Circuit Breaker Dual Current Path Layout for Higher Rated Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current circuit breakers for high voltage electrical power transmission systems are limited by the maximum continuous rated current they can handle, and existing solutions to increase this capacity often require substantial modifications to the equipment, such as increasing the diameter of the puffer-type cylinder or adding additional cooling surfaces, which are costly and not easily adaptable.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates two current path sections with multiple members arranged in a spaced relation to increase the cooling surface area and reduce resistance, allowing for higher continuous current ratings without significant modifications to existing equipment, using conductive materials like Cu and Al for the path sections and coupling them via multiple coupling surfaces for enhanced cooling and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the cross section of current path sections is increased to decrease resistance, then the maximum possible rated continuous current is improved, but the diameter of the puffer-type cylinder must be increased which entails high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The current path section is divided into multiple separate current path section members (first, second, and optionally third members) arranged in spaced relation. This segmentation allows the current to flow through multiple parallel paths, effectively increasing the total cross-sectional area for current flow without requiring a single large-diameter component. The segmented structure achieves the desired current carrying capacity while maintaining a compact overall configuration that fits within the existing puffer-type cylinder dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the cross-sectional area in a single dimension (which would require increasing the diameter of current path sections and the puffer-type cylinder), the invention utilizes the spatial dimension by arranging multiple current path section members in spaced relation to each other. This dimensional arrangement creates multiple current flow paths through the insulation medium, effectively increasing the total current carrying capacity without proportionally increasing the overall device diameter.
2Quantity of substance
If an additional puffer-type cylinder is added in parallel to increase cooling surface, then the maximum possible rated continuous current is improved, but substantial modification of existing equipment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The existing puffer-type cylinder is made multi-functional by arranging multiple current path section members within its single structure. The same cylinder serves as the housing for multiple current paths simultaneously, providing both the mechanical containment and the cooling function for all current paths. This eliminates the need for separate additional cylinders while still achieving the increased cooling surface area required for higher current ratings.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple current path section members are merged within a single puffer-type cylinder structure, sharing common housing, insulation medium, and cooling resources. This consolidation achieves the effect of having multiple parallel cooling surfaces (as would be provided by multiple cylinders) while maintaining a single integrated device, thereby avoiding substantial modifications and reducing device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple current path section members are arranged in spaced relation, then the cooling surface area is increased and resistance is reduced, but the structural complexity of the current path configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple current path section members are arranged in a nested or concentric configuration within the single puffer-type cylinder. The members are positioned in spaced relation, with some members potentially arranged inside or around other members, creating an efficient use of internal space. This nesting approach increases the total cooling surface area and current carrying capacity while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall structure that does not require complex external arrangements.
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
This configuration allows for a higher maximum possible rated continuous current while minimizing the need for substantial equipment modifications, effectively increasing the cooling surface area and reducing electrical resistance, thus enhancing the circuit breaker's performance without incurring high costs.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one second current path section member is arranged in spaced relation to a surface of the first current path section member... increase the cooling surface area
Implementation Method 2
The at least one second current path section member is electrically coupled with the first current path section member... reduce resistance
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A circuit breaker (100) is disclosed. The circuit breaker (100) comprises a first current path section (102a) and a second current path section (1 02b). At least one of the first and second current path section (102a, 102b) comprises a first current path section member (1 06a, 106b) and at least one second current path section member (1 07a, 107b). The at least one second current path section member (1 07a, 107b) is arranged in spaced relation to a surface (109a, 109b) of the first current path section member (106a, 106b). The at least one second current path section member (1 07a, 107b) is electrically coupled with the first current path section member (1 06a, 106b) via at least a first coupling surface portion (110a, 110b) of the surface (1 09a, 109b) of the first current path section member (1 06a, 106b).