Pyrotechnic Switching in Energy Storage Units for HV Disconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical switches for energy storage units in high voltage systems are bulky and costly, making their disconnection from the energy storage system non-trivial due to potential voltage stress.
Innovation Solution
Employing pyrotechnic switches with a control unit to manage the connection and disconnection of energy storage units, utilizing pyrotechnic charges for efficient switching, reducing bulkiness and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical switches are used for disconnecting energy storage units in high voltage systems, then the disconnection function is achieved, but the switch becomes bulky and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical switches with pyrotechnic switches that use chemical energy (pyrotechnic charges) to open contacts. This substitution eliminates the need for bulky mechanical actuation mechanisms while maintaining the disconnection function, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and bulkiness
Solution Approach 2:
The pyrotechnic switch is designed as a disposable component that is replaced after a single operation. This approach reduces the need for complex, expensive, and bulky mechanical switches that require durability and repeated operation, thereby reducing both cost and bulkiness while maintaining reliable disconnection
2Reliability
If mechanical switches are used for disconnecting energy storage units in high voltage systems, then the disconnection function is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a disposable pyrotechnic switch design that is simpler and cheaper to manufacture than complex mechanical switches. The pyrotechnic mechanism uses inexpensive chemical charges and simple contact structures, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical components, actuators, and control systems while providing reliable disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the complex mechanical system with a chemical-based pyrotechnic system, the patent reduces manufacturing costs. The pyrotechnic switch requires fewer precision-machined parts, no complex actuation mechanisms, and simpler control electronics, directly addressing the cost issue
3Weight of stationary object
If pyrotechnic switches are used to replace mechanical switches, then bulkiness and cost are reduced, but the switching control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the switching control into two independent parts: the control unit that triggers the pyrotechnic charges, and the pyrotechnic switch mechanism itself. This segmentation simplifies the control unit's function to merely initiating the chemical reaction, while the pyrotechnic mechanism handles the actual switching, thereby reducing overall control complexity despite the novel switching mechanism
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
Pyrotechnic switches provide a compact and cost-effective solution for disconnecting energy storage units, addressing the bulkiness and cost issues of conventional switches while ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a first pyrotechnic switch (11) connected between the first unit terminal (6) and the first element terminal (9), and a second pyrotechnic switch (12) connected between the first unit terminal (6) and the second unit terminal (7)
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage unit comprises a first unit terminal and a second unit terminal, an energy storage element having a first element terminal and a second element terminal, and a protection circuit. The second element terminal of the energy storage element is connected with the second unit terminal. The protection circuit comprises a first pyrotechnic switch connected between the first unit terminal and the first element terminal and a second pyrotechnic switch connected between the first unit terminal and the second unit terminal.