Light-Powered Electronic Protection Unit for Circuit Breakers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Advanced electronic protection units for automatic circuit breakers are unable to function and provide information about the power line state during prolonged power outages, especially in difficult environmental conditions, as they rely on backup power that is only available for a limited time.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of an auxiliary power supply stage that converts external light radiation into electrical power, allowing the unit to operate partially or fully even after prolonged power loss, using photovoltaic conversion and electronic conditioning to generate a stable power supply from sunlight or a light source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If backup electronic circuits are used to accumulate electrical power during normal operation, then the electronic protection unit can function for a predetermined period after power loss, but the information becomes inaccessible after the backup power runs out

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation duration after power lossVSAvoidinformation accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic protection unit uses the ambient light environment (sunlight or artificial lighting) already present in the operating space to generate its own power, eliminating dependence on limited backup power sources. The photovoltaic cells convert available light directly into electrical energy, allowing the unit to serve itself continuously without external power supply or battery replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical energy storage system (batteries and backup power circuits) with an optical-to-electrical energy conversion system using photovoltaic cells. This substitution transforms the power supply mechanism from a finite stored energy model to a continuous renewable energy model, ensuring indefinite operation as long as light is available.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If sophisticated electronic units with complex processing operations are used, then complete and articulate information about the power line state can be provided, but considerable amounts of power are consumed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic power supply system serves multiple functions: it powers the complete electronic processing operations for generating articulate information about power line state, and simultaneously ensures continuous operation during emergencies. The single light-based power source replaces both the main power supply and backup power systems, providing universal power coverage for all unit functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Use of energy by moving object

If simple warning interfaces with visual indications are used, then the unit consumes less power and can operate without adequate power supply, but the information provided to the operator is limited in quantity and quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidinformation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its information output based on available power from light conversion. During normal lighting conditions, the unit can provide complete articulate information through sophisticated processing. The information quality and quantity are dynamically adjusted according to the intensity and availability of ambient light, ensuring optimal performance under varying environmental conditions.

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

Enables continuous access to information about the power line state without relying on backup power duration, allowing operators to retrieve data at any time, even in challenging environments, by providing a stable power supply through light-based energy conversion.

Implementation Method 1

an auxiliary power supply stage, provided with electronic means capable of converting an external light radiation into auxiliary electrical power

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2232658B1Electronic protection unit for automatic circuit breakers and relative process

Publication Date: 2016.07.27 ABB SPA

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

Electronic protection unit comprising a control unit and a main and auxiliary power supply stage to supply electrical power to said control unit. The auxiliary power supply stage comprises electronic means suitable to generate an auxiliary power supply voltage, in response to a light radiation received in input. In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a process to manage an electronic protection unit of a power line, in emergency condition.