Pyrotechnic Circuit Breaker Arc Cooling for High-Current Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pyrotechnic circuit breakers struggle to manage the high energy, pressure, and temperature conditions generated by electric arcs when breaking high-current, high-voltage electrical circuits, which can damage the device.
Innovation Solution
A pyrotechnic circuit breaker with a housing, blades, and a pyrotechnic actuator that includes conductive cooling features to establish secondary electric arcs through a secondary arc path, enhancing energy dissipation and reducing excessive temperature and pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a pyrotechnic circuit breaker is used to break high-current, high-voltage electrical circuits, then rapid circuit breaking is achieved, but excessive temperature and pressure conditions are generated that can damage the device
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful electric arc into a beneficial cooling mechanism. Conductive cooling features are designed to intentionally establish secondary arc paths that dissipate energy through controlled arcing between cooling features and cut ends, transforming the previously harmful arc energy into a useful cooling effect that prevents excessive temperature and pressure buildup
2Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used in the cut-off chamber, then temperature control is improved, but energy dissipation efficiency is insufficient under high current conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical cooling systems with an electrical field-based cooling mechanism. Instead of using mechanical fans, pumps, or heat sinks, the invention uses electrically conductive cooling features that utilize the electric field and arc discharge to directly dissipate energy and control temperature, achieving superior energy dissipation efficiency under high current conditions
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
The secondary arc path effectively dissipates energy, allowing rapid breaking of electrical conductors while limiting temperature and pressure increases, ensuring the device's integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the circuit breaker has a first arc path allowing a first electric arc to be established directly from the first cut end to the second cut end
Implementation Method 2
the cooling device comprises a plurality of conductive cooling features arranged in the cut-off chamber
Implementation Method 3
a pyrotechnic actuator, arranged to move the blade from the rest position to the final position when it is actuated
Data Source
AI summary
A pyrotechnic circuit breaker comprising:a housing,an electrical conductor passing through the housing,at least one blade, able to move so as to cut at least one portion of the electrical conductor, the breaking of the electrical conductor defining a cut area separating a first cut end of the electrical conductor from a second cut end of the electrical conductor,a pyrotechnic actuator,the circuit breaker having a first arc path allowing a first electric arc to be established directly from the first cut end to the second cut end,characterized in that the circuit breaker comprises conductive cooling features so as to have a secondary arc path passing through a first conductive cooling feature and through a secondary conductive cooling feature or a last conductive cooling feature.