Modular Junction Module Layout for Space-Saving Fault Current Limiters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fault current limiters lack design flexibility and require significant installation space, necessitating separate outdoor sites or new structures, which increases installation and maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular fault current limiter with a junction module that allows for modular components, including a superconducting and resistive module, to be easily arranged, modified, or removed, enhancing design flexibility and space utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fault current limiter design is used, then the function of limiting fault currents is achieved, but design flexibility is low and installation space is large

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The fault current limiter is divided into multiple modular units (current limiting module, junction module, housing module) that can be independently designed, manufactured, and assembled. This segmentation enables flexible configuration and reduces the overall installation space by allowing compact modular arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design creates universal components that can serve multiple functions and be configured in various arrangements. The junction module with multiple terminal sets can connect different modules in series or parallel configurations, providing design flexibility without requiring separate dedicated structures for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional fault current limiter design is used, then fault current limiting function is ensured, but separate outdoor site or new structure construction is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefault current limiting functionVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into standardized modular units with universal connection interfaces, the invention enables easy installation and maintenance without requiring specialized outdoor sites or new structure construction. Modules can be installed in existing facilities using standard mounting procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular design allows multiple functional modules to be combined within a single integrated housing structure, eliminating the need for separate outdoor installations. The junction module serves as a common platform that merges connection functions for multiple current limiting modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular design with junction module is used, then design flexibility and space utilization are improved, but component arrangement complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidcomponent arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The junction module incorporates localized connection interfaces (terminal sets) with specific electrical connection characteristics optimized for different module types. This local quality optimization simplifies the overall arrangement by providing standardized connection points that automatically guide proper module configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The universal terminal set design with multiple connection points enables the same junction module structure to accommodate various module arrangements (series, parallel, combinations) without requiring different connection hardware, thereby reducing arrangement complexity despite design flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 modular design enables flexible component arrangement, reduces installation and maintenance costs, and improves space utilization in power facilities.

Implementation Method 1

a superconducting element electrically connected to an external power source, through which an operating current flows. When a fault current is detected, the superconducting element transitions from a superconducting state to a normal conducting state, generating high resistance and thereby quickly limiting the fault current.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperconductivity: Superconductivity

Data Source

PatentEP4675876A1Junction module for fault current limiter and modular fault current limiter comprising same

Publication Date: 2026.01.07 LS ELECTRIC CO LTD

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AI summary

A junction module for a fault current limiter is provided. A junction module for a fault current limiter, according to one aspect of the present invention, is a junction module for a fault current limiter for electrically connecting an external wire through which an operating current flows and a current limiting module for a fault current limiter which detects and limits a fault current, and may comprise: a junction module housing; a plurality of terminal sets each including an input terminal and an output terminal provided in the junction module housing so as to be electrically connected to any one of the external wire, the current limiting module, and another junction module; and a junction wiring unit provided inside the junction module housing such that the plurality of terminal sets are electrically connected.