Composite Relay With Series Switch Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power converters require a large number of relays and pins for reliable disconnection from the grid during faults, leading to high costs, size, and loop losses due to the need for multiple independent relays in series for each phase.
Innovation Solution
A converter design incorporating a composite relay with two stages of independently controlled switch apparatuses, each with only one power pin, connected in series through a relay part that can be either rigid or deformable, reducing the number of power pins and relays needed, and optimizing circuit layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two independent relays are connected in series for each phase to ensure reliable disconnection, then safety requirement is met, but the quantity of relays and pins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two independent relays into a single integrated relay structure where multiple switch apparatuses share common components including the relay body, housing, and control circuitry. This merging reduces the total quantity of relays from six (two per phase) to three (one per phase) while maintaining the series connection safety requirement through internal architectural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The relay is designed with multi-functional switch apparatuses that can serve multiple purposes within the same device structure. Each switch apparatus includes universally applicable components such as the relay part, housing, and control mechanisms that can be configured for different phases, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each phase and thereby reducing overall pin quantity and device complexity.
2Reliability
If a large quantity of relays and pins are used, then reliable isolation is achieved, but costs and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple relay functions into a single integrated relay unit with shared housing and control structures, the patent reduces the overall size and weight of the converter. The consolidated design eliminates redundant structural elements while maintaining the required isolation reliability through internal series connection architecture.
3Reliability
If multiple power pins are used, then reliable connection is ensured, but loop loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces the number of power pins by merging relay functions and optimizing the electrical connection path. The integrated design minimizes the number of discrete connection points while maintaining reliable electrical isolation through the series-connected switch apparatuses, thereby reducing cumulative loop loss across fewer connection interfaces.
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 design reduces the number of power pins and relays, lowering costs and size while minimizing contact losses and heat emission, and allows for efficient electric energy transmission with improved circuit layout efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first electromagnet is configured to generate magnetic attraction for the first moving contact, to drive the first moving contact to be in contact with the first static contact
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a relay, a converter including the relay, and a power system including the converter. The relay includes two stages of switch apparatuses that are independently controlled. The two stages of switch apparatuses are connected in series by using a relay part. Each stage of switch apparatus has only one power pin. One power pin is electrically connected to a conversion circuit of the converter, and the other power pin is electrically connected to a grid or load. When both the two stages of switch apparatuses are turned on, the two power pins are connected by using the relay part, to implement electric energy transmission between a power supply apparatus and the grid/load. According to the solutions of this application, costs, a size, and a loop loss of the converter can be reduced.