Circuit Breaker Switching Timing with Multi-Parameter Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlled switching of circuit breakers face limitations in accuracy due to statistical fluctuations and variations influenced by parameters like temperature, control voltage, and energy stored, leading to non-ideal performance.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for controlled switching that utilize an initiation time function dependent on multiple parameters, including total operations, in-service time, and cumulated interrupted current, with partial derivatives accounting for interdependencies between parameters to improve prediction accuracy and minimize switching transients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If individual compensation values are calculated separately for each parameter using pre-defined compensation functions, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision (prediction accuracy) deteriorates due to statistical fluctuations and parameter interdependencies not being captured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracy of operating timesVSAvoidcomplexity of initiation time function
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the approach from using fixed pre-defined compensation functions to using a dynamic initiation time function where parameters are changed based on actual measured operating times. The function adapts to statistical fluctuations and parameter interdependencies by continuously updating its characteristics, thereby improving prediction accuracy without requiring overly complex separate compensation calculations for each parameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the consideration of multiple parameters (temperature, control voltage, idle time, energy stored, total operations, in-service time, cumulated interrupted current) into a single unified initiation time function. This combining approach captures the interdependencies between parameters and statistical fluctuations more effectively than separate individual compensation values, improving overall prediction accuracy while managing complexity through integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If the number of considered parameters is limited to a few key factors, then the ease of operation is improved and device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision (prediction accuracy) deteriorates due to unaccounted parameter variations and interdependencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracy of operating timesVSAvoidsimplicity of parameter consideration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic approach where the initiation time function continuously adapts to include and weigh multiple parameters based on their actual influence on operating times. Rather than statically limiting parameters to a fixed small set, the system dynamically adjusts which parameters are considered and their relative importance, improving prediction accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automated adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from actual measured operating times to continuously refine the initiation time function and its parameter considerations. By comparing predicted versus actual operating times and adjusting the function accordingly, the system automatically accounts for parameter variations and interdependencies without requiring manual intervention to identify or weight each parameter, thus improving accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3739605B1Controlled switching of a circuit breaker
Publication Date: 2025.01.15 ABB POWER GRIDS SWITZERLAND AG
  • EP3739605B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3b
  • EP3739605B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b
  • EP3739605B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A method for controlled switching of a circuit breaker is described. The method includes initiating operation of the circuit breaker at an initiation time derivable from an initiation time function. The initiation time function depends on a first parameter and a second parameter. The partial derivative of the initiation time function with respect to the first parameter is dependent on the second parameter and/or the partial derivative of the initiation time function with respect to the second parameter is dependent on the first parameter. Further, a system for controlled switching according to the method and a circuit breaker including the system are described.