Vacuum Circuit Breaker Arc Duration Sensing With Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring arc duration in circuit breakers are invasive, inaccurate, and unreliable, particularly in high-voltage environments, limiting their effectiveness in predicting contact wear and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using multi-fusion approaches, combining low-frequency electric and magnetic fields, vibration, and acoustic signals, processed by a sensor-fusion algorithm or AI model, to estimate arc duration and contact erosion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive measurement methods are used to measure arc duration, then measurement precision may be improved, but reliability and accuracy deteriorate due to interference with circuit breaker operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic field sensors (electric field sensors and magnetic field sensors) as intermediaries to indirectly measure arc duration without direct contact with the circuit breaker contacts. These sensors detect the electromagnetic fields generated during arcing, allowing measurement of arc duration while maintaining circuit breaker operation and avoiding the reliability issues associated with invasive methods.
2Device complexity
If single-sensor methods are used to detect arc duration, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (electric field sensors and magnetic field sensors) into a unified detection system that simultaneously monitors electromagnetic fields. This multi-sensor approach enhances measurement precision and reliability by cross-validating signals and compensating for individual sensor limitations, while the integrated design keeps system complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting arc initiation, measuring arc duration, and monitoring circuit breaker operation. By using sensors that can detect various electromagnetic field characteristics, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate specialized devices for each measurement task.
3Productivity
If existing measurement methods are used under high-voltage conditions and frequent switching operations, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to contact wear and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement methods with electromagnetic field-based sensing. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact with moving parts, allowing accurate measurement of arc duration even under high-voltage conditions and frequent switching operations where mechanical wear would compromise precision and reliability.
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
Provides accurate and reliable measurements of arc duration, enabling precise prediction of circuit breaker lifespan and contact wear, overcoming the limitations of existing invasive and inaccurate methods.
Implementation Method 1
receiving (i) a first measurement corresponding to a low-frequency electric field emitted from a circuit breaker during an interruption or circuit break operation
Implementation Method 2
a second measurement corresponding to the low-frequency magnetic field, vibration, or acoustic emitted by the circuit breaker during operation
Implementation Method 3
a second measurement corresponding to the low-frequency magnetic field, vibration, or acoustic emitted by the circuit breaker during operation
Implementation Method 4
a second measurement corresponding to the low-frequency magnetic field, vibration, or acoustic emitted by the circuit breaker during operation
Implementation Method 5
determining, by a sensor-fusion algorithm or a trained AI model, an estimated duration value of an arc duration occurring at the circuit breaker using the time-aligned first measurement and second measurement
Data Source
AI summary
An example method of estimating an arc duration in a circuit breaker includes receiving a first measurement corresponding to a low-frequency electric field emitted from a vacuum circuit breaker during an interruption or circuit break operation and a second measurement corresponding to a low-frequency magnetic field, vibration, or acoustic emitted by the vacuum circuit breaker during operation, aligning the first measurement and the second measurement in time, wherein the first measurement is calibrated according to a first physical constant and wherein the second measurement is calibrated according to a second physical constant; and determining, by a sensor-fusion algorithm or a trained AI model, an estimated duration value of an arc duration using the time-aligned first measurement and second measurement, wherein the arc duration corresponds to a first time corresponding to a separation of contacts of the vacuum circuit breaker and a second time corresponding to arc extinction.