Interconnect Module Integrating Current Measurement for Circuit Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical assemblies lack the capability to reliably measure and collect real-time current information between circuit breakers and contactors due to the separation of data buses from power connections, preventing comprehensive monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
An interconnection module is introduced that incorporates current measuring devices, such as Rogowski sensors, and a data link to connect with the contactor's control circuit, allowing for real-time current measurement and centralized data exchange, enabling the transmission of measured data to a control unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data bus is separated from power connection between circuit breaker and contactor, then data exchange interface can be provided at contactor level, but current measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the data exchange interface and current measurement functions into a single integrated interconnection module that is positioned at the power connection between circuit breaker and contactor. This combination allows simultaneous achievement of data communication and current measurement capabilities that were previously mutually exclusive when data bus was separated from power connection.
2Extent of automation
If data exchange interface is provided at contactor, then control signal transmission is enabled, but real-time current monitoring between circuit breaker and contactor becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The interconnection module is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a data exchange interface for control signal transmission and as a current measurement device. The module universally handles both communication tasks and monitoring tasks, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components and enabling simultaneous achievement of automation and information retention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrical assemblies are interconnected with separate data buses, then centralized control is achieved, but current information between circuit breaker and contactor remains unmeasurable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the data exchange interface and current measurement functions into a single integrated interconnection module positioned at the power connection between circuit breaker and contactor. This merger enables the module to simultaneously provide centralized control capability through data communication and reliable current information through integrated measurement, resolving the contradiction between system versatility and measurement reliability.
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 solution enables reliable real-time monitoring of current between circuit breakers and contactors, enhancing operational control and diagnostics without modifying existing circuit breakers or contactors, thus improving the management and efficiency of electrical assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The current measuring device comprises current sensors of the Rogowski type, each mounted around one of the electric power conductors to measure the intensity of the electric current which flows in this electric power conductor
Implementation Method 2
The voltage sensor comprises at least one electrically conductive plate disposed at a distance and opposite one of the electrical power conductors, the electrical voltage being detected as a function of the value of the electrical capacitance between the electrically conductive plate and the electrical conductor of corresponding power
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This interconnection module (30) between an electrical circuit breaker and an electrical contactor comprises a housing (70) and several power conductors (31, 32, 33) housed inside the housing. Each power conductor is adapted to electrically connect an electrical output of a circuit breaker to an electrical input of a contactor, in order to ensure the flow of a supply current from the circuit breaker to the contactor. The interconnection module (30) further comprises: - a current measuring device (60), adapted to measure the current flowing through the power conductors (31, 32, 33), and - an electronic processing unit (51), equipped with a connection interface to a data bus (6) and programmed to transmit the values measured by the measuring device to the data bus (6).