EP1173873A1 - Self-recovering current-limiting device with liquid metal - Google Patents

Self-recovering current-limiting device with liquid metal

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Publication number
EP1173873A1
EP1173873A1 EP00906218A EP00906218A EP1173873A1 EP 1173873 A1 EP1173873 A1 EP 1173873A1 EP 00906218 A EP00906218 A EP 00906218A EP 00906218 A EP00906218 A EP 00906218A EP 1173873 A1 EP1173873 A1 EP 1173873A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
limiting device
current limiting
liquid metal
current
insulating
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP00906218A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1173873B1 (en
Inventor
Wolfgang Kremers
Frank Berger
Andreas Krätzschmar
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Eaton Industries GmbH
Original Assignee
Moeller GmbH
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Moeller GmbH filed Critical Moeller GmbH
Publication of EP1173873A1 publication Critical patent/EP1173873A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1173873B1 publication Critical patent/EP1173873B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H87/00—Protective devices in which a current flowing through a liquid or solid is interrupted by the evaporation of the liquid or by the melting and evaporation of the solid when the current becomes excessive, the circuit continuity being reestablished on cooling

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a self-recovering current limiting device with liquid metal according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • a self-recovering current limiting device is known from the publication SU 922 911 A, which contains electrodes made of solid metal, which are separated by first insulating bodies designed as pressure-resistant insulating housings. Inside the insulating housing, insulated intermediate walls and second insulating bodies arranged between them, which are designed as ring-shaped sealing disks, form compressor chambers which are partially filled with liquid metal and which are connected to one another via eccentrically arranged connecting channels of the intermediate walls filled with liquid metal. In normal operation, there is therefore a continuous internal conductive connection between the electrodes via the liquid metal. In the case of current limitation, the liquid metal is displaced from the connecting channels due to the high current density.
  • the invention is therefore based on the object of improving the current limiting behavior of a current limiting device, in particular with regard to its current limiting factor and its response time.
  • the repulsive electromagnetic forces caused by the opposite current profile in the first connection conductor and in the liquid metal and the bundling of the magnetic field caused by the ferromagnetic body deflects the current path within the current limiting device in such a way that on the one hand an arc which arises in the event of a short circuit is extended and on the other hand at higher currents the adjusting Pinch pressure causes a faster constriction of the current path in the area of the connecting channels.
  • the relevant magnetic forces are quadratic in relation to the current, so that the described effect is negligible in nominal operation, whereas the current limiting behavior is positively influenced in the area of short-circuit currents.
  • the mechanism of action described is self-acting, that is, it is based solely on the triggering effect of a short-circuit current and the resulting magnetic field.
  • Ferromagnetic materials with high to very high relative initial permeabilities can advantageously be used; Representative are iron and soft magnetic iron, cobalt or nickel alloys, such as Permalloy or Mu metal.
