Cell Isolation Switch Layout for High-Voltage Arc Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltages in electrical systems, particularly in mobile applications like electric vehicles and photovoltaic systems, pose a significant risk of injury or fire due to potential voltage arcs during accidents or fires, as existing safety mechanisms are inadequate for rapid disconnection and voltage reduction.
Innovation Solution
An electrical system with disconnect switches between series-connected storage/converter cells that activate upon an event sensor, dividing high voltages into safer levels, using gas generators for reliable disconnection under adverse conditions, and incorporating main switches for complete isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large number of storage cells are connected in series to achieve high voltage for electric motors, then the voltage requirement for electric motors is met, but the risk of voltage arcs and injury to users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the series-connected storage cells into multiple groups, with each group having a disconnect switch. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high voltage during normal operation while enabling rapid isolation of individual groups when hazards are detected, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high voltage and reducing voltage arc risk.
2Reliability
If disconnect switches are provided between all series-connected cells to enable rapid disconnection, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing disconnect switches between every single storage cell, the patent implements disconnect switches between groups of cells. This partial action approach provides sufficient safety by isolating hazard sources while significantly reducing the total number of switches required, thus resolving the contradiction between safety and device complexity.
3Speed
If pneumatic pressure is used to close switches rapidly, then disconnection speed is improved, but the system requires additional pneumatic components and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic pressure generated by a gas generator to rapidly actuate disconnect switches. The pneumatic system provides fast, reliable switch operation during emergency disconnection while the system design integrates these components efficiently, resolving the contradiction between disconnection speed and system complexity.
4Reliability
If the electrical system is designed to automatically disconnect upon hazard detection, then safety is improved, but the cost of additional sensors and control systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates event sensors that continuously monitor the electrical system for hazards such as water intrusion or excessive temperature. When hazards are detected, the sensor feedback triggers automatic disconnection of the disconnect switches, providing reliable automatic safety while using cost-effective sensing and control mechanisms.
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
Ensures rapid and safe disconnection of high voltages into harmless levels, reducing the risk of injury and fire by preventing voltage arcs and short circuits, while maintaining operational safety and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a gas generator (23) which, after the event sensor (26) is triggered, generates gas pressure for moving the contact bolts (2, 13) from the closed into the open position
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical system, comprising a load circuit (22) and multiple series-connected storage/converter cells (24) for supplying the load circuit (22), and comprising an event sensor (26). According to the invention, isolator switches (1), which are closed during normal operation of the electrical system, are provided between series-connected storage/converter cells (24), said isolator switches being configured and/or arranged such that they are opened with a triggering of the event sensor (26).