Solenoid Driver Circuit With Isolated Switch Stacks for Fast Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solenoid driving circuits, such as the standard H-bridge, do not effectively accommodate the different energy requirements for rapid activation and deactivation of high-voltage power switches, particularly in vacuum interrupters used in electric transmission lines.
Innovation Solution
The use of an H-bridge with isolated switch stacks allows for customized energy delivery for activation and deactivation, utilizing separate capacitors and power buses to manage the distinct energy needs for each transition, ensuring rapid and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standard H-bridge circuit is used to drive the solenoid coil, then the circuit structure is simple and easy to implement, but it cannot effectively accommodate the different energy requirements for rapid activation and deactivation of high-voltage power switches
Solution Approach 1:
The H-bridge circuit is segmented into two independent stacks: a first stack (Q1, Q2) dedicated to deactivation operations and a second stack (Q3, Q4) dedicated to activation operations. Each stack has its own independent power bus (first power bus for deactivation, second power bus for activation), allowing customized energy delivery for each transition type without interference.
2Speed
If high voltage is applied across the solenoid winding to achieve fast activation, then the activation speed is improved, but the energy consumption and stress on the circuit components increase
Solution Approach 1:
Capacitors are pre-charged to high voltage through dedicated power buses before activation or deactivation is needed. The first capacitor is charged via the first power bus for deactivation, and the second capacitor is charged via the second power bus for activation. This preliminary energy storage enables rapid current changes without requiring continuous high voltage supply, reducing overall energy consumption.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the solenoid is designed with high inductance to maintain magnetic field for holding position, then the holding stability is improved, but the rapid deactivation becomes difficult due to the inductance opposing rapid current changes
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit separates activation and deactivation paths, allowing the solenoid to have high inductance for stable holding during activation while providing a dedicated deactivation path with appropriate circuit elements (diodes, resistors, capacitors) that enable rapid current decay. The first stack and first power bus are specifically configured for deactivation operations, overcoming the inductance barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
Diodes and resistors are introduced as intermediary elements in the deactivation path to control and accelerate current decay. These components mediate between the high-inductance solenoid and the power supply, enabling rapid deactivation by providing controlled energy dissipation paths without directly altering the solenoid's inductance.
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 approach enables fast and controlled activation and deactivation of solenoids, meeting the specific energy requirements for high-voltage power switches, thereby improving the operational efficiency and reliability of vacuum interrupters.
Implementation Method 1
direct current is passed through the coil 110, inducing magnetic flux in the armature 120 and magnetic case 130
Implementation Method 2
The energy necessary to drive the solenoid 100 is stored in a capacitor 215, which is charged via a positive power bus 205 to a high voltage
Implementation Method 3
a first diode in series with the first group of semiconductor switches... provides isolation between the power bus and the first group of semiconductor switches
Data Source
AI summary
A solenoid driver operable to drive a solenoid actuating a high-voltage power switch is disclosed. The solenoid driver includes a first group of semiconductor switches including a first semiconductor switch and a second semiconductor switch in series. This group is connected to a high-voltage supply line by a diode. The solenoid driver further includes a second group of semiconductor switches including a third semiconductor switch and a fourth semiconductor switch in series. This group is connected to the high-voltage supply line by a second diode. The solenoid driver further includes a common connection between the first group of semiconductor switches and the second group of semiconductor switches. A solenoid coil of the solenoid is connected between the first group of semiconductor switches and the second group of semiconductor switches at a junction between the first and second semiconductor switches and a junction between the third and fourth semiconductor switches.