  • the ferromagnetic body extends over the entire length of the compression spaces. It is advantageous to fix and isolate the first connecting conductor or the ferromagnetic body by means of or part of the pressure-resistant insulating bodies. The lengthening of the arc is further increased by the staggered arrangement of the connecting channels.
  • GalnSn alloys in particular are easy to handle due to their physiological harmlessness.
  • An alloy of 660 parts by weight gallium, 205 parts by weight indium and 135 parts by weight tin is liquid at normal pressure from 10 ° C to 2000 ° C and has sufficient electrical conductivity.
  • a current limiting device according to the invention is shown in longitudinal section in the associated single FIG. 1.
  • the unipolar current limiting device 1 contains on both sides an electrode 11 or 12 made of solid metal, preferably copper, which is rotationally symmetrical and merges into an outer connecting conductor 21 or 22. Between the electrodes 11 and 12 there are a number of compressor chambers 3, which are formed by a corresponding number of annular sealing disks 4 and insulating partition walls 6. The electrodes 11 and 12, the sealing disks 4 and the intermediate walls 6 are held by a molded housing 5, known means for sealing the compression spaces 3 and for non-positively connecting the ones in the molded housing
  • the means for sealing can be, for example, sealing rings between the sealing disks 4 and the intermediate walls 6 or electrodes 11, 12.
  • the means for non-positive connection are, for example, continuous tensioning screws along the two lines 7.
  • the two outer compression spaces 3 are laterally delimited by one of the electrodes 11 and 12 and by an intermediate wall 6.
  • the inner compressor rooms 3 are laterally separated by two partitions
  • the generally multi-part molded housing 5 and the sealing washers 4 are pressure-resistant first and second insulating bodies. All of the compressor rooms 3 are partially filled with a liquid metal 8, for example a GalnSn alloy. For example, there is a vacuum above the liquid metal 8.
  • the intermediate walls 6 are provided below the liquid level with connecting channels 9. The connecting channels 9 are also filled with liquid metal 8.
  • the left, first connecting conductor 21 belonging to the left, first electrode 11 is guided inside the molded housing 5 below the compression spaces 3 and emerges from the molded housing 5 on the right side.
  • the right, second connecting conductor 22 belonging to the right, second electrode 12 likewise emerges from the molded housing 5 on the right side.
  • a ferromagnetic body 10, which is fixed in the molded housing 5, extends over the compression chambers 3.
  • the second connecting conductor 21 extends in such a way that the current through the liquid metal 8 and through the second connecting conductor 22 is opposite, whereby a first electromagnetic force component F1 acts on the current in the liquid metal 8 is exercised.
  • the effect of the magnetic field influenced by the ferromagnetic body 10 exerts a second electromagnetic force component F2 on the current in the liquid metal 8.
  • Both force components F1 and F2 are directed essentially upwards, but in the nominal operation of the current limiting device 1 without any appreciable effect on the current in the liquid metal 8.
  • the force components F1 and F2 increase to such an extent that the resulting current-limiting arc is within the compressor rooms 8 are considerably distracted and thus extended. This state is indicated by the broken line L in Fig. 1.
  • the arc resistance increases to a significant extent.
  • an improved current limiting factor is achieved with the current limiting device 1.
  • the extension of the current-limiting arc is additionally promoted by the staggered arrangement of the connecting channels 9 belonging to adjacent partition walls 6.

