Double Compression Chamber Circuit Breaker Arc Blowing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power circuit breakers face challenges in efficiently interrupting both high and low currents without excessively increasing external energy consumption, particularly when arc duration is long, as existing self-blowing interrupters require significant energy for low currents.

Innovation Solution

A current breaking chamber with a double compression chamber system, where a first compression chamber rapidly increases pressure during a reduced stroke and a second compression chamber assists in arc blowing, reducing overall energy consumption by leveraging the energy provided by the arc.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a single compression chamber is used in a self-blowing interrupting chamber, then the compression stroke must be prolonged to maintain arc blowing throughout the entire opening operation, but this increases the energy consumption by the operating mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc blowing durationVSAvoidoperating mechanism energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The compression chamber is divided into two separate compression chambers with different functions: the first compression chamber performs rapid compression at the beginning of the opening operation to establish arc blowing, while the second compression chamber maintains the compression throughout the remainder of the operation. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific temporal role, reducing the total energy required compared to a single chamber performing the entire compression stroke.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If the compression stroke is reduced to save energy, then the arc blowing may not be maintained throughout the entire arc duration, but this risks insufficient current breaking capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mechanism energy consumptionVSAvoidcurrent breaking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first compression chamber performs preliminary compression action at the beginning of the opening operation, rapidly establishing the necessary pressure for arc blowing before the main compression stroke is completed. This preliminary action ensures that arc blowing is initiated and maintained reliably, even though the total compression stroke is reduced, thereby maintaining current breaking capability while reducing energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of moving object

If a longer compression stroke is used to maintain arc blowing during long arcs, then the energy consumption increases significantly, but this is necessary for low current breaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc blowing durationVSAvoidoperating mechanism energy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions from the first compression chamber to the second compression chamber during the opening operation. The first chamber provides high-speed initial compression when needed most for arc initiation, then the second chamber takes over to maintain compression. This dynamic operation allows the system to adapt the compression profile to the actual arc conditions, maintaining arc blowing duration without the excessive energy consumption of a continuously long compression stroke.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design allows for efficient interruption of currents across a wide range without excessive external energy use, utilizing a spring mechanism requiring minimal energy, and maintains arc blowing throughout the duration, especially during long arcs.

Implementation Method 1

a first compression chamber whose volume decreases between the start position of the opening operation of the circuit breaker and an end position of compression of the first chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

at least one second compression chamber, communicating at a first end with the first compression chamber, the volume of which decreases between the start position of the maneuver and the end position of the opening operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Implementation Method 3

these circuit breakers also use the energy supplied by the arc in the form of heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc heating: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP1943657B1Interrupting chamber with double compression chamber
Publication Date: 2010.04.07 GEC ALSTHOM T & D SA
  • EP1943657B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP1943657B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~2A
  • EP1943657B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The invention relates to a current interrupter device (1) filled with a dielectric fluid (3) comprising a mobile assembly (10) that axially moves between a starting position and a final position of operation of opening the circuit-breaker, comprising at least one first compression chamber (5) whose volume diminishes between the starting position and an open position of the first chamber (5), at least one first arcing contact (8) intended for interacting with a second arcing contact (7), at least one second compression chamber (13), communicating with the first chamber (5) whose volume diminishes between the starting position and the final position, intended for injecting a fluid (3) into the first chamber (5), between the open position and the final position when the pressure inside the first chamber (5) is less than the pressure inside the second chamber (13).