Bypass-Path Circuit Interruption for Fast Fault Reclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC circuit breakers have slow response times and insufficient current and voltage ratings for high-speed operation in power transmission networks, while they also take a long time to reclose after fault clearance, delaying normal operation.
Innovation Solution
A circuit interruption device with a configuration of current-conductive branch portions and bypass paths, controlled by switching elements and energy storage devices, allowing for rapid current interruption and reduced switching components, enabling faster fault response and reduced size, weight, and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional AC circuit breakers are used for current interruption, then the device can disconnect electrical equipment from electrical networks, but the response time is slow and current and voltage ratings are insufficient for high-speed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit interruption device is divided into multiple current-conductive branch portions (first, second, and third portions) with switching elements distributed across them. This segmentation allows different parts of the circuit to handle different aspects of current interruption, enabling high-speed operation while maintaining high current and voltage ratings suitable for power transmission networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces bypass paths that provide alternative current flow routes during fault conditions. By adding this dimensional aspect to the circuit topology, the device achieves rapid current redirection capability while maintaining the structural integrity and rating capabilities needed for high-voltage power transmission applications.
2Reliability
If conventional circuit breakers are used for fault interruption, then the fault current can be blocked, but it takes a considerable amount of time to reclose the circuit breaker
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass paths are pre-configured and ready before faults occur. When a fault is detected, the switching elements rapidly redirect current through the pre-positioned bypass paths, achieving both reliable fault interruption and rapid reclosure capability without the lengthy delays associated with conventional breaker mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit interruption device employs dynamically controllable switching elements that can rapidly change the circuit topology from normal operation mode to fault interruption mode and back again. This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables both reliable fault blocking and fast reclosure, significantly reducing the time loss after fault clearance.
3Speed
If more switching components are used to achieve rapid current interruption and high current/voltage ratings, then the device can operate at high speed with adequate ratings, but the size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching elements in the circuit interruption device are designed to perform multiple functions: normal current conduction, fault current interruption, and rapid reclosure. By making these components multi-functional, the device achieves high-speed operation with adequate current and voltage ratings without requiring a large number of specialized components, thereby controlling size, weight, and cost.
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 device achieves rapid current interruption with fewer switching components, reducing size, weight, and conduction losses, and allows for efficient reclosure, enhancing operational speed and reliability in medium and high-voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
each switching element configured to be switchable to selectively permit and block a flow of current in the respective current-conductive branch portion
Implementation Method 2
the current is blocked from flowing through the first and third current-conductive branch portions and is permitted to flow through the current bypass paths so as to reverse a direction of current flowing through the second current-conductive branch portion
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit interruption device including first and second terminals for connection, to a respective electrical circuit or network, a current-conductive branch including first, second, and third current-conductive branch portions successively connected in series between the first and second terminals, the first current-conductive branch portion including a first switching element, the second current-conductive branch portion including a second switching element, the third current-conductive branch portion including a third switching element, each switching element configured to be switchable to selectively permit and block a flow of current in the respective current-conductive branch portion, first and second current bypass paths, the first current bypass path connected across the first and second current-conductive branch portions, the second current bypass path connected across the second and third current-conductive branch portions, and a controller configured to selectively control the switching of the switching elements to control a flow of current between the first and second terminals.