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  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
  • Fuses (AREA)
  • Electrolytic Production Of Metals (AREA)

Abstract

A self-recovering current-limiting device with a liquid metal includes a first and a second electrode for connection to an electric circuit to be protected. Each of the first and second electrodes are made of a solid metal. A plurality of pressure-resistant insulating bodies is provided, as well as a plurality of insulating intermediate walls supported by the insulating bodies. The plurality of insulating intermediate walls and the plurality of pressure-resistant insulating bodies define a plurality of compression spaces, and the plurality of insulating intermediate walls define a plurality of connecting channels. The plurality of compression spaces are disposed one behind the other between the first and second electrodes and are at least partially filled with the liquid metal. A first connecting conductor connected to the first electrode and disposed below the plurality of compression spaces and having an inverse current direction is provided, as well as a ferromagnetic body disposed above the plurality of compression spaces.

Description

B e s c h r e i b u n g Description
Selbsterholende Strombegrenzungseinrichtung mit FlüssigmetallSelf-recovering current limiting device with liquid metal
Technisches GebietTechnical field
Die Erfindung betrifft eine selbsterholende Strombegrenzungseinrichtung mit Flüssigmetall nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruches 1.The invention relates to a self-recovering current limiting device with liquid metal according to the preamble of claim 1.
Stand der TechnikState of the art
Aus der Druckschrift SU 922 911 A ist eine selbsterholende Strombegrenzungseinrichtung bekannt, die Elektroden aus Festmetall enthält, die durch als druckfestes Isoliergehäuse ausgebildete erste Isolierkörper getrennt sind. Innerhalb des Isoliergehäuses sind durch isolierende Zwischenwände und dazwischen angeordnete zweite Isolierkörper, die als ringförmige Dichtscheiben ausgeführt sind, mit Flüssigmetall teilweise aufgefüllte, hintereinander liegende Verdichterräume ausgebildet, die untereinander über mit Flüssigmetall ausgefüllte, außermittig angeordnete Verbindungskanäle der Zwischenwände verbunden sind. Damit besteht im Normalbetrieb über das Flüssigmetall eine durchgehende innere leitende Verbindung zwischen den Elektroden. Im Strombegrenzungsfall wird infolge der hohen Stromdichte das Flüssigmetall aus den Verbindungskanälen verdrängt. Damit ist die elektrische Verbindung der Elektroden über das Flüssigmetall unterbrochen, was zur Begrenzung des Kurzschlußstromes führt. Nach Abschaltung oder Beseitigung des Kurzschlusses füllen sich die Verbindungskanäle wieder mit Flüssigmetall, worauf die Strombegrenzungseinrichtung erneut betriebsbereit ist. In der Druckschrift DE 40 12 385 A1 wird eine Strombegrenzungseinrichtung mit nur einem Verdichterraum beschrieben und als Medium über dem Flüssigkeitsspiegel Vakuum, Schutzgas oder eine isolierende Flüssigkeit erwähnt. Zur Verbesserung der Begrenzungseigenschaften sind nach Druckschrift SU 1 076 981 A die Verbindungskanäle benachbarter Zwischenwände gegeneinander versetzt angeordnet. Es ist nach Druckschrift DE 26 52 506 A1 bekannt, bei Kontakteinrichtungen Gallium-Legierungen, insbesondere GalnSn-Legierungen zu ver- wenden.A self-recovering current limiting device is known from the publication SU 922 911 A, which contains electrodes made of solid metal, which are separated by first insulating bodies designed as pressure-resistant insulating housings. Inside the insulating housing, insulated intermediate walls and second insulating bodies arranged between them, which are designed as ring-shaped sealing disks, form compressor chambers which are partially filled with liquid metal and which are connected to one another via eccentrically arranged connecting channels of the intermediate walls filled with liquid metal. In normal operation, there is therefore a continuous internal conductive connection between the electrodes via the liquid metal. In the case of current limitation, the liquid metal is displaced from the connecting channels due to the high current density. The electrical connection of the electrodes via the liquid metal is thus interrupted, which leads to the limitation of the short-circuit current. After the short circuit has been switched off or eliminated, the connecting channels fill again with liquid metal, whereupon the current limiting device is ready for operation again. In the document DE 40 12 385 A1, a current limiting device with only one compressor chamber is described and vacuum, protective gas or an insulating liquid is mentioned as the medium above the liquid level. To improve the Limiting properties are according to document SU 1 076 981 A, the connecting channels of adjacent partitions offset from each other. According to document DE 26 52 506 A1 it is known to use gallium alloys, in particular GalnSn alloys, in contact devices.
