Switch Arrangement With Photoelectric Ignition For High-Voltage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-voltage switch arrangements face inefficiencies due to the use of mechanical drives, which slow down the switching process and introduce potential isolation issues in series circuits.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves connecting multiple switches in series or parallel configurations, with galvanic isolation of propelling charges and the use of photoelectric devices for ignition, along with vacuum chambers and conical contact designs to enhance dielectric strength and current carrying capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a mechanical drive is used to actuate the moving contact, then the switching device can be operated, but the switching process slows down

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching speedVSAvoidmechanical drive complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical drive system with a direct electromagnetic actuation system. The moving contact is actuated by an ignition charge that creates an electromagnetic force, eliminating the need for intermediate mechanical components such as levers, linkages, or motors. This substitution of mechanical systems with electromagnetic fields directly increases switching speed while reducing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If multiple switches are connected in series, then high dielectric strength is achieved, but potential isolation issues occur due to marginally different ignition times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedielectric strengthVSAvoidpotential isolation reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces galvanic electrical connections with photoelectric isolation for controlling multiple switches in series. Each switch's ignition charge is triggered by light signals rather than direct electrical connections, which eliminates potential isolation issues while maintaining synchronized operation. The photoelectric transducers convert optical signals to electrical impulses that ignite the ignition charges, ensuring reliable series operation without galvanic interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces photoelectric transducers as intermediary devices between the control system and the ignition charges in series-connected switches. These transducers receive optical signals and convert them to electrical impulses that trigger the ignition charges, serving as a non-galvanic mediator that maintains synchronization while preventing potential isolation issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If multiple independent switches are used in parallel, then high current carrying capacity is achieved, but synchronous operation becomes difficult to control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent carrying capacityVSAvoidsynchronous control ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a common ignition device that serves multiple parallel-connected switches simultaneously. This single control mechanism can trigger all switches in parallel to operate synchronously, providing a universal solution that maintains ease of operation while achieving high current carrying capacity through the parallel configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses electromagnetic ignition charges actuated by a common control system to synchronize multiple parallel switches. By replacing complex mechanical synchronization mechanisms with electromagnetic actuation, the system achieves synchronous operation of parallel switches with improved ease of control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 configuration enables faster switching with high effective current and dielectric strength, while minimizing potential increases from asynchronous ignition times.

Implementation Method 1

the propelling charge of the second switch is ignited by means of a photoelectric device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least the chambers in which the switching path lies are vacuum chambers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2200066B1Switch arrangement for medium and high-voltage switching devices
Publication Date: 2013.10.16 ABB TECHNOLOGY AG
  • EP2200066B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2200066B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a switch arrangement for medium and high-voltage switching devices having switches (12), with which at least one of the contacts is a moving contact which can be actuated by means of a propelling charge, in order to ensure that both a high-current arrangement and a high-voltage arrangement can be taken into account, according to the invention it is proposed that, for a plurality of switches, a dedicated propelling charge is provided for each switch, and that the propelling charges are coupled together with regard to the time of the ignition.