Parallel Thomson Coil Actuator for Fast Fault Current Commutation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional circuit breakers face challenges in quickly commutating fault current from vacuum interrupters to power electronic interrupters due to high operational resistances in power electronic devices, leading to power losses and unsuitability for many applications, and Thomson coil actuators require increased energy and mass to achieve rapid movement, limiting switching speed.
Innovation Solution
An ultrafast actuator system utilizing a plurality of axisymmetric Thomson coils to rapidly rotate an armature, which includes a hub and conductive Thomson plates, to quickly switch the current path between a vacuum interrupter and a solid-state interrupter by energizing the Thomson coils, reducing the need for high energy and mass, and employing a follower mechanism to translate linear motion for rapid contact opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional Thomson coil actuator uses a single Thomson plate connected to a moving component, then the structure is simple, but the total moving mass is large which reduces opening velocity and increases the time required to move the Thomson plate between positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single Thomson plate into multiple Thomson plates (typically three or more) that are distributed around the periphery of the armature. Each plate is connected to the common moving component (such as a piston or plunger) through individual linkages. This segmentation reduces the effective moving mass of each individual plate while maintaining the overall actuating force, thereby increasing the opening velocity without sacrificing the required switching force.
2Force
If the mass of the Thomson plate is increased to achieve greater force, then the force capability is improved, but the opening velocity is reduced and more energy from the capacitor bank is required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the total actuating mass into multiple lighter Thomson plates, each plate experiences less inertial resistance during acceleration. The combined force from multiple coils acting on multiple lighter plates achieves the same total force as a single heavy plate, but with reduced moving mass per plate, enabling faster acceleration and higher opening velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the actuating force from multiple Thomson coils acting on multiple Thomson plates to achieve the required total force. The forces from individual coils are merged through the mechanical linkages to the common moving component, providing sufficient actuating force while keeping each individual plate lightweight for high-speed operation.
3Loss of time
If the Thomson coil actuator uses rapid opening of mechanical switch to achieve fast commutation, then the fault current commutation speed is improved, but the total moving mass and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the moving mass into multiple lighter Thomson plates enables faster acceleration and commutation speed. The reduced individual plate mass allows the mechanical switch to open more rapidly, achieving fast fault current commutation without requiring excessive total mass or energy input.
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 fast and efficient commutation of fault current, reducing energy loss and increasing switching speed, thus enhancing the performance of hybrid circuit breakers by leveraging the magnetic repulsion between Thomson coils and plates to rotate the armature and open contacts quickly.
Implementation Method 1
leveraging the magnetic repulsion between Thomson coils and plates to rotate the armature
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator, which is a part of a combination that includes a pair of circuit interrupters, advantageously employs a plurality of Thomson coils that are electrically connected in parallel and that interact with a corresponding set of Thomson plates of a rotatable armature in order to perform useful work in a rapid fashion. In one embodiment, the useful work is to commutate current from one circuit interrupter to the other.