Copper-Coated Internal Sleeve for High Voltage Circuit Breaker Arcing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current internal sleeves for high voltage circuit breakers, especially those designed for currents greater than 63000 Amperes, face challenges in heat transfer due to the lack of erosion by electric arcs, leading to reduced thermal transfer away from the arcing region and potential damage from high temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A non-magnetic steel or tungsten copper alloy internal sleeve with a copper layer on its inner and/or outer face, allowing controlled erosion to enhance heat transfer without damaging the sleeve, combined with a collector to condense vaporized copper and reduce dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If copper is used for the internal sleeve in high current circuit breakers, then heat transfer is improved through erosion by sublimation, but the sleeve is completely damaged by electric arcs at currents greater than 63000 Amperes
Solution Approach 1:
The internal sleeve combines copper and non-magnetic steel in a composite structure where copper provides heat transfer through controlled erosion while the non-magnetic steel base ensures structural integrity and resistance to complete destruction by electric arcs at high currents
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve has different material properties at different locations: the copper layer provides erosive heat transfer at the inner surface exposed to the arc, while the non-magnetic steel provides structural support and durability at the outer structure
2Reliability
If non-magnetic steel or tungsten copper alloy is used for the internal sleeve, then sleeve durability is improved, but heat transfer is reduced due to lack of erosion
Solution Approach 1:
The internal sleeve combines copper and non-magnetic steel in a composite structure where copper provides heat transfer through controlled erosion while the non-magnetic steel base ensures structural integrity and resistance to complete destruction by electric arcs at high currents
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve has different material properties at different locations: the copper layer provides erosive heat transfer at the inner surface exposed to the arc, while the non-magnetic steel provides structural support and durability at the outer structure
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 solution effectively increases heat transfer from the arcing region while preventing sleeve damage, optimizing thermal management and reducing temperature peaks during high short-circuit interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
The high temperature of the electric arc then provokes erosion by sublimation of a part of the copper of the internal sleeve, which vaporizes
Implementation Method 2
a collector to condense vaporized copper and reduce dispersion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The invention relates to an internal tulip sleeve (1) for the female arcing contact of a high voltage circuit breaker. According to the invention, this sleeve (1) comprises a body (6) of non-magnetic steel or of copper-tungsten alloy, this body (6) comprising an internal face (10) covered with copper.