Semiconductor Circuit Breaker with Self-Resetting Current Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for industrial electrical systems, such as those using fuses, require manual replacement after a short-circuit and are vulnerable to transient phenomena, posing hazards and operational burdens.
Innovation Solution
A circuit breaker with a semiconductor power device, current limiting circuit, and integrated self-resetting capabilities, including a Hall effect sensor and voltage regulator, automatically disconnects loads from the mains supply during short-circuits and resets without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuse is used in the safety device, then the system is protected from short-circuit currents, but the fuse requires manual replacement after tripping
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker automatically resets itself after tripping by detecting when the fault condition has cleared and automatically reclosing the circuit, eliminating the need for manual intervention to replace fuses or reset breakers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical fuse replacement operation with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, microprocessors, and motorized mechanisms to detect faults, trip the breaker, and automatically reset when conditions permit
2Reliability
If a thermal breaker is used to protect against overcurrent, then the load is disconnected in case of overload, but the breaker is vulnerable to damage from transient phenomena
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit breaker performs preliminary diagnostic actions before tripping to distinguish between transient faults and genuine overcurrent conditions, and implements selective tripping that protects against transient damage while maintaining overload protection
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from current sensors and diagnostic circuits to monitor circuit conditions in real-time, enabling intelligent discrimination between transient phenomena and genuine faults, and adjusting the protection response accordingly
3Reliability
If manual fuse replacement is required, then skilled operator assistance is needed, but this increases operational time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The automated circuit breaker performs self-diagnosis and self-resetting operations, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually replace fuses and reducing reset time from minutes or hours to seconds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical fuse replacement with automated electronic control and motorized mechanisms that can reset the circuit breaker automatically, dramatically reducing the time and skill required for restoration
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 circuit breaker effectively protects industrial electrical systems from short-circuit hazards by automatically disconnecting loads and self-resetting, reducing the risk of damage and operational disruptions while eliminating the need for manual replacement.
Implementation Method 1
current limiting circuit (200) operatively associated with said mains supply line LIN configured for detecting current variations in such line
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit breaker (100) for protecting an electrical system (10). The circuit breaker comprises a semiconductor switching element (T1) with a first (1) and a second (2) electrical terminal connected to a mains supply line (LIN) and a control terminal (3). Such switching element (T1) is controlled by enabling/disabling a control signal (S) applied to the control terminal (3) for switching between an open/closed status and a closed/open status for connecting/disconnecting at least one load (LD) to/from the supply line (LIN). Moreover, the circuit breaker comprises a drive (DV) adapted to enable/disable the control signal (S). The circuit breaker (100) is characterised in that it comprises: - a current limiting circuit (200) operatively associated with the mains supply line (LIN) configured for sending a first signal (S1) to the drive (DV) for disabling the control signal (S) switching the switching element (T1) from the closed status to the open status subsequent to the detection of a current value (Icc) indicative of a failure in the system; - a voltage regulator circuit (300, 400) connected to the first (1) and to the second (2) electrical terminal, comprising: dissipation means (300) of an electrical energy stored on the mains supply line (LIN) subsequent to the switching of the switching element (T1) from the closed status to the open status, means (400) for limiting a failure voltage between the first (1) and the second (2) terminal generated by peak values of the failure current (Icc). Moreover, the circuit breaker comprises an overheating safety circuit of said first (1) and second (2) electrical terminal caused by a non conforming clamping of the electrical wires connected to such terminals.