Solid State Switch Differential Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power distribution systems in vehicles, such as aircraft, require additional hardware and complexity for differential current sensing, increasing cost and complexity due to the need for mechanical contactors, wound magnetic core transformers, and Hall Effect transducers to protect high current transmission lines.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular solid state switches with integrated current sensors, comparators, and summer functionality to measure and compare currents, allowing for differential protection without the need for additional hardware, using differential voltage shunts, miniaturized Hall Effect sensors, or giant magneto responsive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional hardware (mechanical contactors, wound magnetic core transformers, Hall Effect transducers) is added for differential current sensing, then power distribution protection is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protection functions (differential current sensing, overcurrent protection, ground fault detection) into a single integrated solid state switch module. The current sensor, comparator, and control logic are merged within the switch assembly, eliminating the need for separate mechanical contactors, transformers, and transducers while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical protection devices (mechanical contactors, wound magnetic core transformers) with solid state electronic components. The solid state switch uses electronic current sensing and solid state switching mechanisms instead of mechanical moving parts, reducing complexity while improving reliability and response time
2Reliability
If additional hardware (mechanical contactors, wound magnetic core transformers, Hall Effect transducers) is added for differential current sensing, then power distribution protection is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protection functions (differential current sensing, overcurrent protection, ground fault detection) into a single integrated solid state switch module. The current sensor, comparator, and control logic are merged within the switch assembly, eliminating the need for separate mechanical contactors, transformers, and transducers while maintaining comprehensive protection capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses solid state electronic components that are more cost-effective and have longer operational lifetimes compared to mechanical components. The solid state switch eliminates wear-prone mechanical parts, reducing maintenance costs and improving long-term value while lowering initial manufacturing costs through integration
3Device complexity
If solid state switches with integrated current sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical protection devices (mechanical contactors, wound magnetic core transformers) with solid state electronic components. The solid state switch uses electronic current sensing and solid state switching mechanisms instead of mechanical moving parts, reducing complexity while improving reliability and response time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs miniaturized Hall Effect sensors and giant magneto responsive sensors that provide high-precision current measurement capabilities in compact form factors. These sensors maintain accurate measurement of differential currents while enabling integration within the solid state switch module, preserving measurement precision despite reduced hardware complexity
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 solution reduces the complexity and cost of power distribution networks by enabling differential protection within the solid state switches, allowing for efficient fault detection and power management without the need for extra hardware, thereby enhancing reliability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
use of giant magneto responsive sensors
Data Source
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AI summary
A solid state switch module is provided for use in a power distribution network an input differential protection connection, 126, for receiving a measured current value from an upstream module. The solid state switch module also includes an output differential protection connection, 128, for sending a measured current value. The solid state switch module includes a trip outlet, 130, for sending a trip signal to an upstream solid state switch, and a trip inlet, 132, for receiving a trip signal from a downstream solid state switch. The trip inlet is operably coupled to the switch. A current sensor, 121, measures the current value of a connected power transmission line across the solid state switch module. A summer, 125, adds a current input from a parallel module with the current measures by the current sensor. A comparator, 123, determines includes an amount of current lost between the solid state switch module and an upstream module is acceptable.