Short Circuit Breaker Self-Test Using Pseudo Fault Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing short circuit breakers require manual testing, which disrupts power supply and is inconvenient, especially for remote locations, and may cause operational issues or damage due to the need for additional windings and constant current flow during testing.
Innovation Solution
An automatically testable short circuit breaker that generates a pseudo short circuit signal without shutting off the power supply, using a pseudo short circuit signal driving circuit, recognition circuit, and shut-off circuit, along with a controller to simulate the effect of pressing a test button, allowing for regular checks without external intervention or additional windings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual testing by pressing a test button is performed, then the short circuit detection function can be checked, but the power supply is shut off and electronic devices must be restarted causing inconvenience and loss of time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating a pseudo short circuit signal before manual testing is needed, storing test results in memory for later retrieval. This allows the detection function to be verified in advance without interrupting power supply to connected devices, eliminating the need for repeated power cycles during routine checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the short circuit testing function by generating a pseudo short circuit signal that simulates actual short circuit conditions. This virtual copy allows testing of the detection circuit without requiring actual short circuit events or manual button pressing that would shut off power, thus avoiding device restart requirements.
2Reliability
If additional windings are added to the zero phase current transformer for testing, then the pseudo short circuit effect can be generated, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing function from the physical transformer structure by using a separate pseudo short circuit signal generation circuit. Instead of modifying the transformer with additional windings, the testing capability is taken out as an independent electronic circuit that generates test signals, simplifying the transformer structure while maintaining detection functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical approach of adding transformer windings with an electronic solution. A pseudo short circuit signal generation circuit electronically creates the test conditions without any physical modifications to the transformer, substituting mechanical structural changes with electronic signal processing.
3Reliability
If constant current flows to the zero phase current transformer during testing, then the detection function can be verified, but the risk of operational issues or circuit damage due to instantaneous malfunction remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides beforehand cushioning by using a pseudo short circuit signal that generates minimal current compared to actual short circuit conditions. This pre-cushioned approach verifies detection functionality while limiting current magnitude to safe levels, preventing circuit damage even if malfunctions occur during testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by generating only enough current to verify detection function without using full short circuit current levels. The pseudo short circuit signal provides sufficient stimulus for testing while deliberately using less than maximum possible current, reducing the risk of damage from instantaneous malfunctions.
4Reliability
If remote location short circuit breakers are tested manually, then the detection function can be checked, but the inconvenience increases due to the need for personnel assignment and travel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by implementing automatic testing functionality that operates without human intervention. The pseudo short circuit signal generation circuit automatically performs detection function verification, allowing remote breakers to test themselves without requiring personnel assignment or travel, greatly improving operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action through automatic testing that can occur at predetermined intervals without manual triggering. This periodic self-testing ensures continuous verification of detection function while eliminating the need for manual intervention, making remote location testing as convenient as local testing.
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
Enables regular checking of the short circuit detection function at predetermined intervals without shutting off the power supply, reducing the risk of operational issues and damage, and improving convenience by eliminating the need for manual testing.
Implementation Method 1
a zero phase current transformer configured to detect the short circuit current between the power supply lines
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is an automatically testable short circuit breaker that includes: a pseudo short circuit signal driving circuit unit connected to opposite ends of a test button in a short circuit breaker; a pseudo short circuit signal recognition circuit unit which recognizes a short circuit detection signal and outputs a diagnosis signal; and a pseudo short circuit signal shut-off circuit unit which induces the short circuit detection signal to grounding so that the short circuit detection signal does not flow into the driving unit.