Series Surge Protection to Block Mains Follow Currents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surge protection apparatuses are inefficient in protecting electrical installations from transient overvoltages due to aging and wear caused by mains follow currents, and they either require high protection levels or are unsuitable for direct current systems.
Innovation Solution
A surge protection apparatus with a series connection of a voltage-limiting protection component and a voltage-switching protection component, where the voltage-switching component switches to a quasi-closed state during surge events, ensuring the voltage-limiting component remains free from leakage currents and wear, with the voltage-limiting component being underdimensioned to handle only transient overvoltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the voltage-limiting protection component is dimensioned with a high rated voltage to withstand applied mains voltage, then the component can operate during normal operation, but the component is exposed to continuous leakage currents causing aging and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is segmented into two functional components: a voltage-switching protection component that handles normal operation and a voltage-limiting protection component that handles transient overvoltages only. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the voltage-limiting component being underdimensioned and protected from continuous stress by the voltage-switching component.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage-switching protection component acts as an intermediary that protects the voltage-limiting protection component from continuous leakage currents. During normal operation, the voltage-switching component assumes the protective function, allowing the voltage-limiting component to remain inactive and free from harmful leakage currents.
2Reliability
If the voltage-limiting protection component is underdimensioned to be free from leakage currents, then the component lifespan is extended, but the component cannot handle applied mains voltage alone
Solution Approach 1:
The protection device is segmented into two functional components: a voltage-switching protection component that handles normal operation and a voltage-limiting protection component that handles transient overvoltages only. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the voltage-limiting component being underdimensioned and protected from continuous stress by the voltage-switching component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two protection components with complementary functions into a single protection device. The voltage-switching component and voltage-limiting component work together in series, merging their capabilities to provide both continuous protection during normal operation and transient overvoltage protection, with each component being optimized for its specific role.
3Reliability
If the voltage-switching protection component is used to disconnect during normal operation, then the voltage-limiting component is protected from leakage currents, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage-switching protection component performs multiple functions: it disconnects during normal operation to protect the voltage-limiting component, and it also handles transient overvoltages by switching to a quasi-closed state. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two protection components with complementary functions into a single protection device. The voltage-switching component and voltage-limiting component work together in series, merging their capabilities to provide both continuous protection during normal operation and transient overvoltage protection, with each component being optimized for its specific role.
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 apparatus effectively interrupts mains follow currents, preventing wear and extending the life of the protection components, providing efficient protection against transient overvoltages while maintaining low leakage and maintaining the integrity of the electrical installation.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage-switching protection component is configured such that the voltage-switching protection component switches to a quasi-closed switching state for each surge current or arresting process
Implementation Method 2
The voltage-switching protection component is configured such that a voltage applied to the voltage-switching protection component drops across the voltage-switching protection component in the initial state thereof
Implementation Method 3
The voltage-limiting protection component is dimensioned such that the voltage-limiting protection component satisfies the condition UB=Un/Kx, where UB is the rated voltage of the voltage-limiting protection component, Un is a nominal voltage applied to the voltage-limiting protection component, and Kx is a setting parameter the value of which is at least 2
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a surge protection apparatus (10) for protecting an electrical installation against transient overvoltages, having a voltage-limiting protection component (18) and additionally a voltage-switching protection component (20). The voltage-limiting protection component (18) and the voltage-switching protection component (20) are connected in series. The voltage-limiting protection component (18) is dimensioned such that the voltage-limiting protection component (18) satisfies the condition UB=Un/Kx, where UB is the rated voltage of the voltage-limiting protection component (18), Un is a nominal voltage applied to the voltage-limiting protection component (18), and Kx is a setting parameter the value of which is at least 2.