DC Voltage Switch Discharge Circuit for Residual Voltage Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC voltage switches struggle with residual voltages in disconnected DC voltage networks due to stored energies, leading to unsafe conditions and potential risks during maintenance or operation.
Innovation Solution
A DC voltage switch with a discharging apparatus, featuring a semiconductor switch or thyristor, connects or isolates the first and second connections to de-energize the network, using compensating currents to reduce voltages to zero, and includes additional discharging apparatus for symmetric operation and safety features like grounding and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a DC voltage switch is used to disconnect components in a DC voltage network, then the network is switched off, but residual voltages can still build up due to stored energies in capacitors and inductances
Solution Approach 1:
A discharging apparatus is introduced as an intermediary component between the switch and the disconnected network portion. This apparatus includes a discharging switch and a discharging resistor that actively discharge residual voltages after the main switch disconnects the network, preventing harmful residual voltages while maintaining the isolation function of the main switch.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharging apparatus is activated immediately after the main switch opens to preemptively discharge residual voltages before they can build up to dangerous levels. The control unit detects the switch state and triggers the discharging sequence in advance, ensuring safety before maintenance or further operations.
2Reliability
If a discharging apparatus is added to eliminate residual voltages, then safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discharging apparatus is integrated into the same housing and control system as the main DC voltage switch. The control unit manages both the main switch and the discharging switch, and both components share the same structural framework, reducing overall system complexity despite the added functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it controls the main switch for network disconnection, monitors voltage levels, and triggers the discharging apparatus. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control circuits and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 solution effectively de-energizes the network, ensuring safe conditions by eliminating residual voltages, preventing overloading, and providing protection against ground faults, allowing safe maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a discharging apparatus being arranged between the first connection of the first potential and the first connection of the second potential, the discharging apparatus having a switching element, the switching element being designed as a semiconductor switch, in particular as a semiconductor switch which can be switched off or a thyristor
Data Source
AI summary
A DC voltage switch includes a first switch arranged at a first potential between a first terminal of the first switch and a second terminal of the first switch, a first discharging device which is arranged between the first terminal at the first potential and a third terminal at a second potential and includes a first switching element designed as a thyristor, and a second discharging device which is arranged between the second terminal and a fourth terminal at the second potential and includes a second switching element designed as a semiconductor switch that can be switched off. The respective discharging devices connect the first terminal and the third terminal and/or the second terminal and the fourth terminal, at least temporarily, when the DC voltage switch is being or has been switched off.