensation adapts to varying network configurations and fault scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3657620B1Method and apparatus for controlling arc suppression device
Publication Date: 2021.08.18 ABB (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3657620B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3657620B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3657620B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method and an apparatus for controlling an arc suppression device (10) having an adjustable admittance and being connected between a neutral point (21) of a three phase electric network (20) and earth, the apparatus being configured to determine a first and a second value of a zero sequence voltage of the three phase electric network (20), when an admittance of the arc suppression device (10) has a first and a second value, respectively, determine a symmetrical network admittance, which represents a sum of symmetrical phase-to-earth admittances of the three phase electric network (20), and an asymmetry admittance, which represents an asymmetry of phase-to-earth admittances of the three phase electric network (20) concentrated into one phase, and adjust the admittance of the arc suppression device (10) on the basis of the determined symmetrical network admittance and the determined asymmetry admittance.