Linear Induction Actuator for Fast High-Voltage Breaker Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-voltage circuit breakers face challenges with oleopneumatic or hydropneumatic actuators, which require frequent maintenance, have limited energy storage, and difficulty in adjusting dynamic characteristics like speed and braking, making them inefficient for rapid and controlled de-energization of insulation faults in high-voltage electrical networks.

Innovation Solution

An electromechanical actuator with a polyphase asynchronous machine design, utilizing a dynamic control law for vector control to achieve rapid and controlled linear movement, directly converting electrical energy into mechanical energy, and incorporating supercapacitors for energy storage to support high-energy operations and efficient braking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If oleopneumatic or hydropneumatic actuators are used to achieve rapid circuit breaker activation, then very high energy levels can be delivered, but frequent maintenance is required and the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy levelVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical oleopneumatic or hydropneumatic actuation system with an electromagnetic direct drive system. The electromagnetic actuator generates force directly through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, hydraulic fluids, and pneumatic components, thereby reducing maintenance requirements while maintaining high power output for rapid circuit breaker activation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts and removes the complex mechanical transmission components (accumulators, valves, linkages) from the actuation system, retaining only the essential electromagnetic conversion elements. This simplifies the overall system architecture while preserving the high energy delivery capability needed for rapid breaker operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If hydropneumatic systems are used for circuit breaker actuation, then rapid activation is achieved, but adjustment of dynamic characteristics requires prototyping and mechanical component sizing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveactivation speedVSAvoidadjustment flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator enables dynamic adjustment of actuation characteristics through software control of the electromagnetic field parameters. Speed, force profiles, and timing can be modified by changing control algorithms without any mechanical reconfiguration, allowing rapid optimization for different breaker applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows parameter adjustment through electrical control rather than mechanical redesign. By varying electromagnetic field strength, pulse duration, and switching timing, the actuation speed and force characteristics can be optimized for different circuit breaker applications without prototyping new mechanical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If spring-loaded actuators are used, then simple structure is achieved, but energy availability is limited and dynamic characteristics are difficult to adjust

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidenergy availability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical energy storage system with an electromagnetic energy conversion system. Electrical energy is converted directly to mechanical force through electromagnetic fields, providing virtually unlimited energy availability compared to spring constraints, while maintaining a relatively simple actuator structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Use of energy by moving object

If on/off coil actuators are used for high voltage circuit breakers, then electrical energy conversion is achieved, but controlled braking is lacking and speed control is imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy conversionVSAvoidspeed control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic actuator incorporates feedback control through sensors that monitor position, speed, and force. This allows precise control of the breaking speed and position by continuously adjusting the electromagnetic field based on actual system state, enabling accurate speed regulation and controlled braking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static on/off control to dynamic continuous control. The electromagnetic actuator can modulate force output at any point in the motion cycle, enabling precise speed control during both the breaking and reclosing operations, as well as controlled deceleration at any position

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

The actuator enables rapid and controlled movement of loads with significant fluid friction, achieving de-energization within 50-75 ms, reducing energy losses, and providing sufficient energy for high-voltage circuit breaker operations while minimizing maintenance needs.

Implementation Method 1

an electromechanical actuator... comprising a polyphase asynchronous machine... directly converting electrical energy into mechanical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3769330B1Electromechanical actuator for a high-voltage electrical installation circuit breaker
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 ETNA IND
  • EP3769330B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3769330B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3769330B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns an electromechanical actuator for a high-voltage electrical installation circuit breaker, said actuator comprising an element (3) that is mobile between an active position and an inactive position. A rod (2) is rigidly attached to the mobile element (3). The actuator also comprises a movement device (4) for moving said mobile element (3), an electrical energy storage device (24) and a control module (23) for controlling the movement device (4). The invention is characterised in that the movement device (4) ensures a linear movement by induction of the mobile element (3) equipped with the rod (2) and comprises, to this effect, a series of at least three coils inserted in a magnetic circuit (22) positioned on a frame (5), the mobile element (3) being mounted in a mobile manner so as to move on said frame (5) and comprising a conductive material capable of being moved under the effect of a magnetic field generated by each of said at least three coils (22) when they are powered, according to a predetermined dynamic control law, said dynamic control law complying with the invention being a vector control law allowing an acceleration profile to be followed.