High-Voltage DC Switch Layout for Arc Quenching Without Aux Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for switching high-voltage DC circuits fail to effectively extinguish currents during disconnection, as they do not account for the electric arc and require auxiliary electronics or control systems, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A device with a multi-terminal, multi-impedance, and multi-quenching chamber configuration that uses a mobile armature to gradually diffuse and extinguish current energy through a series of impedances and arc quenching chambers, allowing for safe and efficient disconnection of high-voltage circuits without auxiliary electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional AC switch designs are used for DC circuits, then device complexity is reduced, but current extinction capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The switch is divided into multiple segments including a fixed contact, a movable contact, and an arc quenching chamber. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function: the fixed and movable contacts establish the circuit connection, while the arc quenching chamber specifically handles current extinction by containing and cooling the arc plasma, thereby achieving reliable DC current extinction without requiring complex auxiliary systems
Solution Approach 2:
An arc quenching chamber is introduced as an intermediary element between the contacts. This chamber acts as a mediator that captures and extinguishes the electric arc formed during DC switching operations. The chamber provides a controlled environment for arc extinction through cooling and compression effects, enabling reliable current interruption while maintaining overall device simplicity
2Reliability
If arc quenching chambers are added to extinguish currents, then current extinction capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The arc quenching chamber is merged with the main switch body rather than being a separate auxiliary device. The chamber is integrated into the switching mechanism itself, with the movable contact directly opening into the chamber. This merging eliminates the need for separate current extinction devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective arc quenching capability
Solution Approach 2:
The arc quenching chamber is designed to automatically extinguish arcs through passive physical processes such as cooling and compression, without requiring active control systems or external power sources. The chamber structure itself provides the quenching effect through its geometry and material properties, enabling self-service current extinction that simplifies the device by eliminating electronic control components
3Measurement precision
If multiple intermediate terminals and impedances are used to gradually diffuse current, then current control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching process is divided into periodic stages as the movable contact progresses through its travel path: initially connected to the fixed contact, then opening into the arc quenching chamber where the arc forms and is progressively extinguished. This periodic action during the switching cycle enables controlled current diffusion through distinct phases without requiring multiple static intermediate terminals, thereby achieving current control precision while maintaining device simplicity
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 device ensures safe and efficient disconnection of high-voltage DC circuits by gradually reducing current and extinguishing arcs, providing a reliable and economical solution for high-voltage circuit switching.
Implementation Method 1
a first arc quenching chamber arranged between the first intermediate terminal and the first main terminal; a second arc quenching chamber arranged between the first intermediate terminal and the second intermediate terminal
Implementation Method 2
a first impedance; a second impedance - The impedances generate heat through current flow, contributing to arc extinction by increasing arc voltage drop
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments include a device for connecting and disconnecting a high-voltage circuit. The device includes a first main terminal and a second main terminal, a first intermediate terminal connected to the first main terminal by a first impedance, a first arc quenching chamber arranged between the first intermediate terminal and the first main terminal, a second intermediate terminal connected to the first intermediate terminal by a second impedance, the first intermediate terminal being connected in series between the first main terminal and the second intermediate terminal, a second arc quenching chamber arranged between the first intermediate terminal and the second intermediate terminal, and a mobile armature making it possible to connect, in the disconnection direction, the second main terminal on the one hand and, on the other hand and in succession, the first main terminal, the first intermediate terminal and the second intermediate terminal.