Traction Line Test Switch Using Wireless Power Transfer Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Medium and high voltage switches for traction line test devices face challenges in achieving fast operation with small contacts for high impedance loads while maintaining sufficient voltage withstand capability, requiring complex and costly actuator systems and galvanic insulation between multiple pairs of contacts.
Innovation Solution
A switch design featuring multiple pairs of contacts connected in series, each with a separate control coil, utilizing wireless power transfer technology for galvanic insulation and efficient power supply, eliminating the need for magnetic cores and allowing for scalable and cost-effective construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If larger contacts are used to increase voltage withstand capability, then voltage rating is improved, but contact inertia increases and operation speed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large contact into multiple smaller contacts connected in series. Each contact pair has smaller dimensions and lower inertia, enabling faster operation, while the series connection of multiple pairs achieves the required total voltage withstand capability through cumulative breakdown voltage of individual pairs.
2Strength
If multiple pairs of contacts are used to increase voltage withstand capability, then voltage rating is improved, but mechanical actuator system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system. The transmitting coil generates a magnetic field that inductively couples with receiving coils attached to each contact pair, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages while achieving simultaneous actuation of all contacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the control system and the contacts. The magnetic field generated by the transmitting coil serves as the medium to transfer energy wirelessly to multiple receiving coils, which then actuate the respective contacts without direct mechanical connection.
3Loss of time
If separate control coils are used for each contact pair to enable simultaneous operation, then operation synchronization is improved, but galvanic insulation requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces galvanic electrical connections with wireless inductive coupling. The magnetic field-based power transfer eliminates the need for galvanic insulation between control circuits and high voltage contacts, as energy is transferred through magnetic coupling rather than direct electrical contact.
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 solution enables millisecond-range reclosing operations with improved voltage handling and galvanic insulation, reducing the complexity and cost of the actuator system, while maintaining efficient power transfer and scalability for higher voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless power transfer supply module (4), which is on ground potential, for supplying cascaded wireless power transfer receivers (5) comprising the transmitting coil (11), high frequency inverter (12) and microcontroller (13)
Implementation Method 2
receiving coils of wireless power transfer receivers are magnetically coupled
Data Source
AI summary
A switch for a medium or high voltage traction line testing device includes a plurality of normally-opened pairs of contacts connected in series, wherein each pair of contacts is equipped with a separate control coil. The switch further comprises a wireless power transfer supply module being on ground potential for supplying cascaded wireless power transfer receivers comprising the transmitting coil, high frequency inverter and microcontroller, a plurality of cascaded wireless power transfer receivers for supplying control coil of pairs of contacts. Each of the wireless power transfer receivers is referenced to the floating potential and comprises a receiving coil. Each of the control coils is connected to one of the wireless power transfer receivers. The receiving coils of the wireless power transfer receivers are magnetically coupled, and a wireless power transfer supply module is located in the middle of the cascaded wireless power transfer receivers.