Electronic Protection Device Auxiliary Power Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic protection devices for low voltage electric lines lose operability and data processing capabilities when tripped, limiting user access to fault information and increasing maintenance challenges due to reliance on non-volatile memory and large bistable displays.
Innovation Solution
The electronic protection device maintains control unit functionality and provides user information even in a tripped state through auxiliary contacts that keep the control unit powered, allowing data processing and fault indication, while maintaining a compact size and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the control unit is powered directly from the electric line without auxiliary power supply, then the device is self-supplied and cost-effective, but the control unit loses operability when the device trips
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent paths: main power contacts for the electric line and auxiliary power contacts for the control unit. This segmentation allows the control unit to maintain operability through the auxiliary path even when the main path interrupts power during tripping events.
Solution Approach 2:
Auxiliary power contacts act as an intermediary power supply path between the electric line and the control unit. These contacts remain closed during tripping events, providing continuous power to the control unit when the main power path is interrupted.
2Loss of information
If non-volatile memory is used to store fault information, then data is preserved after tripping, but the user can only access information after reclosing the device
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit maintains continuous operability through auxiliary power contacts during tripped states, enabling continuous information display and access. This eliminates the interruption in useful action that occurs with non-volatile memory systems where the control unit must be re-powered to access stored information.
3Ease of operation
If a bistable display is used to show fault information during tripped state, then user information access is improved, but the device size and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit serves itself by maintaining operability through the auxiliary power contacts, continuously powering the standard display without requiring a specialized bistable display. This self-service approach eliminates the need for complex display mechanisms while maintaining information accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic protection device for a LV electric line including at least a phase conductor and a neutral conductor, comprising: input terminals and output terminals, at which said electronic protection device is electrically connected respectively with an electric power source and with an electric load through said phase and neutral conductors; a control unit comprising a controller including data processing resources; one or more pairs of main contacts electrically connected with corresponding one or more input and output terminals and adapted to be mutually coupled or separated; one or more pairs of auxiliary contacts electrically connected with corresponding one or more input terminals and with said control unit and adapted to be mutually coupled or separated; a handle movable in a first position corresponding to a closed state of said electronic protection device, in a second position corresponding to a tripped state of said electronic protection device or in a third position corresponding to an open state of said electronic protection device; an operating mechanism adapted to operate said main contacts, said auxiliary contacts and said handle; a tripping unit adapted to actuate said operating mechanism in response to an activation by said control unit. Said main contacts and said auxiliary contacts are coupled when said electronic protection device is in said closed state with said handle in said first position. Said main contacts are separated and said auxiliary contacts are coupled when said electronic protection device is in said tripped state with said handle in said second position. Said main contacts and said auxiliary contacts are separated when said electronic protection device is in said open state with said handle in said third position.