Power Converter System Disconnecting Device for Overvoltage Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transformer systems for load disconnectors are cumbersome to connect and disconnect, especially during overvoltage tests, as they require laborious cable connections and frequent replacement of fuses to protect evaluation electronics from damage, leading to time-consuming installation and removal processes.

Innovation Solution

A disconnecting device is introduced to temporarily separate the current transformer from the evaluation electronics, allowing for safe overvoltage testing without damaging the electronics, and a sliding guide mechanism enables easy reconnection post-test.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the current transformer system is permanently connected to the evaluation electronics, then the measurement function is continuously available, but the evaluation electronics are vulnerable to overvoltage damage during testing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of evaluation electronicsVSAvoidconnection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the current transformer system into separable modules: the current transformer unit and the evaluation electronics unit. A disconnecting device with switching elements physically separates these modules, allowing the current transformer to be isolated from the evaluation electronics during overvoltage tests while maintaining connection during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a disconnecting device as an intermediary component between the current transformer and evaluation electronics. This device includes switching elements that can open or close electrical connections, serving as a mediator that protects the evaluation electronics from overvoltage while enabling measurement functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the current transformer system is disconnected during overvoltage tests, then the evaluation electronics are protected, but the installation and removal process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of evaluation electronicsVSAvoidinstallation and removal time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the disconnecting device with the current transformer system housing, integrating the switching elements directly into the module structure. This integration allows for rapid connection and disconnection without requiring separate cable management operations, significantly reducing the time needed to install or remove the current transformer system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic connection system where the disconnecting device can quickly transition between connected and disconnected states. The switching elements are designed to enable rapid make/break operations, allowing the system to adapt its connection state dynamically based on whether overvoltage testing is being performed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If fuse links are used to protect evaluation electronics, then overvoltage damage is prevented, but the fuse must be replaced after each test increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of evaluation electronicsVSAvoidfuse replacement procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the protection function from the fuse link concept and implements it through a disconnecting device that physically separates the current transformer from the evaluation electronics. This eliminates the need for consumable fuse links that require replacement, replacing them instead with a reusable mechanical switching system that can be reset after each test.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 simplifies the connection and disconnection process, preventing overvoltage damage to evaluation electronics and reducing the time required for installation and removal, enhancing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an alternating current flowing through the outgoing connection (primary conductor) induces a secondary current that is galvanically isolated from the primary circuit in a secondary line provided by the current transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3281215B1Power converter system and load interrupter comprising such a power converter system
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 EFEN
  • EP3281215B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3281215B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3281215B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a power converter system comprising a power converter, which detects a current flowing through the power converter and converts said current into a measurement voltage, and an electronic evaluation system which is connected to the power converter and which processes the measurement voltage, wherein the power converter and the electronic evaluation system are arranged in a system housing. The invention is to provide a power converter system or a load interrupter comprising such a power converter system which prevents the aforementioned disadvantages. According to the invention, this is achieved in that an interrupter device is provided for temporarily interrupting the connection between the power converter and the electronic evaluation system.