Mechanical Bypass Switch With Dual Control Inputs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical bypass switch devices in power converters are vulnerable to uncontrolled failures, leading to downtime and reduced availability in critical electric network elements.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical bypass switch device with dual control inputs and a monitoring system, including a pyrotechnic actuator and energy storage devices, to ensure reliable operation and redundancy, allowing for independent control and power independence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single control input is used for the mechanical bypass switch device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to vulnerability to uncontrolled failures
Solution Approach 1:
The control input is segmented into two independent control inputs (first control input and second control input), each capable of independently triggering the bypass switch. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high reliability through redundancy while managing complexity by keeping each control path independent and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by providing redundant control inputs and energy storage devices that are prepared in advance to handle potential failures. The monitoring device continuously checks the operational state, and the redundant control paths are ready to take over immediately if a failure is detected, cushioning against the impact of any single point of failure.
2Reliability
If redundant control inputs and monitoring devices are added, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device enables self-service by automatically detecting failures in the control inputs or mechanical switch and triggering the redundant control path without external intervention. The system monitors its own operational state and self-corrects by switching to the backup control input, reducing the need for external monitoring and management of the redundancy.
3Speed
If a pyrotechnic actuator is used for the mechanical switch, then the switching speed is improved, but the device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage device performs preliminary action by storing the energy required for the pyrotechnic actuator in advance. This allows the actuator to be triggered instantly when needed, achieving high switching speed without requiring complex real-time energy management systems. The energy is prepared beforehand, simplifying the control mechanism.
4Reliability
If dual control inputs with independent energy storage are provided, then the availability is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the energy storage function into separate, independent energy storage devices for each control path, rather than using a single shared energy source. This extraction allows each control input to be independently powered, ensuring that failure of one energy storage device does not affect the other control path, thereby improving availability while managing energy use through independent, optimized storage systems.
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
Enhances the reliability and availability of power conversion systems by providing redundant control and power pathways, reducing the risk of uncontrolled failures and maintaining operation even if individual components fail.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanical switch actuator may comprise a pyrotechnic actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
It is provided a mechanical bypass switch device (1) arranged to bypass a converter cell in a power converter (9). The mechanical bypass switch device comprises: a mechanical switch (3); a mechanical switch actuator (5) arranged to make the mechanical switch (3) conduct when supplied with an electric signal; a first control input (4a); and a second control input (4b). The mechanical bypass switch device is arranged such that a control signal, provided on either one of the first control input and the second control input or on both of the first control input (4a) and the second control input (4b), causes the mechanical switch (3) to conduct.A corresponding converter arm (13, 13a, 13b) and bypass converter (9) are also presented.