Circuit Breaker Actuator Voltage Control for Mechanical Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Circuit breakers face inefficiencies due to the need to restrict the speed of contact movement to preserve mechanical life, leading to increased weight, size, and power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for controlling the electromagnetic actuator in circuit breakers, involving a controlled voltage application to the actuator to move the contact between open and closed positions, with adjustments to reduce and then increase the motive force to optimize speed and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the speed of contact movement is restricted to preserve mechanical life, then the mechanical life of the circuit breaker is extended, but the efficiency of the actuator deteriorates resulting in increased weight size and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic voltage control to the electromagnetic actuator, transitioning from static to dynamic operation. The controller adjusts the voltage applied to the coil in real-time during the contact closing process, optimizing the force profile to achieve both speed control and energy efficiency. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt the electromagnetic force to the instantaneous mechanical state, resolving the contradiction between mechanical life preservation and actuator efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically during actuator operation. By adjusting the voltage level applied to the electromagnetic coil based on the contact position and speed, the system optimizes the electromagnetic force generation. This parameter change enables the actuator to deliver appropriate force at each stage of motion, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining acceptable contact speed and preserving mechanical life.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the speed of contact movement is restricted to preserve mechanical life, then the mechanical life of the circuit breaker is extended, but the weight size of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic voltage control strategy enables the actuator to operate more efficiently by optimizing the electromagnetic force profile. This reduces the need for oversized components that would be required in a static control system, thereby reducing actuator weight while still preserving mechanical life through controlled contact speed.
Solution Approach 2:
By dynamically adjusting the voltage parameter, the system achieves better force control without requiring larger electromagnetic components. This parameter optimization allows for a more compact, lighter actuator design that still meets the mechanical life requirements through intelligent control rather than brute-force sizing.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the speed of contact movement is restricted to preserve mechanical life, then the mechanical life of the circuit breaker is extended, but the size of the actuator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic voltage control system optimizes the electromagnetic actuator's performance by adjusting voltage in real-time during operation. This enables smaller, more compact actuator components to achieve the required force and speed control, reducing overall actuator volume while preserving mechanical life through intelligent speed management.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment of voltage parameters allows for optimized electromagnetic force generation in a compact configuration. By controlling the voltage profile during operation, the system achieves effective force control without requiring larger magnetic circuits or coil assemblies, thereby reducing actuator size while maintaining mechanical life.
4Speed
If voltage is applied continuously to move the contact quickly, then the contact speed increases, but the energy consumption increases and mechanical life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed voltage application to the electromagnetic coil rather than continuous voltage. The controller applies voltage in controlled intervals during the contact closing process, generating electromagnetic force only when needed to accelerate or maintain contact speed. This periodic action reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining acceptable contact speed profiles that preserve mechanical life.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic voltage control adjusts the voltage applied to the coil based on the instantaneous requirements of the contact closing process. By optimizing the voltage profile in real-time, the system achieves efficient energy utilization, applying power only when necessary to maintain contact speed, thereby reducing total energy consumption while preserving mechanical life.
5Speed
If voltage is applied continuously to move the contact quickly, then the contact speed increases, but the mechanical life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies voltage to the electromagnetic coil in periodic or pulsed manner rather than continuously. This generates electromagnetic force in controlled intervals, enabling contact acceleration and maintenance of speed without sustained high-force application that would reduce mechanical life. The periodic voltage application optimizes the balance between contact speed and mechanical durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic voltage control system adjusts the voltage profile during contact closing to optimize both speed and mechanical life. By controlling when and how much voltage is applied, the system achieves acceptable contact speeds while limiting the mechanical stress on contacts and components, thereby preserving mechanical life.
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 approach reduces the energy required for closing the actuator, minimizing weight, size, and power consumption while maintaining acceptable contact speed, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and mechanical life of the circuit breaker.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic actuator for causing said movable contact to move between an open position and a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a circuit breaker that has a movable contact and an actuator for moving the movable contact between an open position and a closed position. With the movable contact in the open position, a voltage is applied to the actuator to cause the movable contact to move towards the closed position. The voltage is applied for a limited time period ending before the movable contact reaches the closed position. At the end of the limited time period, the voltage is adjusted to reduce the acceleration exerted on the contact. The voltage is subsequently increased just before, after, or substantially at the same time as the contact reaches its closed position.