Electromagnetic Repulsion Vacuum Switch for Fast DC Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical switches for DC transmission systems have long opening times due to the use of spring and hydraulic actuators, which cannot meet the rapid switching requirements, and suffer from low efficiency, reliability issues, and high control complexity.
Innovation Solution
A fast-acting mechanical switch utilizing an electromagnetic repulsion mechanism with independently energized repulsion disks, connected through a transmission rod to a vacuum interrupter, allowing for bidirectional repulsion and improved control accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If spring actuators or hydraulic actuators are used in mechanical switches, then the structure is relatively simple, but the opening time becomes long and cannot meet rapid switching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional spring actuators and hydraulic actuators with an electromagnetic repulsion mechanism. This mechanism uses electromagnetic repulsion force between coils and a magnetic repulsion disc to drive the moving contact, eliminating the need for complex mechanical spring systems or hydraulic components while achieving rapid opening times that meet modern DC transmission switching requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from mechanical elasticity (springs) or fluid pressure (hydraulics) to electromagnetic repulsion. By utilizing electromagnetic fields and magnetic repulsion forces, the system achieves significantly faster response times and opening speeds while maintaining structural simplicity through the direct conversion of electrical energy to mechanical motion.
2Speed
If electromagnetic repulsion mechanism is used to achieve fast switching, then the opening time is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into two independent electrical terminals: a first electrical terminal for controlling opening operations and a second electrical terminal for controlling closing operations. This segmentation allows each terminal to be controlled independently, simplifying the overall control logic while achieving fast switching speeds through the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional control approach by using electromagnetic repulsion for opening (activating first terminal) and electromagnetic attraction or mechanical return for closing (activating second terminal). This inversion allows the faster electromagnetic repulsion mechanism to handle the critical opening operation while the closing operation uses a different, potentially simpler mechanism.
3Speed
If metal repulsion disc of aluminum alloy is used with driving coils, then fast movement speed is achieved, but a large amount of electrical energy is converted into heat and dissipated, resulting in low driving efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition of the repulsion disc from aluminum alloy to a composite structure containing iron powder and other magnetic particles embedded in a non-magnetic matrix material. This parameter change enables the disc to respond to both attractive and repulsive electromagnetic forces more efficiently, reducing energy loss as heat while maintaining fast movement speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials for the magnetic repulsion disc, combining magnetic particles (iron powder) with non-magnetic matrix materials. This composite structure optimizes the disc's magnetic properties to efficiently interact with electromagnetic fields from the coils, improving energy conversion efficiency by reducing eddy current losses and heat generation while maintaining the required movement speed.
4Speed
If electromagnetic repulsion disk moves quickly, then switching speed is improved, but the impact on the coil structure increases, causing cracking and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a buffer mechanism between the magnetic repulsion disc and the coil structure. This buffer absorbs and dissipates the impact energy when the disc moves quickly, preventing direct transmission of shock loads to the coils and other components. The cushioning effect protects against cracking and damage while allowing the system to maintain high movement speeds for rapid switching.
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 achieves higher driving efficiency, improved control accuracy, reduced control complexity, and extended component life by minimizing the size and inertia of the driving components, while enhancing the rapidity of switch closing and opening.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic repulsion mechanism, which is fixedly connected to the vacuum interrupter via a transmission rod, wherein the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism comprises: a first repulsion unit electrically connected to the first electrical terminal, comprising a first repulsion disk which is fixed and a second repulsion disk which is located below thereof and separated therefrom
Implementation Method 2
a vacuum interrupter, wherein the vacuum interrupter is provided with a stationary fixed contact and a moving contact being capable of slidingly engage therewith
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fast mechanical switch and an operating method, wherein the fast mechanical switch comprises: -a closed housing; -a vacuum interrupter; -an electromagnetic repulsion mechanism disposed below the vacuum interrupter, wherein the electromagnetic repulsion mechanism has: -a first repulsion unit electrically connected to a first electrical terminal; -a second repulsion unit electrically connected to a second electrical terminal independent of the first electrical terminal and comprising a third repulsion disk located below and spaced apart from the second repulsion disk, wherein the second electrical terminal is constructed to operatively control the third repulsion disk responsive to the first repulsion unit such that the third repulsion disk applies a resistance to the second repulsion disk when the second repulsion disk is moved downwardly for opening and applies an thrust to the second repulsion disk when it is moved upwardly for closing. The present disclosure permits the operation of fast mechanical switches in a manner that is more efficient, has a longer product life cycle, is more accurately controlled, and is less difficult to control.