EP3910658A1 - Appareil de commutation pour réseaux de distribution d'énergie électrique - Google Patents

Appareil de commutation pour réseaux de distribution d'énergie électrique Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3910658A1
EP3910658A1 EP20174638.5A EP20174638A EP3910658A1 EP 3910658 A1 EP3910658 A1 EP 3910658A1 EP 20174638 A EP20174638 A EP 20174638A EP 3910658 A1 EP3910658 A1 EP 3910658A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
arc
breaking
switching apparatus
electrically connected
terminal
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP20174638.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Nitesh Ranjan
Yacine Babou
Jan CARSTENSEN
Felix Rager
Gabriel Lantz
Markus Abplanalp
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.)
ABB Schweiz AG
Original Assignee
ABB Schweiz AG
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 ABB Schweiz AG filed Critical ABB Schweiz AG
Priority to EP20174638.5A priority Critical patent/EP3910658A1/fr
Publication of EP3910658A1 publication Critical patent/EP3910658A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/04—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H33/08—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H33/10—Metal parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/36—Metal parts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/30—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H9/34—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H01H9/36—Metal parts
    • H01H2009/365—Metal parts using U-shaped plates
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/541—Contacts shunted by semiconductor devices
    • H01H9/542—Contacts shunted by static switch means
    • H01H2009/543—Contacts shunted by static switch means third parallel branch comprising an energy absorber, e.g. MOV, PTC, Zener
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H33/00—High-tension or heavy-current switches with arc-extinguishing or arc-preventing means
    • H01H33/02—Details
    • H01H33/04—Means for extinguishing or preventing arc between current-carrying parts
    • H01H33/08—Stationary parts for restricting or subdividing the arc, e.g. barrier plate
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01H—ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
    • H01H9/00—Details of switching devices, not covered by groups H01H1/00 - H01H7/00
    • H01H9/54—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switching device and for which no provision exists elsewhere
    • H01H9/541—Contacts shunted by semiconductor devices
    • H01H9/542—Contacts shunted by static switch means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a switching apparatus for electric power distribution grids, in particular for medium-voltage electric systems.
  • Switching apparatuses for electric power distribution grids generally comprise one or more electrical poles, each including electric contacts that can be mutually coupled or uncoupled.
  • switching apparatuses In order to break line currents circulating along the electric poles, such electric arcs have to be extinguished as quickly as possible.
  • switching apparatuses often comprise an arc-chute arrangement positioned near the electric contacts of each electric pole.
  • An arc-chute arrangement typically includes a stack of arc-breaking plates normally made of a metallic ferromagnetic material and arranged spaced one from another.
  • switching apparatuses provided with arc-chute arrangements generally perform their functionalities in a rather satisfying way, there is still the need for some improvements, particularly to make more efficient the arc-quenching process.
  • Such a demand appears even more important as insulating gases having lower global warming potential but weaker dielectric properties with respect to SF6 are increasingly used in switching apparatuses.
  • the present invention intends to respond to this need, by providing a switching apparatus for electric power distribution grids, according to the following claim 1 and the related dependent claims.
  • the switching apparatus comprises:
  • the arc breaking assembly comprises at least an electronic circuit having a first terminal electrically connected with at least an arc-breaking plate and a second terminal electrically connected with at least another arc-breaking plate.
  • Said electronic circuit comprises one or more semiconductor switches electrically connected with said first and second terminals and adapted to switch in a conduction state or in an interdiction state depending on a voltage applied thereto.
  • Said electronic circuit is configured so that a current is allowed to flow between said first and second terminals, according to a predefined conduction direction, during an opening manoeuvre of said switching apparatus.
  • the arc breaking assembly comprises at least an electronic circuit including a single semiconductor switch electrically connected between said first and second terminals, wherein said first terminal is electrically connected with a first arc-breaking plate and said second terminal is electrically connected to a second arc-breaking plate.
  • Said first and second arc-breaking plates are respectively in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to said fixed contact. In this way, the movable contact passes in proximity of said first and second arc-breaking plates at subsequent instants, during an opening manoeuvre of said switching apparatus.
  • said semiconductor switch has a current input terminal (e.g. an anode terminal) electrically connected with said first terminal and a current output terminal (e.g. a cathode terminal) electrically connected with said second terminal.
  • a current input terminal e.g. an anode terminal
  • a current output terminal e.g. a cathode terminal
  • said semiconductor switch may have a current input terminal (e.g. an anode terminal) electrically connected with said second terminal and a current output terminal (e.g. a cathode terminal) electrically connected with said first terminal.
  • a current input terminal e.g. an anode terminal
  • a current output terminal e.g. a cathode terminal
  • the arc breaking assembly comprises at least an electronic circuit including a plurality of semiconductor switches electrically connected in series between said first and second terminals, wherein said first terminal is electrically connected with a first arc-breaking plate and said second terminal is electrically connected to a second arc-breaking plate.
  • Said first and second arc-breaking plates are respectively in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to said fixed contact.
  • Said semiconductor switches may have current input terminals oriented towards said first terminal and current output terminals oriented towards said second terminal.
