Bi-directional Magnetic Arc Deflection for High Voltage DC Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fused disconnect switch devices are inadequate for safely handling higher voltage direct current (DC) circuitry due to issues with electrical arcing, size, and cost, particularly failing to effectively interrupt DC currents above 125 VDC and requiring polarity-specific operation.
Innovation Solution
A compact fused disconnect switch device with arc chambers and a movable switch element that utilizes magnetic arc deflection to extinguish arcs quickly, allowing bi-directional switching at higher voltages without polarity dependence, and incorporates a stationary turn-back conductor to manage arc energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fused disconnect switch devices are used for higher voltage DC circuitry, then device simplicity is maintained, but electrical arcing severity increases and arc interruption capability deteriorates above 125 VDC
Solution Approach 1:
The arc chamber is segmented into multiple sections with arc deflectors that divide and redirect the arc path. This segmentation increases the arc length and distributes the arc energy across multiple surfaces, improving arc interruption capability while reducing localized arcing severity in higher voltage DC applications
Solution Approach 2:
Arc deflectors serve as intermediary elements between the contacts and the arc plasma. These deflectors intercept and redirect the arc, providing a controlled path that enhances arc interruption while protecting the contacts from direct arc exposure, thereby improving reliability without exacerbating arcing harmful effects
2Volume of moving object
If device size is reduced for compactness, then ease of installation improves, but arc containment capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The arc deflectors utilize the third dimension by extending vertically and diagonally within the compact arc chamber. This dimensional utilization allows the deflectors to intercept and redirect arcs in multiple directions within a limited space, maintaining effective arc containment while achieving a compact device volume suitable for ease of installation
3Speed
If magnetic arc deflection is added to improve arc interruption, then arc extinction speed improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design replaces complex mechanical arc control mechanisms with magnetic field-based arc deflection. Magnets generate magnetic fields that interact with the moving arc plasma, providing rapid arc redirection and extinction without requiring complex mechanical moving parts, thereby achieving fast arc extinction while limiting the increase in device complexity
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 solution enables reliable operation at voltages up to 1000 VDC with reduced arcing severity and duration, providing a compact, cost-effective, and safer solution for higher voltage DC systems while maintaining effective arc interruption capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second magnets cooperate to generate a magnetic field across the shell. The magnetic field deflects and extinguishes electrical arcs by applying electromagnetic force to the moving charges in the arc plasma.
Implementation Method 2
One or more fusible links or elements, or a fuse element assembly, is connected between the fuse terminals, so that when electrical current through the fuse exceeds a predetermined limit, the fusible elements melt and open one or more circuits
Data Source
AI summary
A fused disconnect switch device includes a housing defining an interior volume, and a current path. An arc interruption assembly is located in the interior volume and includes a shell, and a conductor in electrical communication with the current path. At least one arc plate is located between the magnets and the conductor. The magnets cooperate to generate a magnetic field facilitating an interruption of a first arc between the conductor and the first side of the arc chamber and a second arc between the conductor and the second side of the arc chamber.