Semiconductor DC Transfer Switch With Interlocked Breaker Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
DC power systems face challenges in voltage stepping and switching/protecting gears, limiting their application in power distribution, especially when combined with AC systems, and there is a need for transfer switches to manage multiple power sources safely and flexibly.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor-based DC transfer switch with mechanically interlocked circuit breakers ensures only one circuit breaker is closed at a time, using solid-state circuit breakers to improve reliability and reduce size, and incorporates redundant power electronics for fail-safe operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical circuit breakers are used in DC power systems, then the switching and protection functions can be achieved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical circuit breakers with semiconductor-based circuit breakers that use electronic switching devices (such as IGBTs or MOSFETs) instead of mechanical moving parts. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical interlocking mechanisms while maintaining the circuit breaking function through electronic control, thereby reducing device size and complexity while preserving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor-based circuit breaker integrates multiple functions including switching, protection, and interlocking control into a single device. The electronic control system can detect fault conditions and automatically open the circuit without requiring separate mechanical protection devices, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive protection functions
2Reliability
If mechanically interlocked circuit breakers are used to ensure only one power source is connected, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical interlocking mechanisms with electronic interlocking control using semiconductor devices. The electronic control system monitors the status of both circuit breakers and uses electronic signals to ensure only one remains closed at any time, eliminating complex mechanical interlocks while maintaining safety through programmable logic and electronic sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The semiconductor-based system provides automatic interlocking control where the electronic control circuit automatically detects when one circuit breaker opens and responds by closing the other circuit breaker without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical interlocking components. The system self-regulates to maintain safe operating conditions
3Device complexity
If semiconductor-based circuit breakers are used, then device size and cost are reduced, but the switching speed and response time must be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the switching speed parameter of semiconductor devices by selecting appropriate semiconductor technologies (such as IGBTs or MOSFETs) with fast switching characteristics. The electronic control system is designed with optimized gate drive circuits and control algorithms that minimize switching transition times, thereby achieving both reduced device size and optimized switching speed performance
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for method for a semiconductor-based DC transfer switch. The semiconductor-based DC transfer switch uses two individual circuit breakers that are mechanically interlocked in such a way that only one of the two circuit breakers can be closed at any time. An actuator, such as a motor, operates mechanical arms that interact with the handles of the circuit breakers. At least one of the circuit breakers is a semiconductor-based DC circuit breaker.