Circuit Breaker Phase Segregation for Ionized Gas Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low voltage circuit breakers, particularly molded case circuit breakers, face challenges in effectively segregating phases and the front door of the panel from ionized gases vented off during arcing, leading to potential discharge problems.
Innovation Solution
A device for door and phase segregation in low voltage circuit breakers, featuring a conductive element with insulating elements that create effective segregation between phases and between phases and the front door, using L-shaped insulating bodies and insulating fins to channel and block hot ionized gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If venting openings are provided in the arc chamber to discharge hot ionized gases, then cooling and pressure relief are improved, but discharge problems occur between adjacent phases and between phase and front door
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating partition is introduced as an intermediary element between the venting openings and the external environment (front door and adjacent phases). This partition mediates the discharge of ionized gases by allowing thermal relief while blocking electrical discharge paths, thus resolving the contradiction between cooling needs and discharge prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal space of the circuit breaker is segmented into isolated zones using insulating partitions. Each phase compartment is separated from the front door and adjacent phases, creating distinct electrical zones. This segmentation allows venting openings to function for cooling while preventing cross-phase or phase-to-door discharge through the partition barriers.
2Reliability
If insulating materials are used to prevent discharge, then electrical isolation is improved, but thermal management of hot ionized gases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the circuit breaker are assigned different functional properties: the insulating partition provides electrical isolation where needed (between phases and front door), while the venting openings maintain thermal venting capability. The partition is positioned to block electrical discharge paths while allowing hot gases to escape through controlled openings, achieving local optimization of both electrical and thermal requirements.
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 reduces or eliminates discharge problems by ensuring robust segregation of phases and the front door from vented gases, enhancing the safety and reliability of low voltage circuit breakers.
Implementation Method 1
The arc is propelled by electromagnetic and fluid-dynamics effects inside a series of arc-breaking metal plates arranged in the chamber, which are meant to extinguish said arc by cooling and splitting actions.
Implementation Method 2
The arc is propelled by electromagnetic and fluid-dynamics effects inside a series of arc-breaking metal plates arranged in the chamber, which are meant to extinguish said arc by cooling and splitting actions.
Implementation Method 3
During arc formation, the energy released by Joule effect is very high and causes thermal and mechanical stresses inside the plate containment region.
Implementation Method 4
a first insulating element covering said conductive element and/or a second insulating element adapted to be interposed between two adjacent phases of said circuit breaker
Data Source
AI summary
A device for door and phase segregation in low voltage circuit breakers, in particular in molded case circuit breakers, having a plurality of phases each provided with a lug for electrical connection of said circuit breaker and a venting aperture for venting off gases, the device comprising a conductive element adapted to be fixed to a corresponding lug of the circuit breaker and provided with electrical connection means for electrical connection of the circuit breaker, comprising a first insulating element covering the conductive element and/or a second insulating element adapted to be interposed between two adjacent phases of the circuit breaker.