Multi-Pole Combination Converter Module for Compact Circuit-Breakers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switching devices with electronic tripping units and combination converters require multiple housings for each phase, leading to inefficient use of installation space and increased complexity, especially in low-voltage circuit-breakers, which limits the accuracy of current measurement and protective functions.
Innovation Solution
A multi-pole combination converter module is created by arranging multiple combination converters in a common housing, utilizing Rogowski coils and iron-cored current transformers with annular cores, along with spacers and filling material for insulation and protection, allowing for accurate current measurement and reduced design complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate combination converters with housings are used for each phase, then air gaps and leakage paths between phases are ensured, but installation space is inefficiently utilized and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple combination converters for different phases are merged into a single common housing, reducing the number of separate housings from three (one per phase) to one shared housing, thereby simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining necessary electrical insulation
Solution Approach 2:
The common housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for all combination converters, ensures electrical insulation between phases through integrated spacing elements, and maintains required air gaps and leakage paths for all phases within a single unified structure
2Reliability
If separate combination converters with housings are used for each phase, then electrical insulation is maintained, but installation space utilization is poor
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple combination converters into one common housing, the total volume required for installation is reduced compared to using three separate housings, as the shared housing eliminates redundant structural elements and optimizes space utilization within the circuit-breaker
3Device complexity
If multiple combination converters are arranged in a common housing, then installation space is optimized and device complexity is reduced, but air gaps and leakage paths between phases must be carefully managed
Solution Approach 1:
Spacing elements are introduced as intermediary components between the combination converters in the common housing, ensuring that required air gaps and leakage paths are maintained between phases while allowing all converters to be housed together in a single structure
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
This solution enables accurate current measurement and protective functions in low-voltage circuit-breakers, reduces production costs, and provides robust, cost-effective, and compact combination converter modules with improved electrical insulation, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of circuit-breaker operations.
Implementation Method 1
The output voltage of the Rogowski coil is proportional to the time derivative of the current in the conductor contained in the Rogowski coil
Implementation Method 2
The iron-cored current transformer is used to supply energy to the electronic tripping unit
Data Source
AI summary
A combination converter arrangement and a switching device including such a combination converter arrangement are disclosed. The combination of a current transformer with a core made of ferromagnetic material and a Rogowski coil is referred to as a combination converter, the current transformer being used to supply energy to the electronic tripping unit of the switching device, and the Rogowski coil being used to measure current. In order to make use of the installation space available in the switching device for installing combination converters, a plurality of combination converters are arranged in a common housing to thereby provide a multi-pole combination converter module.