Withdrawable Solid-State Switching Device Hydraulic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing low voltage switching devices face challenges with long interruption times and severe contact wear in DC applications, and current solid-state circuit breakers require complex and costly cooling systems, especially for withdrawable types.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state switching device with a withdrawable switching unit and a supporting frame, featuring hydraulic connectors for efficient heat removal, allowing reversible movement between insertion and withdrawn positions, simplifying installation and reducing industrial costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If solid-state switches are used for current breaking, then interruption time is reduced and electrical endurance is extended, but heat generation requires intensive cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic cooling circuit with cooling fluid channels integrated into the switching unit. The cooling fluid circulates through these channels to efficiently remove heat generated by the solid-state switches during conduction, resolving the thermal management issue while maintaining the fast interruption capability of solid-state technology
2Temperature
If hydraulic circuits are provided for heat removal, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the hydraulic cooling circuit with the electrical switching components by integrating cooling fluid channels directly into the switching unit structure. The hydraulic connectors are built-in and automatically couple with the supporting frame, merging the cooling function with the existing device architecture rather than adding separate external cooling systems
Solution Approach 2:
The switching unit includes built-in hydraulic connectors that automatically establish fluid-dynamic communication with the supporting frame when inserted. The system self-configures the cooling circuit through the reversible movement of the switching unit, eliminating the need for manual hydraulic connection arrangement and reducing installation complexity
3Temperature
If manual arrangement of hydraulic connections is required, then cooling circuit can be configured, but installation time and industrial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The switching unit is designed with built-in hydraulic connectors that automatically couple with corresponding connectors on the supporting frame when the switching unit is inserted into the supporting structure. This self-configuring mechanism eliminates the need for manual hydraulic connection arrangement, significantly reducing installation time and labor costs while ensuring proper cooling fluid circulation
4Ease of operation
If switching unit is made withdrawable for ease of installation, then installation flexibility is improved, but ensuring fluid-dynamic communication becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic connectors are integrated into the withdrawable switching unit and automatically establish fluid-dynamic communication with the supporting frame when the unit is inserted into the supporting structure. The reversible movement mechanism ensures that the connectors reliably couple and decouple, maintaining sealing and fluid communication during insertion while enabling easy withdrawal for maintenance or replacement
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 provides efficient heat removal, extends the electrical endurance of switching devices, and simplifies installation by integrating electric and hydraulic connections through a plug & play approach, reducing the need for manual interventions and lowering industrial costs.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling fluid adapted to remove heat generated by the solid-state switches
Implementation Method 2
along which a cooling fluid adapted to remove heat generated by the solid-state switches can circulate
Data Source
AI summary
A switching device including a switching unit having one or more electric poles and including, for each electric pole, a first power contact and a second power contact along which a line current can circulate and one or more solid-state switches; and a supporting frame adapted to be fixed to a supporting structure and including, for each electric pole, a third power contact and a fourth power contact along which said line current can circulate. The switching unit is reversibly movable, with respect to said supporting frame, between an insertion position and a withdrawn position. The switching unit includes, for each electric pole, at least a hydraulic circuit along which a cooling fluid can circulate to remove heat generated by said solid-state switches. The hydraulic circuit includes a first hydraulic connector and a second hydraulic connector that are coupled with or separated from a corresponding third hydraulic connector and a corresponding fourth hydraulic connector of said supporting frame, when said switching unit is in said insertion position or in said withdrawn position.