Vacuum Interrupter Capacitor Integration for Open-State Power Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power distribution networks rely on bulky energy storage devices like batteries and electrolytic capacitors to provide power to electronics in circuit interrupting devices when they are open, which occupy significant space and have limited energy storage capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A circuit interrupting device incorporating a vacuum interrupter with a separable ceramic capacitor electrically connected in parallel, allowing energy harvesting from the power distribution network even when the device is open, using an insulating housing to enclose both components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If bulky energy storage devices like batteries and electrolytic capacitors are used to provide power to electronics in circuit interrupting devices when open, then power supply capability is improved, but device volume and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy storage function with the existing vacuum interrupter structure by integrating a capacitor directly into the vacuum bottle assembly. The capacitor is positioned within the vacuum interrupter housing, merging two separate functions (switching and energy storage) into a single integrated component, thereby eliminating the need for separate bulky battery or electrolytic capacitor assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is nested within the vacuum interrupter structure, specifically housed inside the vacuum bottle assembly. This nesting approach allows the energy storage device to occupy space that would otherwise be unused or underutilized in the vacuum interrupter housing, significantly reducing the overall device volume while maintaining both switching and power supply functions.
2Reliability
If traditional energy storage devices are used in circuit interrupting devices, then power supply reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the capacitor integration into the vacuum interrupter manufacturing process, the patent eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for installing batteries or electrolytic capacitors. The capacitor is installed during the vacuum interrupter assembly process itself, reducing manufacturing complexity and the number of supply chain components while maintaining reliable power supply functionality.
3Use of energy by moving object
If current transformers are used to harvest power when the circuit interrupting device is closed, then power harvesting is improved, but no power is delivered when the device is open
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor serves multiple functions: it stores energy harvested during the closed state and provides power during the open state. This multi-functionality ensures that the circuit interrupting device can operate reliably in both closed and open states, with the capacitor acting as a universal power source that bridges the gap between the two operational modes, eliminating the limitation of current transformers that only function during the closed state.
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 enables efficient energy harvesting without the need for bulky storage devices, providing power to electronics in circuit interrupting devices while minimizing space requirements and enhancing energy storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a circuit interrupting device including a vacuum interrupter, a separable ceramic capacitor, and an insulating housing. The separable ceramic capacitor is electrically connected in parallel with the vacuum interrupter
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit interrupting device including a vacuum interrupter, a separable ceramic capacitor, and an insulating housing. The vacuum interrupter includes a vacuum bottle and first and second contacts disposed within the vacuum bottle. The second contact is movable relative to the first contact between a closed position and an open position. The separable ceramic capacitor is electrically connected in parallel with the vacuum interrupter provided over an outer surface of the vacuum bottle. The insulating housing encloses the separable ceramic capacitor and the vacuum interrupter.