DC Voltage Switching Device Arc Quenching Lorentz Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DC switching devices are unsuitable for high-power direct current applications, as they can experience total loss and potentially lead to system failure or fire due to thermal destruction, especially when switching high voltages and currents.

Innovation Solution

A DC switching device with an arc quenching arrangement featuring a U-shaped first arc splitter plate that generates a Lorentz force to direct arcs towards quenching plates, preventing thermal damage by dissipating arc energy quickly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If AC switching devices are used for direct current switching, then switching capability is provided, but total loss occurs and thermal destruction leads to system failure or fire

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching reliabilityVSAvoidtotal loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The arc quenching chamber is segmented into multiple regions by arc quenching plates with different designs (first plate with spiral shape, second plate with different configuration). This segmentation allows different portions of the arc to be quenched by different plate designs, effectively managing the arc energy and preventing total loss while maintaining switching capability for high-power direct currents

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the harmful arc energy into a beneficial effect by using the Lorentz force generated by the spiral-shaped first arc quenching plate to drive the arc against the arc quenching plates. This transforms the potentially destructive arc into a controlled process that dissipates energy safely, preventing thermal destruction while enabling reliable high-power DC switching

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Power

If high-power direct currents are switched, then switching capacity increases, but thermal destruction risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching capacityVSAvoidthermal destruction
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The arc quenching plates serve as intermediaries between the high-power direct current switching operation and the arc energy. The first arc quenching plate with spiral shape generates Lorentz force to control the arc, while the second arc quenching plate provides additional quenching. These intermediary elements manage the thermal energy safely, enabling high-power switching without thermal destruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the arc quenching system by using differently designed arc quenching plates (spiral shape vs. different configuration) to alter how arc energy is dissipated. This parameter change in the quenching mechanism allows effective management of thermal energy during high-power direct current switching, preventing thermal destruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables reliable switching of high-power direct currents with enhanced security against thermal destruction, effectively managing arcs to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least a first splitter plate 27 of the splitter plates 9 is shaped in such a way, in particular bent in such a way, that - caused by a switching operation - arcs 11, in the first arc quenching chamber 7, a Lorentz force 12 acts in the direction of the splitter plates 9

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2915174B1DC voltage switching device
Publication Date: 2017.04.26 EATON IND (AUSTRIA) GMBH
  • EP2915174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2915174B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2915174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a DC voltage switching device (1) comprising at least one electric input (2), at least one electric output (3), at least one first switch contact (4), and a movable switching bridge (20). The DC voltage switching device (1) further has an arc extinguishing arrangement (6), said arc extinguishing arrangement (6) having at least one first arc extinguishing chamber (7) which has a plurality of extinguishing sheets (9). According to the invention, at least one first extinguishing sheet (27) of the extinguishing sheets (9) is shaped, in particular curved, such that a Lorentz force (12) acts on arcs (11) caused by a switching process in the direction of the extinguishing sheets (9) in the first arc extinguishing chamber (7).