Hybrid Circuit Breaker Arc Diversion on a Conductive Bar
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial automation systems face challenges in effectively protecting electrical components from overvoltage and overcurrent situations due to the damage caused by electrical arcs when mechanical circuit breakers disconnect power, which can lead to reduced reliability and lifespan of the circuit breakers.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid circuit breaker system combining a mechanical switch and a solid-state switching circuit, where a conductive bar positioned separately from the mechanical switch draws electrical arcs away from the mechanical components, and the solid-state switches open to suppress the arcs, preventing damage and increasing the lifespan of the circuit breaker.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical circuit breaker is used to disconnect power, then the circuit breaker can effectively interrupt current flow, but electrical arcs are generated that cause damage to mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive bar is introduced as an intermediary element between the mechanical switch and the electrical load. The conductive bar is positioned closer to the electrical load than the mechanical switch, so that when the mechanical switch opens, electrical arcs are drawn to the conductive bar instead of damaging the mechanical switch components. This intermediary structure absorbs the arc energy and protects the mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful electrical arc function is extracted and redirected from the mechanical switch to a separate conductive bar structure. By positioning the conductive bar closer to the load, the arc current is diverted away from the mechanical components, separating the arc generation function from the mechanical switching function.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If solid-state switching circuitry is added to suppress electrical arcs, then component lifespan is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Solid-state switching circuitry is used to replace or supplement the mechanical switching function for arc suppression. The solid-state switches can open and close much faster than mechanical switches and do not generate arcs themselves, providing superior protection for the circuit breaker components while extending system lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines mechanical switching and solid-state switching into a hybrid circuit breaker system. The mechanical switch provides the primary disconnect function, while the solid-state switching circuitry provides arc suppression and protection. This merging of two different switching technologies creates a system that leverages the advantages of both approaches.
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 hybrid circuit breaker effectively suppresses electrical arcs, reducing damage to mechanical components and enhancing the reliability and lifespan of the system by dissipating heat and preventing adverse effects, thus improving the overall performance and protection of industrial automation systems.
Implementation Method 1
The fourth conductor may receive an arc current after the first conductor moves from the first position to the second position
Implementation Method 2
The hybrid circuit breaker effectively suppresses electrical arcs, reducing damage to mechanical components and enhancing the reliability and lifespan of the system by dissipating heat
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes a hybrid circuit breaker (14) for an industrial automation system. The hybrid circuit breaker may include a mechanical switch (50) and solid-state switches (52). The hybrid circuit breaker may receive control signals to open and close a current path based on moving a spanner (58) of the mechanical switch. In some cases, moving the spanner of the mechanical switch may generate electrical arcs when the hybrid circuit breaker is conducting electrical current. In such cases, the hybrid circuit breaker may remove the electrical arcs by drawing the electrical arcs to a conductive bar (54) and away from the spanner. Moreover, the hybrid circuit breaker may dissipate the electrical arcs on the conductive bar by opening one or multiple solid-state switches disposed on the conductive bar. In some cases, one or multiple voltage suppressors (74, 76) may receive (e.g., suppress or ground) an electrical power of the electrical arcs when the solid-state switches are opened.