Parallel Electronic Circuit Breakers for High Current DC Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing protective devices for high nominal current loads in DC voltage networks are inadequate for preventing overload and short-circuit damage, as they lack flexibility and require adaptation of the power distribution system, and existing solutions like thermal or magnetic circuit breakers have limited adjustment options.
Innovation Solution
A protective device with multiple electronic circuit breakers connected in parallel, each with a control unit and communication device, allowing active current limitation and synchronized switching, enabling protection of loads with higher rated currents without derating and allowing seamless integration with existing power distribution systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If thermal or magnetic circuit breakers are used for high rated current loads, then the protective device can handle higher currents, but the adjustment options and flexibility are significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device is segmented into multiple electronic circuit breakers connected in parallel, each capable of independent adjustment and control. This segmentation allows the system to handle high total currents while maintaining the adjustability and flexibility of individual electronic circuit breakers, resolving the contradiction between power capacity and adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single electronic circuit breaker is used for high rated current loads, then the adjustment options are maintained, but the device cannot handle currents exceeding its rated capacity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electronic circuit breakers are merged in parallel configuration to create a protective device with combined current capacity. The control units are also merged through communication coupling, allowing coordinated operation. This merging enables the system to handle high total currents while preserving the adjustment options of individual electronic circuit breakers.
3Power
If parallel connection of circuit breakers is implemented, then higher rated currents are achieved, but the switching coordination and reliability become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Communication devices establish feedback loops between control units of parallel-connected circuit breakers. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and coordination of switching operations, ensuring reliable synchronized operation. The feedback system resolves the reliability concerns associated with parallel connections by maintaining coordinated control across all circuit breakers.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a protective device (2) comprising a total current path (8) between a voltage input (4) and a load terminal (6), with a number of parallel connected partial current paths (10), wherein in each partial current path (10) an electronic circuit breaker (12) with a switching element (18) and with a control unit (20) for actively limiting the current of a partial current (IT) flowing in the partial current path (10) and for switching on and off a load output (14) of the electronic circuit breaker (12) is connected, wherein each of the electronic circuit breakers (12) has a communication device (24) for receiving and outputting a control signal (S), and wherein the communication devices (24) are coupled to each other in such a way that the control signal (S) output by one of the communication devices (24) is directly and in parallel output to the respective other communication devices (24).