DC Airgap Switch Circuit With Parallel Multi-Throw Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage DC switching and interruption are challenging due to the lack of zero crossing in direct-current systems, and existing solid-state power electronics solutions are costly and complicated, with difficulty in isolating high voltage systems from low voltage control signals.
Innovation Solution
A DC switch circuit with a solid-state aided airgap and a parallel multi-throw switch, incorporating an isolation switch and an interruption circuit with current conducting, bypass power electronics, and energy absorbing branches, allowing for efficient current interruption and isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid-state power electronics are used for high voltage DC switching, then interruption capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switch circuit is divided into multiple functional branches: a current conducting branch with multi-throw switch, a bypass power electronics branch with solid-state switches, a gate driving branch, and an energy absorbing branch. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining interruption capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a multi-throw switch as an intermediary component that can connect different circuit configurations. This mechanical/electrical intermediary simplifies the control logic by providing discrete, well-defined states for current routing, reducing the complexity of solid-state control circuits.
2Reliability
If solid-state power electronics are used for high voltage DC switching, then interruption capability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the circuit into functional branches, the patent allows for selective use of expensive solid-state components only where necessary (bypass branch for interruption) while using simpler, lower-cost components in other branches (multi-throw switch for routing), thereby reducing overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy absorbing branch automatically dissipates the energy released during interruption without requiring external active control components. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for additional expensive active components, lowering overall system cost.
3Reliability
If isolation switch is used to separate high voltage and low voltage systems, then electrical isolation is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-throw switch serves multiple functions: it acts as the main current conducting switch, provides isolation between high and low voltage sides, and enables configuration of the bypass branch. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated isolation components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining electrical isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
A direct current (DC) switch circuit includes an isolation switch, and an interruption circuit connected in series with the isolation switch. The interruption circuit includes a parallel connection of a current conducting branch, a bypass power electronics branch, a gate driving branch, and an energy absorbing branch. The current conducting branch includes a multi-throw switch configured to operate in a first position to establish a first electrical connection between the current conducting branch and a load and a second position to establish as second electrical connection that turns off the bypass power electronics branch.