  • said semiconductor switches may have current output terminals oriented towards said first terminal and current input terminals oriented towards said second terminal.
  • the arc breaking assembly comprises at least an electronic circuit including a plurality of semiconductor switches electrically connected in parallel between said first and second terminals, wherein said first terminal is electrically connected with a first arc-breaking plate and said second terminal is electrically connected to a second arc-breaking plate.
  • Said first and second arc-breaking plates are respectively in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to said fixed contact.
  • the arc breaking assembly comprises a single electronic circuit having a first terminal electrically connected with a first arc-breaking plate and a second terminal electrically connected with a second arc-breaking plate, wherein said first and second arc-breaking plates are respectively in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to said fixed contact.
  • the arc breaking assembly comprises a plurality of electronic circuits including at least:
  • the arc breaking assembly comprises at least an electronic circuit having a first terminal electrically connected with a first plurality of first arc-breaking plates and a second terminal electrically connected with a second plurality of arc-breaking plates.
  • the arc breaking assembly comprises at least a protection circuit electrically connected in parallel with said at least an electronic circuit.
  • the semiconductor switches of said at least an electronic circuit are power diodes.
  • the switching apparatus comprises, for each electric pole, an arc chamber including said fixed contact, said movable contact and said arc-chute arrangement. Said arc chamber being filled with an insulating gas.
  • the switching apparatus a medium-voltage circuit breaker.
  • the present invention relates to a medium-voltage electric system comprising a switching apparatus, as described above.
  • the present invention relates to a switching apparatus 1 for electric power distribution grids.
  • the switching apparatus 1 is particularly adapted for AC medium-voltage electric systems and it will be described with particular reference to this kind of applications. However, in principle, it may be used also in electric systems of different types, e.g. DC medium-voltage electric systems or low-voltage electric systems.
  • the term “low voltage” LV
  • MV medium voltage
  • Figure 1 shows a schematic view the switching apparatus 1.
  • the switching apparatus 1 comprises one or more electric poles 10, each comprising a pair of pole contacts 11, 12 that can be electrically coupled with corresponding line conductors 51, 52 of an electric line 50.
  • the line conductors 51, 52 of the electric line 50 are, in turn, electrically connectable to an equivalent electric power source (e.g. an electric power feeding or generation system or a section of electric grid) and to an equivalent electric load (e.g. an electric system or apparatus or a section of electric grid).
  • an equivalent electric power source e.g. an electric power feeding or generation system or a section of electric grid
  • an equivalent electric load e.g. an electric system or apparatus or a section of electric grid
  • the number of electric poles 10 of the switching apparatus 1 may vary, according to the needs.
  • the switching apparatus 1 is of the three-phase type and it comprises three-electric poles.
  • the switching apparatus 1 may include a different number of electric poles depending on the number of electric phases of the electric line 50.
  • the switching apparatus 1 comprises, for each electric pole 10, at least a pair of electric contacts 2, 3 that can be mutually coupled or decoupled in order to allow or interrupt the flow of a current through said electric pole.
  • the switching apparatus 1 comprises, for each electric pole 10, at least a fixed contact 2 and at least a movable contact 3.
  • the switching apparatus 1 comprises, for each electric pole 10, a single fixed contact and a single movable contact that can be mutually coupled or decoupled (single current breaking configuration).
  • the switching apparatus 1 comprises, for each electric pole 10, a pair of fixed contacts and a pair of movable contacts that can be mutually coupled or decoupled (double current breaking configuration).
  • Each movable contact 3 of the switching apparatus is reversibly movable between a coupled position, at which it is coupled with the corresponding fixed contact 2, and an uncoupled position, at which it is separated from the corresponding fixed contact 2.
  • the switching apparatus 1 When each movable 3 is in a coupled position, the switching apparatus 1 is in a closed state and line currents can flow along the electric poles 10 whereas, when each movable 3 is in an uncoupled position, the switching apparatus 1 is in an open state and no line currents can flow along the electric poles 10.
  • a transition from a closed state to the open state forms an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus 1 whereas a transition from an open state to a closed state forms a closing manoeuvre of the switching apparatus 1.
  • each movable contact 3 moves from the coupled position towards the uncoupled position according to a given direction of movement M.
  • each movable contact 3 moves from the uncoupled position to the coupled position according to an opposite direction of movement.
  • each movable contact 3 reversibly moves between the above-mentioned coupled and uncoupled positions by carrying out suitable opposite rotational movements.
  • each movable contact 3 reversibly moves the above-mentioned coupled and uncoupled positions by carrying out suitable opposite linear movements.
  • the switching apparatus 1 comprises actuating means (not shown) operatively coupled with the movable contacts 3 through suitable motion transmission means (not shown) and adapted to actuate said movable contacts during an opening or closing manoeuvre.
  • the electric contacts 2, 3 and the above-mentioned actuating means and motion transmission means of the switching apparatus 1 may be realized according to solutions of known type and they will be described hereinafter in relation to the aspects of interest of the invention only, for the sake of brevity.
  • the switching apparatus 1 may comprise a variety of additional components (most of them are not shown in the cited figures), which may be realized according to solutions of known type. Also, these additional components will be not described hereinafter, for the sake of brevity.
