Single Reversing Contactor for High-Voltage Motor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-voltage current breaking devices in electrical substations require numerous electronic and electromechanical components, leading to size and cost issues, as well as reliability concerns due to simultaneous operation risks and climatic constraints, especially when controlling multiple motors.

Innovation Solution

A control device utilizing a single reversing contactor with piloting means and current routing, along with pulse width modulation for motor speed control, reduces component count and ensures safe, sequential operation of current breaking devices, integrating switching relays and current measurement for enhanced reliability and compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple power contactors are used to control each motor independently, then each motor can be controlled separately, but the number of electronic components increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent motor controlVSAvoidNumber of electronic components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions of multiple motors into a single power contactor. The contactor's multiple contacts are distributed to control different motors sequentially, eliminating the need for separate contactors for each motor. This reduces the number of electronic components while maintaining independent control capability through sequential activation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single power contactor is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling multiple motors. The contactor's contacts are configured to route power to different motors based on operational requirements, making one component serve the role of multiple dedicated contactors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If electromechanical locking means are used to prevent simultaneous operation, then safety is improved, but the response time increases by several milliseconds

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePrevention of simultaneous operationVSAvoidResponse time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control system performs preliminary checks of motor positions and operational states before activating the power contactor. The microprocessor monitors limit switch positions and prevents simultaneous operation through software logic that evaluates conditions beforehand, eliminating the need for slow electromechanical locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces electromechanical locking means with a microprocessor-based control system. The microprocessor provides electronic control and monitoring that prevents simultaneous motor operation through software logic, offering faster response times compared to mechanical locking systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution provides a more reliable, compact, and cost-effective control system that prevents simultaneous operations, ensuring safer and more efficient management of high-voltage current breaking devices with reduced electronic components and improved motor speed regulation.

Implementation Method 1

a single reversing contactor (11) controlled by piloting means (12), intended to be connected to a power source for the motors (M1, M2, M3) and, in addition, means for routing a current coming from the power source and passing through the reversing contactor (11)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current routing: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a single reversing contactor (11) controlled by piloting means (12)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Relay

Implementation Method 3

an operating motor according to claim 1

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2577702B1Control device using electric motors for controlling a plurality of current switching devices
Publication Date: 2014.07.16 ALSTOM TECH LTD
  • EP2577702B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2577702B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2577702B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for controlling a group of current breaking apparatuses (21, 22) via, for each current breaking apparatus, an actuation motor (M1, M2) which actuates at least one electrical contact of the current breaking apparatus. Said device comprises a single changeover contactor (11) controlled by control means (12) for connection to a power source (V) for the motors, and connected to the motors via switching means (R1, R2) for a current originating from the power source (V) and flowing through the changeover contactor (11). The invention is used for the control of current breaking apparatuses of a switch bay of a high-voltage electrical station.