Optical Power Supply for DC Switching Module Capacitor Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage DC breakers and current limiters face reliability issues due to the difficulty in ensuring regular charging of energy storage capacitors, as they are often in a conducting state for extended periods, and existing solutions like remote power supply via pulse transformers are not applicable at high voltage levels.
Innovation Solution
A switching module that uses optical power transformation to supply power to the energy storage capacitor independently of the primary circuit voltage, combined with an RCD snubber circuit for equal voltage distribution and reduced power demand, and a control signal detector to integrate control signals within the optical power signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the DC breaker is operated in conducting state for extended periods, then the power transmission function is maintained, but the energy storage capacitor cannot be charged regularly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical power signal continuously charges the energy storage capacitor in advance during normal operating periods, ensuring that sufficient energy is stored before any potential switching operation is needed. This preliminary charging action eliminates the reliability issue of whether the capacitor can be charged when actually needed.
2Ease of operation
If remote power supply via pulse transformers is used, then power can be supplied to gate units, but the solution is not applicable at high voltage levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical pulse transformer coupling with optical coupling. The optical power signal transmits power through optical fibers or optical paths that are electrically isolated, allowing the system to work at any voltage level without insulation constraints. This substitution of electrical coupling with optical coupling resolves the voltage level applicability limitation.
3Stress or pressure
If multiple series connected power semiconductor switches are used, then the voltage handling capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power semiconductor switches into integrated modules, where each module contains switches, gate units, and energy storage capacitors as an integrated unit. This merging reduces the overall system complexity by consolidating components and simplifying the interconnections between multiple switches while maintaining the required voltage handling capability through series connection of the modules.
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 ensures regular charging of energy storage capacitors, enhancing the reliability of DC breakers and current limiters by providing a consistent power supply and reducing power demand, while overcoming insulation challenges and equalizing voltage distribution across series-connected modules.
Implementation Method 1
power transformation means arranged to receive power via an optical power signal, to transform the optical power signal into an electrical power signal
Implementation Method 2
RCD snubber circuit for equal voltage distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A switching module, intended to be used in a medium or high voltage DC breaker or a DC current limiter, includes at least one power semiconductor switching element, a gate unit arranged to turn the at least one power semiconductor switching element on and off, respectively, according to a switching control signal, and an energy storage capacitor arranged to provide power to a power supply input of the gate unit. The switching module further includes a power transformation device arranged to receive an optical power signal, to transform the optical power signal into an electrical power signal and to provide the electrical power signal to the energy storage capacitor.