Residual Current Circuit Breaker with Parallel AC DC Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing residual-current circuit breakers are complex, costly, and have high space requirements due to the need for two summation current transformers to detect direct and alternating currents, leading to high energy consumption, reduced detection bandwidth, and increased risk of failure.
Innovation Solution
A residual-current circuit breaker design that uses a single summation current transformer with parallel operating alternating and direct current measuring arrangements, eliminating the need for a switch and allowing simultaneous detection of AC and DC residual currents, reducing component count and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two summation current transformers are used to detect DC and AC residual currents separately, then detection capability for both current types is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines DC and AC residual current detection into a single summation current transformer by using alternating magnetization of the core. The measuring arrangement switches the magnetization state of the core between two directions, allowing the same transformer to detect both DC and AC residual currents through different measurement cycles, thereby eliminating the need for separate transformers.
Solution Approach 2:
The single summation current transformer is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting both DC and AC residual currents, and providing magnetization in both directions. The measuring arrangement universally handles both current types by alternating the magnetization state, making one component serve the role of what traditionally required two separate components.
2Device complexity
If a switch is used to alternate between DC and AC residual-current sensors, then single transformer usage is achieved, but energy consumption increases and detection bandwidth decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring arrangement continuously alternates the magnetization state of the core between two directions in a periodic manner, enabling continuous detection of both DC and AC residual currents. This continuous alternating action eliminates idle periods and reduces energy consumption compared to high-frequency switching, while maintaining effective detection of both current types.
3Speed
If high frequency switching is used to alternate between sensors, then response time is improved, but thermal stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring arrangement uses periodic alternation of the core magnetization state between two directions at a controlled frequency. This periodic action allows the system to detect both DC and AC residual currents effectively while avoiding the excessive thermal stress associated with high-frequency switching, as the alternation frequency is optimized to balance response time and thermal management.
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 design simplifies production, reduces space requirements, enhances safety by enabling continuous monitoring of both AC and DC residual currents, and lowers the risk of failure, leading to improved protection against electrical accidents and longer lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a summation current transformer (2) configured to detect residual currents
Data Source
AI summary
A residual current circuit breaker having a core-balance current transformer for detecting a residual current, wherein a secondary winding is arranged on a core of the core-balance element transformer, wherein the residual current circuit breaker has an AC measurement arrangement and a DC measurement arrangement, wherein the AC and DC measurement arrangements are designed to operate simultaneously and in parallel.