Bei Strombegrenzungseinrichtungen mit mehreren Verdichterräumen wird infolge der hintereinander liegenden Verbindungskanäle beim Auftreten eines Kurzschlusses durch die Anzahl der strombegrenzenden Teillichtbögen ein entsprechend hoher Spannungsabfall aufgebaut, der schließlich zur Unterbrechung des Kurzschlußstromes führt. Die bekannten Strombegrenzungseinrichtungen weisen allerdings einen zu hohen Strombegrenzungsfaktor, das heißt ein zu hohes Verhältnis zwischen Durchlaßstrom und zu begrenzendem Kurzschlußstrom, auf.In the case of current limiting devices with a plurality of compressor rooms, a correspondingly high voltage drop is built up due to the connection channels lying one behind the other when a short circuit occurs due to the number of current-limiting partial arcs, which ultimately leads to an interruption of the short-circuit current. However, the known current limiting devices have an excessively high current limiting factor, that is to say an excessively high ratio between the forward current and the short-circuit current to be limited.
Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention
Der Erfindung liegt daher die Aufgabe zugrunde, das Strombegrenzungsver- halten einer Strombegrenzungseinrichtung, insbesondere hinsichtlich ihres Strombegrenzungsfaktors und ihrer Ansprechzeit, zu verbessern.The invention is therefore based on the object of improving the current limiting behavior of a current limiting device, in particular with regard to its current limiting factor and its response time.
Ausgehend von einer Strombegrenzungseinrichtung der eingangs genannten Art wird die Aufgabe erfindungsgemäß durch die kennzeichnenden Merkmale des unabhängigen Anspruches gelöst, während den abhängigen Ansprüchen vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung zu entnehmen sind.Starting from a current limiting device of the type mentioned at the outset, the object is achieved according to the invention by the characterizing features of the independent claim, while advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.
Die durch den entgegengesetzten Stromverlauf im ersten Anschlußleiter und im Flüssigmetall hervorgerufenen abstoßenden elektromagnetischen Kräfte sowie die durch den ferromagnetischen Körper bewirkte Bündelung des Magnetfeldes lenkt den Strompfad innerhalb der Strombegrenzungseinrichtung in der Weise ab, daß einerseits ein im Kurzschlußfall entstehender Lichtbogen verlängert wird und anderseits bei höheren Strömen der sich einstellende Pinchdruck eine schnellere Abschnürung des Strompfades im Bereich der Verbindungskanäle bewirkt. Die hierbei maßgeblichen Magnetkräfte stehen im quadratischen Verhältnis zum Strom, so daß im Nennbetrieb die beschriebene Wirkung vemachlässigbar ist, dagegen im Bereich der Kurzschlußströme die positive Beeinflussung des Strombegrenzungsverhaltens eintritt. Der beschriebene Wirkmechanismus ist selbstwirkend, das heißt, er beruht allein auf der auslösenden Wirkung eines Kurzschlußstromes und des sich daraus ergebenden Magnetfeldes.The repulsive electromagnetic forces caused by the opposite current profile in the first connection conductor and in the liquid metal and the bundling of the magnetic field caused by the ferromagnetic body deflects the current path within the current limiting device in such a way that on the one hand an arc which arises in the event of a short circuit is extended and on the other hand at higher currents the adjusting Pinch pressure causes a faster constriction of the current path in the area of the connecting channels. The relevant magnetic forces are quadratic in relation to the current, so that the described effect is negligible in nominal operation, whereas the current limiting behavior is positively influenced in the area of short-circuit currents. The mechanism of action described is self-acting, that is, it is based solely on the triggering effect of a short-circuit current and the resulting magnetic field.
Mit Vorteil lassen sich ferromagnetische Werkstoffe mit hohen bis sehr hohen relativen Anfangspermeabilitäten einsetzen; stellvertretend seien genannt Eisen sowie weichmagnetische Eisen-, Kobalt- oder Nickellegierungen, wie z.B. Permalloy oder Mu-Metall.Ferromagnetic materials with high to very high relative initial permeabilities can advantageously be used; Representative are iron and soft magnetic iron, cobalt or nickel alloys, such as Permalloy or Mu metal.
