Modular Ground Fault Relay Segmentation for Circuit Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ground fault relays are either expensive and unnecessary when only a few circuits require protection, as they are designed to protect either a single circuit or a large number of circuits, lacking flexibility and efficiency for systems with varying protection needs.
Innovation Solution
A modular ground fault protective relay system that includes a power supply module and protection modules, where each protection module can be easily connected and expanded, allowing for customizable protection of any number of branch circuits without requiring excessive modules, using a mechanism of slidable bus members for electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-circuit protective unit is used to protect multiple circuits, then the number of circuits protected is increased, but the cost and complexity increase unnecessarily when only a few circuits require protection
Solution Approach 1:
The protective relay is divided into separate modular components: a power supply module and multiple protection modules. Each protection module can be independently connected to the power supply module via removable connectors, allowing the system to be configured for protecting any number of circuits from 1 to 12. This segmentation eliminates the need to purchase expensive multi-circuit units when only a few circuits require protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic reconfiguration of the number of protected circuits by adding or removing protection modules from the power supply module. The removable connector design enables operators to adjust the system configuration based on specific protection needs, transforming a static multi-circuit unit into a dynamically adaptable system.
2Device complexity
If a single-circuit protective unit is used, then the cost is reduced, but the system lacks flexibility when protection needs change
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply module serves as a universal base unit that can support any number of protection modules (from 1 to 12). This universal design allows a single power supply module to replace multiple single-circuit units, providing both cost savings and flexibility. The same power supply module can be used across different applications with varying circuit protection requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of protection capacity by allowing operators to add or remove protection modules as needs change. This dynamic configuration capability provides the flexibility of multiple single-circuit units while maintaining the cost efficiency of a single modular platform.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-configuration protective relays are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the system requires excessive modules when protection needs vary
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the protective relay into standardized protection modules and a power supply module with removable connectors, the system allows manufacturers to produce simple, standardized components. This segmentation enables the same basic modules to be used in different configurations (1 to 12 circuits), eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple fixed-configuration units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the configuration parameter (number of protected circuits) by adding or removing modules rather than manufacturing different fixed-configuration devices. This parameter change approach allows a single standardized module design to serve multiple circuit protection needs, reducing the quantity of different module types that must be manufactured and inventoried.
Data Source
AI summary
A protection module is for a modular ground fault protective relay. The modular ground fault protective relay includes a power supply module having a connection port. The protection module includes a body having a first side and a second side disposed opposite the first side, a module connector extending outwardly from the first side, the module connector being structured to be removably coupled to the connection port of the power supply module, and a module expansion port extending inwardly from the second side toward the first side.