Bistable Relay Switchgear with Pre-Charged Capacitors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllable electric current switchgear faces challenges in miniaturization and energy optimization due to increased electrical consumption and heat dissipation, which affects compatibility and longevity, especially in smart applications requiring remote monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a controllable electric current switchgear with a bistable relay and a control circuit that includes a power stage with capacitors to store energy for the excitation coil, reducing the nominal power of the power converter and minimizing electrical consumption, along with a programmable microcontroller for efficient switching and synchronization strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components and circuits are integrated into switchgear to add smart functions, then remote monitoring and control capabilities are improved, but electrical consumption and heat dissipation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-charging capacitors during periods when the relay coil is not active, storing energy in advance. When switching is required, the pre-charged capacitors provide the necessary energy to the coil, eliminating the need for continuous power supply and reducing overall electrical consumption while maintaining smart control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by charging capacitors in cycles during idle periods and using stored energy during switching operations. This periodic charging and discharging pattern reduces average power consumption compared to continuous power supply, while still enabling on-demand remote monitoring and control functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are integrated into switchgear, then smart functions are improved, but heat dissipation increases which affects longevity
Solution Approach 1:
By pre-charging capacitors during idle periods, the system minimizes the duration that power conversion circuits and electronic components are active. This reduced operational time decreases heat generation and thermal stress on components, thereby improving longevity while maintaining smart functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of continuous power consumption and heat generation into a benefit by using capacitors to store energy during low-demand periods and release it during switching operations. This approach transforms the potential harm of continuous electronic operation into reduced thermal stress and extended component life
3Use of energy by moving object
If capacitors are used to store energy for the excitation coil, then electrical consumption is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitors in the patent serve multiple functions: they act as energy storage devices to reduce power consumption, as smoothing elements for voltage regulation, and as temporary power sources during switching operations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving significant energy savings
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
This design stabilizes power supply, reduces heat dissipation, and optimizes energy management, enhancing the switchgear's compatibility and longevity while enabling efficient remote control and monitoring in smart applications.
Implementation Method 1
a second set of capacitors connected at the output of the power converter, the first and second sets of capacitors being capable of storing an amount of energy that is higher than or equal to 50% of the excitation energy threshold required to switch the relay
Implementation Method 2
a bistable relay comprising separable electrical contacts and an excitation coil for commanding the switching of the electrical contacts
Data Source
AI summary
A controllable electric current switchgear includes a bistable relay including separable electrical contacts and an excitation coil for switching the contacts between open and closed states when the coil receives an amount of energy that is higher than a predefined excitation energy threshold with an electrical power that is higher than a predefined power threshold; and a control circuit including a power stage and a logic stage for triggering the switching of the relay. The power stage includes a power converter, a first set of capacitors connected at the input of the converter and a second set of capacitors connected at the output of the converter, the nominal power of the converter being strictly lower than the power threshold, the sets of capacitors being capable of storing an amount of energy that is higher than or equal to 50% of the excitation energy threshold.