Für die erwünschte Bündelung des Magnetfeldes ist es zweckmäßig, wenn sich der ferromagnetische Körper über die Gesamtlänge der Verdichterräume erstreckt. Es ist vorteilhaft, den ersten Anschlußleiter bzw. den ferromagneti- schen Körper durch die oder einen Teil der druckfesten Isolierkörper festzulegen und zu isolieren. Die Verlängerung des Lichtbogens wird noch zusätzlich durch die versetzte Anordnung der Verbindungskanäle erhöht.For the desired bundling of the magnetic field, it is expedient if the ferromagnetic body extends over the entire length of the compression spaces. It is advantageous to fix and isolate the first connecting conductor or the ferromagnetic body by means of or part of the pressure-resistant insulating bodies. The lengthening of the arc is further increased by the staggered arrangement of the connecting channels.
Mit Vorteil ist als Flüssigmetall eine Gallium-Legierung zu verwenden. Insbesondere GalnSn-Legierungen sind einfach zu handhaben durch ihre physiologische Unbedenklichkeit. Eine Legierung aus 660 Gewichtsanteilen Gallium, 205 Gewichtsanteilen Indium und 135 Gewichtsanteilen Zinn ist bei Normaldruck von 10°C bis 2000°C flüssig und besitzt eine ausreichende elektrische Leitfähigkeit. Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenIt is advantageous to use a gallium alloy as the liquid metal. GalnSn alloys in particular are easy to handle due to their physiological harmlessness. An alloy of 660 parts by weight gallium, 205 parts by weight indium and 135 parts by weight tin is liquid at normal pressure from 10 ° C to 2000 ° C and has sufficient electrical conductivity. Brief description of the drawings
Weitere Einzelheiten der Erfindung ergeben sich aus dem folgenden Ausführungsbeispiel. In der zugehörigen einzigen Figur 1 ist im Längsschnitt eine erfindungsgemäße Strombegrenzungseinrichtung gezeigt.Further details of the invention emerge from the following exemplary embodiment. A current limiting device according to the invention is shown in longitudinal section in the associated single FIG. 1.
Bester Weg zur Ausführung der ErfindungBest way to carry out the invention
Die einpolige Strombegrenzungseinrichtung 1 enthält zu beiden Seiten je eine Elektrode 11 bzw. 12 aus Festmetall, vorzugsweise Kupfer, die rotationssymmetrisch ausgebildet ist und in jeweils einen äußeren Anschlußleiter 21 bzw. 22 übergeht. Zwischen den Elektroden 11 und 12 befinden sich mehrere Verdichterräume 3, die durch eine entsprechende Anzahl von ringförmigen Dicht- Scheiben 4 sowie von isolierenden Zwischenwänden 6 gebildet werden. Durch ein Formgehäuse 5 werden die Elektroden 11 und 12, die Dichtscheiben 4 und die Zwischenwände 6 gehalten, wobei bekannte Mittel zum Abdichten der Verdichterräume 3 und zum kraftschlüssigen Verbinden der im FormgehäuseThe unipolar current limiting device 1 contains on both sides an electrode 11 or 12 made of solid metal, preferably copper, which is rotationally symmetrical and merges into an outer connecting conductor 21 or 22. Between the electrodes 11 and 12 there are a number of compressor chambers 3, which are formed by a corresponding number of annular sealing disks 4 and insulating partition walls 6. The electrodes 11 and 12, the sealing disks 4 and the intermediate walls 6 are held by a molded housing 5, known means for sealing the compression spaces 3 and for non-positively connecting the ones in the molded housing
5 gelagerten Elemente 11 , 12, 4 und 6 vorgesehen, jedoch aus Gründen der Übersichtlichkeit nicht dargestellt sind. Die Mittel zum Abdichten können beispielsweise Dichtringe zwischen den Dichtscheiben 4 und den Zwischenwänden 6 bzw. Elektroden 11 , 12 sein. Die Mittel zum kraftschlüssigen Verbinden sind beispielsweise durchgehende Spannschrauben entlang der beiden Linien 7. Die beiden äußeren Verdichterräume 3 werden seitlich jeweils durch eine der Elektroden 11 bzw. 12 sowie durch eine Zwischenwand 6 begrenzt. Die inneren Verdichterräume 3 werden seitlich jeweils durch zwei Zwischenwände5 mounted elements 11, 12, 4 and 6 are provided, but are not shown for reasons of clarity. The means for sealing can be, for example, sealing rings between the sealing disks 4 and the intermediate walls 6 or electrodes 11, 12. The means for non-positive connection are, for example, continuous tensioning screws along the two lines 7. The two outer compression spaces 3 are laterally delimited by one of the electrodes 11 and 12 and by an intermediate wall 6. The inner compressor rooms 3 are laterally separated by two partitions
