Vacuum Interrupter Fault Isolation Without Fuse Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circuit interrupting devices in power distribution networks require replacement after an electrical fault, leading to increased costs and difficulties in restoring power.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum interrupter system with an electronic controller, current sensor, and energy converter that automatically opens and closes based on current sensing, allowing fault detection and interruption without manual replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fuse link or current limiting fuse is used to interrupt power distribution, then the electrical fault can be interrupted, but the circuit interrupting device must be replaced following the fault
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum interrupter automatically detects faults through current sensing and performs self-interruption by opening its contacts when a fault is detected, eliminating the need for manual replacement operations. The device serves itself by autonomously identifying and isolating faults in the power distribution system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fuse links with an electronically controlled vacuum interrupter system that uses electrical current sensing and electronic control to achieve fault interruption, eliminating the need for physical replacement of mechanical components.
2Reliability
If manual replacement of circuit interrupting devices is required after faults, then fault isolation is achieved, but power restoration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum interrupter autonomously detects faults and executes interruption operations without requiring manual intervention, significantly reducing the time from fault occurrence to power restoration. The self-service capability eliminates delays associated with manual detection and replacement operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors current conditions and is prepared to immediately execute fault interruption when abnormalities are detected, rather than waiting for manual assessment. This preliminary monitoring and ready-to-act state reduces response time for fault isolation and power restoration.
3Ease of operation
If traditional fuse links are used with visible breaks, then fault location is easily identified, but the device requires manual operation and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual fault indication mechanisms with electronic current sensing and automated control systems that detect and respond to faults electronically, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining fault identification capability through electronic means.
Solution Approach 2:
The current sensor provides continuous feedback to the electronic controller about the electrical conditions, enabling automated detection and response to faults without requiring manual visual inspection or operation. The feedback loop allows the system to autonomously identify and respond to fault conditions.
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
Enables fault detection and interruption with reduced maintenance costs and faster power restoration by automating the opening and closing of the vacuum interrupter.
Implementation Method 1
a current sensor that senses a current of the power supply
Implementation Method 2
an energy converter that moves the second contact to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum interrupter including a vacuum bottle having a first contact and a second contact, the second contact movable between a closed position and an open position. The vacuum interrupter also includes a harvester circuit connected to a power supply, the harvester circuit powers the vacuum interrupter via the power supply, a current sensor that senses a current of the power supply, an energy converter that moves the second contact to the open position, and an electronic controller electrically connected to the harvester circuit, the current sensor, and the energy converter. The electronic controller receives a signal indicative of the current of the power supply from the current sensor, determines the current of the power supply based on the signal, determines whether a fault is occurring on the power supply, energizes the energy converter in response to determining the fault, and opens the vacuum interrupter by energizing the energy converter.