HVDC Breaking Circuit With Precharge Re-Closure Integrity Check

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) networks is the reliable assessment of fault persistence in electrical conductors, particularly overhead conductors, which leads to repeated re-closure attempts causing network instability, component stress, and disturbances due to unknown conductor conditions during automatic re-closure.

Innovation Solution

A high-voltage direct current interruption device with a pre-charge circuit and switching modules, including pre-charge capacitors and resistors, allows for a controlled re-closure process by assessing conductor conditions through parameter determination before transitioning to a conduction configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If automatic re-closure attempts are made without assessing conductor conditions, then re-closure speed is improved, but network stability deteriorates and component stress increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvere-closure timeVSAvoidnetwork stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a pre-charge circuit that charges capacitors before the main closing operation. This preliminary charging phase allows the system to assess conductor conditions (through parameter determination steps measuring voltage and current) before committing to full re-closure, thereby preventing instability while minimizing delay. The pre-charge phase is a preparatory action that enables informed decision-making about whether to proceed with full closing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple successive re-closure attempts are made, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and component wear increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvere-closure attempt frequencyVSAvoidswitching device stress
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback through parameter determination steps that measure electrical parameters (voltage, current) during the pre-charge phase and use this information to decide whether to proceed with full closing. This feedback mechanism allows the system to learn from each re-closure attempt and avoid unnecessary subsequent attempts that would increase component wear. The control method uses measured parameters to provide feedback on conductor integrity, enabling intelligent decision-making about whether to attempt another closing cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If pre-charge circuit with capacitors and resistors is implemented, then reliability of re-closure assessment is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefault assessment accuracyVSAvoidcircuit configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the pre-charge circuit to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it charges capacitors for energy storage, enables parameter measurement for fault assessment, and provides a controlled ramp-up of voltage to minimize stress on components. The same pre-charge resistors and capacitors that enable reliable assessment also protect the switching devices during the closing operation, reducing overall system complexity despite the added components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach reduces disturbances and component stress by ensuring safe re-closure only when conditions are favorable, minimizing network instability and component wear.

Implementation Method 1

at least one pre-charge capacitor (54) in said pre-charge circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

at least one pre-charge resistor (56) in said pre-charge circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4193376B1Current breaking device for high-dc-voltage electric current, installation comprising such a device, control method and process for evaluating the integrity of an electrical conductor
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SUPERGRID INSTITUTE SAS
  • EP4193376B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4193376B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4B
  • EP4193376B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

The invention relates to a breaking device (28) for a high-DC-voltage current including, in succession, an isolating switch (48), a first primary point (44.1) and a first breaking module (40.1), characterized in that the breaking device (28) includes, between the first primary point (44.1) and ground (52), a precharge circuit (50) that has a precharge capacitor (54, 54.1), a precharge resistor (56) and a precharge switch (58), and in that the breaking device has at least: - one charging configuration (C_CH) for allowing the precharge capacitor to be charged; and - one precharging configuration (C_PCH) for allowing the precharge capacitor (54, 54.1) to be discharged into a conductor (12). The invention also relates to a method for controlling such a device and a process for evaluating the integrity of an electrical conductor.