6 begrenzt. Das im allgemeinen mehrteilige Formgehäuse 5 und die Dichtscheiben 4 sind druckfeste erste bzw. zweite Isolierkörper. Alle Verdichterräume 3 sind teilweise mit einem Flüssigmetall 8 ausgefüllt, beispielsweise einer GalnSn-Legierung. Oberhalb des Flüssigmetalls 8 befindet sich beispielsweise Vakuum. Die Zwischenwände 6 sind unterhalb des Flüssigkeitsspiegels mit Verbindungskanälen 9 versehen. Die Verbindungskanäle 9 sind ebenfalls mit Flüssigmetall 8 gefüllt. Der zur linken, ersten Elektrode 11 gehörende linke, erste Anschlußleiter 21 wird innerhalb des Formgehäuses 5 unterhalb der Verdichterräume 3 entlang geführt und tritt auf der rechten Seite aus dem Formgehäuse 5 heraus. Der zur rechten, zweiten Elektrode 12 gehörende rechte, zweite Anschlußleiter 22 tritt ebenfalls auf der rechten Seite aus dem Formgehäuse 5 heraus. Über den Verdichterräumen 3 erstreckt sich ein im Formgehäuse 5 festgelegter ferromagnetischer Körper 10. Der zweite Anschlußleiter 21 verläuft so, daß der Strom durch das Flüssigmetall 8 und durch den zweiten Anschlußleiter 22 entgegengerichtet ist, wodurch eine erste elektromagnetische Kraftkomponente F1 auf den Strom im Flüssigmetall 8 ausgeübt wird. Die Wirkung des durch den ferromagnetischen Körper 10 beeinflußten Magnetfeldes übt eine zweite elektromagnetische Kraftkomponente F2 auf den Strom im Flüssigmetall 8 aus. Beide Kraftkomponenten F1 und F2 sind im wesentlichen nach oben gerichtet, aber im Nennbetrieb der Strombegrenzungseinrichtung 1 ohne nennenswerte Auswirkung auf den Strom im Flüssigmetall 8. Beim Auftreten eines äußeren Kurzschlusses steigen allerdings die Kraftkomponenten F1 und F2 so weit an, daß der entstehende strombegrenzende Lichtbogen innerhalb der Verdichterräume 8 erheblich abgelenkt und damit verlängert wird. Dieser Zustand wird durch die unterbrochene Linie L in Fig. 1 angedeutet. Durch den verlängerten mäanderförmigen Verlauf des Lichtbogens erhöht sich in einem wesentlichen Maße der Lichtbogenwiderstand. Durch das damit verkleinerte Verhältnis von Durchlaßstrom zu auslösendem Kurzschlußstrom wird mit der Strombegrenzungseinrichtung 1 ein verbesserter Strombegrenzungsfaktor erreicht. Die Verlängerung des strombegrenzenden Lichtbogens wird zusätzlich durch die versetzte Anordnung der zu benachbarten Zwischenwänden 6 gehörenden Verbindungskanäle 9 gefördert. 6 limited. The generally multi-part molded housing 5 and the sealing washers 4 are pressure-resistant first and second insulating bodies. All of the compressor rooms 3 are partially filled with a liquid metal 8, for example a GalnSn alloy. For example, there is a vacuum above the liquid metal 8. The intermediate walls 6 are provided below the liquid level with connecting channels 9. The connecting channels 9 are also filled with liquid metal 8. The left, first connecting conductor 21 belonging to the left, first electrode 11 is guided inside the molded housing 5 below the compression spaces 3 and emerges from the molded housing 5 on the right side. The right, second connecting conductor 22 belonging to the right, second electrode 12 likewise emerges from the molded housing 5 on the right side. A ferromagnetic body 10, which is fixed in the molded housing 5, extends over the compression chambers 3. The second connecting conductor 21 extends in such a way that the current through the liquid metal 8 and through the second connecting conductor 22 is opposite, whereby a first electromagnetic force component F1 acts on the current in the liquid metal 8 is exercised. The effect of the magnetic field influenced by the ferromagnetic body 10 exerts a second electromagnetic force component F2 on the current in the liquid metal 8. Both force components F1 and F2 are directed essentially upwards, but in the nominal operation of the current limiting device 1 without any appreciable effect on the current in the liquid metal 8. When an external short circuit occurs, however, the force components F1 and F2 increase to such an extent that the resulting current-limiting arc is within the compressor rooms 8 are considerably distracted and thus extended. This state is indicated by the broken line L in Fig. 1. Due to the elongated meandering course of the arc, the arc resistance increases to a significant extent. As a result of the reduced ratio of forward current to tripping short-circuit current, an improved current limiting factor is achieved with the current limiting device 1. The extension of the current-limiting arc is additionally promoted by the staggered arrangement of the connecting channels 9 belonging to adjacent partition walls 6.

