Electronic Switching Module for Fast Current Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Relays used in main switching modules for controlling current between energy sources and loads face issues such as delayed current interruption during short-circuits, which can be hazardous, and require additional components to prevent electric arcs, making them expensive and bulky.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a switching module with electronic switches, such as semiconductor elements, that measures current parameters to quickly interrupt or switch on the current between an energy source and a load, using pulsed operation to pre-charge DC-link capacitance and prevent hazardous current increases, and optionally includes relays to disconnect the energy source safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If relays are used as main switching modules, then current switching can be achieved, but the delay in current interruption during short-circuits increases, which is hazardous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanical relay system with an electronic switching module using semiconductor switches (such as MOSFETs or IGBTs). This substitution eliminates the mechanical moving parts and inherent inertia of relays, enabling significantly faster switching response times. The electronic switches can interrupt current within microseconds of detecting a short-circuit condition, compared to the millisecond-scale delays of mechanical relays, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable current interruption and switching delay.
2Reliability
If additional components are added to relays to make them electric-arc save, then safety is improved, but the device becomes expensive, heavy, and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical relay system with solid-state electronic switches that inherently eliminate electric arc issues. Semiconductor switches do not produce electric arcs during switching operations, unlike mechanical contacts. This substitution removes the need for additional arc-suppression components such as arc quenching chambers, magnetic blowouts, or specialized contact materials, thereby achieving electric-arc safety without increasing device complexity, weight, or cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs solid-state electronic switches that have no moving parts and do not suffer from contact wear or arc erosion. These electronic components can be manufactured at lower cost compared to heavy-duty arc-resistant relays and do not require the complex protective structures that make traditional relays expensive and bulky. The electronic switches provide a more cost-effective and compact solution while maintaining or improving safety performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a current between an energy source and a load is disclosed. A switching module is coupled between the energy source and the load. The switching module includes two input terminals coupled to the energy source and two output terminals coupled to the load and at least one semiconductor switching element coupled between one of the input terminals and one of the output terminals. At least one current parameter of the current is measured between the energy source and the load. The current between the energy source and the load is interrupted by switching off the switching element when the at least one current parameter reaches or exceeds at least one predetermined parameter threshold value.