Modular Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Tripping Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Residual current circuit breakers independent of mains voltage have limited functionality and are not suitable for detecting all fault currents in modern installations, and mains voltage-dependent components pose risks of failure due to thermal stress and regulatory issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular design that allows for the expansion of mains voltage-independent residual current circuit breakers with a tripping module that can be connected externally, utilizing a data processing unit and high-thermal-capacity components to enhance detection capabilities and service life, while maintaining basic functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mains voltage-dependent electronic components are installed to expand functionality, then detection capabilities are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to thermal stress and regulatory non-compliance
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a mains voltage-independent basic unit (residual current circuit breaker) and a separate mains voltage-dependent expansion unit (triggering module). This segmentation allows the basic unit to maintain high reliability while the expansion unit provides enhanced detection capabilities, resolving the contradiction between functionality and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A triggering module serves as an intermediary between the mains voltage environment and the mains voltage-independent circuit breaker. The module interfaces with the circuit breaker via plug-in contacts and a module interface, enabling expanded functionality while isolating the main breaker from thermal stress and regulatory issues.
2Reliability
If mains voltage-independent design is used, then reliability is improved, but functionality deteriorates with limited detection capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The residual current circuit breaker is designed with universal interfaces (plug-in contacts, module interface, electrical inputs/outputs) that enable it to perform multiple functions. The basic unit provides mains voltage-independent protection, while optional triggering modules can be attached to enable detection of smooth DC residual currents and other advanced functions, achieving multi-functionality without compromising reliability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If components with high thermal load capacity are used, then service life is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional triggering module
Solution Approach 1:
The system configuration is made dynamic and adaptable. The triggering module with high thermal load capacity components is not permanently integrated but can be connected or disconnected as needed via plug-in contacts. This dynamic configuration allows the system to achieve enhanced service life when the module is attached, while maintaining simple structure when operating in basic mode, thus resolving the complexity contradiction.
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 extended protection against fault currents, including smooth DC residual currents, with improved service life and adaptability without altering the internal structure of the circuit breaker, facilitating easy expansion of existing protection concepts.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arrangement (2) for detecting a fault current independent of the mains voltage, having a summation current transformer (4) with a secondary winding (5), which secondary winding (5) has the tripping circuit (3) connected by circuitry
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a residual-current circuit breaker (1), comprising a sensor assembly (2) for detecting a residual current independently of the mains voltage and a trip circuit (3) independent of the mains voltage, wherein the sensor assembly (2) has a core-balance current transformer (4) having a secondary winding (5), which secondary winding (5) is connected to the trip circuit (3) by circuitry. Acoording to the invention the residual-current circuit breaker (1) also comprises: an electrical mains voltage output (6), an electrical input (7), which is connected to the trip circuit (3) by circuitry, and an electrical protective switch interface (8), which is connected by circuitry to a tertiary winding (9) arranged on the core-balance current transformer (4). The invention further relates to a tripping module for connecting to the residual-current circuit breaker.