Claims

A n s p r ü c h e Expectations
1. Selbsterholende Strombegrenzungseinrichtung mit Flüssigmetall, enthal- tend pro Pol eine erste und eine zweite Elektrode (11 ; 12) aus Festmetall zum Anschließen an einen zu schützenden Stromkreis und mehrere mit Flüssigmetall (8) teilweise aufgefüllte, zwischen den Elektroden (11 ; 12) hintereinander liegende Verdichterräume (3), die durch druckfeste Isolierkörper (4; 5) und durch diese gehaltene isolierende Zwischenwände (6) mit Verbindungskanälen (9) gebildet werden, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß ein mit der ersten Elektrode (11 ) verbundener erster Anschlußleiter (21 ) mit entgegengerichteter Stromrichtung unterhalb der Verdichterräume (3) verläuft und daß ein ferromagnetischer Körper (10) oberhalb der Verdichterräume (3) angeordnet ist.1. Self-recovering current limiting device with liquid metal, containing for each pole a first and a second electrode (11; 12) made of solid metal for connection to a circuit to be protected and several liquid electrodes (8) partially filled between the electrodes (11; 12) Compressor spaces (3) located one behind the other, which are formed by pressure-resistant insulating bodies (4; 5) and insulating intermediate walls (6) with connecting channels (9) held by them, characterized in that a first connecting conductor (21) connected to the first electrode (11) ) runs in the opposite direction of the current below the compressor rooms (3) and that a ferromagnetic body (10) is arranged above the compressor rooms (3).
2. Strombegrenzungseinrichtung nach Anspruch 1 , dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der ferromagnetische Körper (10) aus einem Werkstoff mit einer relativen Anfangspermeabilität größer als 500 besteht.2. Current limiting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the ferromagnetic body (10) consists of a material with a relative initial permeability greater than 500.
3. Strombegrenzungseinrichtung nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sich der ferromagnetische (10) Körper im wesentlichen über die gesamte Länge aller Verdichterräume (3) erstreckt.3. Current limiting device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ferromagnetic (10) body extends substantially over the entire length of all the compressor spaces (3).
4. Strombegrenzungseinrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der erste Anschlußleiter (21 ) innerhalb des Isolierkörpers (5) verläuft.4. Current limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first connecting conductor (21) runs inside the insulating body (5).
5. Strombegrenzungseinrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß sich der ferromagnetische Körper (10) durch den Isolierkörper (5) festgelegt ist. 5. Current limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ferromagnetic body (10) is fixed by the insulating body (5).
6. Strombegrenzungseinrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Verbindungskanäle (9) benachbarter Zwischenwände (6) versetzt angeordnet sind.6. Current limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting channels (9) of adjacent partition walls (6) are arranged offset.
7. Strombegrenzungseinrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das Flüssigmetall (8) eine GalnSn-Legie- rung ist. 7. Current limiting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the liquid metal (8) is a GalnSn alloy.
EP00906218A 1999-02-01 2000-01-22 Self-recovering current-limiting device with liquid metal Expired - Lifetime EP1173873B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE19903837A DE19903837B4 (en) 1999-02-01 1999-02-01 Self-recovering current limiting device with liquid metal
DE19903837 1999-02-01
PCT/EP2000/000479 WO2000046829A1 (en) 1999-02-01 2000-01-22 Self-recovering current-limiting device with liquid metal

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EP1173873A1 true EP1173873A1 (en) 2002-01-23
EP1173873B1 EP1173873B1 (en) 2003-05-21

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US (1) US6850145B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1173873B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3457282B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE241213T1 (en)
DE (2) DE19903837B4 (en)
WO (1) WO2000046829A1 (en)

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US6850145B1 (en) 2005-02-01
DE19903837B4 (en) 2004-02-19
JP2002536950A (en) 2002-10-29
DE50002269D1 (en) 2003-06-26
EP1173873B1 (en) 2003-05-21
WO2000046829A1 (en) 2000-08-10
DE19903837A1 (en) 2000-08-10
ATE241213T1 (en) 2003-06-15
JP3457282B2 (en) 2003-10-14

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