Integrated Solid-State Breaker Module for Compact DC Converter Protection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing DC electrical distribution networks require separate circuit breakers and power converters, leading to a complex and non-compact setup, and there is a need for an integrated solution that can protect against overcurrents and short circuits.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state circuit breaker module is integrated into a power converter, comprising a semiconductor switch, electromechanical protective relay, fuse, current sensor, and a sealed gas chamber with arc-extinguishing gas, allowing for a compact and easy integration into existing power converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If separate circuit breakers and power converters are used in DC electrical distribution networks, then each component can be independently designed and maintained, but the system becomes complex and non-compact with difficult integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the circuit breaker and power converter into a single integrated module, merging previously separate components (semiconductor switch, protective relay, fuse, current sensor, controller) into one unified device that performs both power conversion and overcurrent protection functions simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated module serves multiple functions within a single device: power conversion, overcurrent detection, semiconductor switch control, protective relay operation, and fuse protection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuit breaker and power converter units
2Volume of moving object
If multiple protection devices (semiconductor switch, protective relay, fuse) are integrated into a single gas chamber, then the circuit breaker module becomes compact and easy to integrate, but the density of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple protection devices (semiconductor switch, protective relay, fuse, current sensor, controller) within a single sealed gas chamber, arranging components in a nested configuration where smaller components are housed within the confines of the chamber that contains larger components, achieving compact integration
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 integrated circuit breaker module provides effective overcurrent protection, reducing the number of components and enabling a compact, decentralized protection architecture within DC distribution networks.
Implementation Method 1
a sealed gas chamber filled with an arc-extinguishing gas, the gas chamber containing the semiconductor switch, the protective relay, and the fuse
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A solid-state circuit breaker module (17) for integration into a power converter, the circuit breaker module (17) having an outer housing (19), the outer housing (19) containing: a. a semiconductor switch (7), which acts as a main overcurrent protection device; b. an electromechanical protective relay (9), which acts as a fallback overcurrent protection device; c. a fuse (35), which acts as an ultimate overcurrent protection device; d. a current sensor for detecting an overcurrent; e. a controller for tripping the semiconductor switch (7) and the protective relay (9) when the current sensor detects an overcurrent; and f. a sealed gas chamber (29) filled with an arc-extinguishing gas, the gas chamber (29) containing the semiconductor switch (7), the protective relay (9), and the fuse (35).