Breaker Device Current Interruption RC Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing breaker devices for high-voltage transmission lines require expensive, non-standard electronic components with short turn-off times, leading to increased complexity and cost, particularly due to the presence of timer sub-branches.
Innovation Solution
A breaker device with three parallel branches, including a main branch with semi-conductor breaker cells and a voltage limiter, and an auxiliary branch with a capacitor and thyristor assembly, controlled to manage current interruption without a timer sub-branch, reducing size and cost while enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If timer sub-branches are used in the auxiliary branch, then current interruption timing can be achieved, but the number of components increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the timer sub-branch from the auxiliary branch, extracting the timing function and replacing it with a simpler capacitor-resistor network that provides the necessary time delay through RC charging characteristics, thereby reducing component count while maintaining timing functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor-resistor network in the auxiliary branch serves multiple functions: it provides timing delay, limits inrush current, and ensures proper thyristor triggering sequence, replacing what would otherwise require separate timer and protection components
2Speed
If non-standard electronic components with short turn-off times are used, then current interruption speed is improved, but component cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard, readily available electronic components with typical turn-off times rather than expensive specialized components, accepting that these components have shorter operational lifetimes but are replaced more easily and at lower cost, achieving cost-effective current interruption
3Loss of time
If the auxiliary branch includes timer sub-branches with multiple components, then timing control is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the timing function, current limiting function, and protection function into a single capacitor-resistor network in the auxiliary branch, eliminating the need for separate timer sub-branches and reducing overall device footprint while maintaining precise timing control
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 effectively interrupts high currents with reduced component complexity and cost, improving reliability by eliminating the need for timer sub-branches and using standard components, allowing for efficient handling of both DC and AC currents.
Implementation Method 1
the auxiliary branch comprising at least one assembly that is constituted by at least one capacitor connected in parallel with at least one resistor
Implementation Method 2
said assembly being connected in series with at least one thyristor
Implementation Method 3
a main voltage limiter, also known as a lightning arrester
Data Source
AI summary
A breaker device for interrupting current flowing on a transmission line, the device comprising three electrical branches (B1, B2, B3) connected in parallel, including a main branch (B1) in which the current to be interrupted flows and an auxiliary branch (B2), the main branch comprising at least one semi-conductor breaker cell (CEL1) connected in series with at least one mechanical interrupter/disconnector (Sm), the auxiliary branch (B2) comprising at least one thyristor, the breaker device further comprising a control circuit (CM) suitable for interrupting a current that flows in the main branch. Once the current is interrupted in the semi-conductor element of the breaker cell of the main branch, the control circuit acts to command the thyristor of the auxiliary branch (B2) to be put into a conductive state whenever a current flowing in the voltage limiter(s) reaches the value of the current that is flowing in the transmission line.