DC Switching Device Using Transformer Commutation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for switching off direct currents require significant energy outlay and complex high-voltage energy supplies, making them costly and inefficient, especially in high-voltage direct current networks.
Innovation Solution
A device with a mechanical switch, a power electronic switch in parallel, and a commutation device using a transformer to isolate and commutate direct currents, allowing for electrical isolation and voltage adjustment, enabling safe and economical switching off of direct currents by diverting the current through a switch-off path with a transformer-based commutation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a charging branch is used to charge energy stores of sub modules in the commutation device, then the commutation can be achieved, but the energy supply requires considerable outlay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary device that enables galvanic isolation between the high-voltage commutation circuit and the low-voltage energy supply. This mediator allows the system to achieve commutation of high-voltage direct current while being energized from a low-voltage source, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable commutation and excessive energy supply requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer changes the voltage parameter level between the energy supply side and the commutation side. By transforming low-voltage energy into high-voltage commutation capability through electromagnetic induction, the system achieves high-voltage switching without requiring high-voltage energy supply infrastructure
2Reliability
If electrical isolation is implemented between the switch-off current path and other units, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer serves as the isolation intermediary, providing galvanic separation between the high-voltage commutation circuit and low-voltage control/energy supply circuits. This single component achieves electrical isolation without requiring multiple isolation devices or complex isolation architectures
Solution Approach 2:
The transformer performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical isolation, enables voltage transformation, and facilitates energy transfer between different voltage levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity
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 allows for safe and economical switching off of direct currents with reduced energy consumption and simplified energy supply, capable of handling high-voltage direct current networks by using a transformer for commutation, thereby minimizing electrical isolation costs and ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
the commutation device comprises a transformer with a first winding and a second winding which are electrically isolated
Data Source
AI summary
A device for switching a direct current includes an operating current path which has a mechanical switch, a switch-off current path which is connected in parallel to the operating current path and has a power-electronic switch, and a commutation device which allows commutation of the direct current from the operating current path into the switch-off current path. The commutation device includes a transformer.