  • the switching apparatus 1 comprises, for each electric pole 10, an arc-breaking assembly 4.
  • the arc-breaking assembly 4 comprises an arc-chute arrangement 4A including a plurality of arc-breaking plates 400 arranged in proximity of the electric contacts 2, 3.
  • the arc-breaking plates 400 are conveniently stacked side by side and spaced one from another along a given stack direction that is conveniently oriented according to the trajectory followed by the movable contact 3 during the opening and closing manoeuvres of the switching apparatus.
  • the arc-breaking plates 400 are thus arranged at positions having increasingly relative distances with respect to the fixed contact 2.
  • the arc-breaking plates 400 are made, at least partially, of a ferromagnetic material, e.g. mild steel.
  • each arc-breaking plate 400 may be shaped according to the needs.
  • each arc-breaking plate may have a rectangular shape with a grooved side in proximal position with respect to the electric contacts 2, 3.
  • the movable contact 3 can pass in proximity to the arc-breaking plates 400 during an opening or closing manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the arc-chute arrangement 4A comprises one or more insulating support elements 45 adapted to maintain the arc-breaking plates 400 in their stacked position and adapted to fix the arc-assembly 4 to a support (not shown) of the corresponding electric pole 10.
  • the arc-breaking plates 400 are electrically disconnected from the electric contacts 2, 3 of the corresponding electric pole 10 and from other live parts of said electric pole. Therefore, they are normally at a floating voltage potential during the operation of the switching apparatus 1.
  • live parts describes components of the switching apparatus, which have a line voltage during the operation of the switching apparatus.
  • floating voltage potential describes a voltage potential that is not directly tied to a given voltage reference during the operation of the switching apparatus.
  • the switching apparatus 1 is of the gas-insulated type, e.g. a gas-insulated medium-voltage circuit breaker.
  • each electric pole 10 conveniently comprises an arc chamber (not shown) having an internal volume, in which the fixed contact 2, the movable contact 3 and at least the arc-chute arrangement 4A are accommodated.
  • such an arc chamber is filled with an insulating gas, for example SF6.
  • said arc chamber is filled with a more environment-friendly insulating gas.
  • an insulating gas selected in a group including CO2, O2, N2, H2, air, N 2 O, a hydrocarbon compound (in particular CH4), a perfluorinated compound, a partially hydrogenated organofluorine compound, or mixture products thereof.
  • an insulating gas including a background gas selected in a group including CO 2 , O 2 , N 2 , H 2 , air, in a mixture with an organofluorine compound selected in a group including fluoroether, oxirane, fluoramine, fluoroketone, fluoroolefin, fluoronitrile, and mixture and/or decomposition products thereof.
  • each arc breaking assembly 4 comprises at least an electronic circuit 40, 40A, 40B electrically connected with a pair of different arc-breaking plates 41, 42, 43, 44.
  • the electronic circuit 40, 40A, 40B has a first terminal T1 electrically connected with an arc-breaking plate 41, 43 and a second terminal T2 electrically connected with another arc-breaking plate 42, 44.
  • the electronic circuit 40, 40A, 40B comprises at least one or more semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN electrically connected with the first and second terminals T1, T2.
  • Each semiconductor switch D1, D2, DN is adapted to switch in a conduction state or in an interdiction state depending on a voltage applied thereto.
  • each semiconductor switch When it is in a conduction state, each semiconductor switch allows the flow of a current according to a predefined conduction direction, whereas, when it is in an interdiction state, each semiconductor switch blocks the flow of a current passing therethrough.
  • the semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN are power diodes.
  • they may be of different type, e.g. thyristors or power transistors, provided that they operate as power diodes.
  • the electronic circuit 40, 40A, 40B is configured in such a way that a current I ARC can flow between the first and second terminals T1, T2, according to a predefined conduction direction, during the operation of the switching apparatus 1, in particular during an opening manoeuvre thereof.
  • the current I ARC circulating along the electronic is an arc current generated by electric arcs arising between the electric contacts 2, 3 under separation, during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus 1.
  • the semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN of the electronic circuit 40, 40A, 40B are initially in an interdiction state.
  • the arc current I ARC which is generated by electric arcs resulting from the separation of the electric contacts 2-3, initially starts circulating through the arc-breaking plates 400 according to direction M of the separation movement of the movable contact 3.
  • the semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN switch in a conduction state and the arc current I ARC starts circulating along the electronic circuit 40 instead of passing through the arc-breaking plates 400.
  • Such a commutation of the arc current I ARC from the arc-breaking plates to the electronic circuit 40 allows quickly extinguishing electric arcs between the arc-breaking plates.
  • the insulating gas between the arc-breaking plates can therefore cool down, thereby improving its dielectric properties (it becomes less conductive) and preventing the formation of further decomposition products.
  • the arc current I ARC circulating along the electronic circuit 10 can be interrupted more effectively as the semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN ensure a high interruption power, even in harsh interruption conditions.
  • the arc-breaking assembly 4 shows improved current-breaking performances with respect to corresponding devices of the state of the art.
  • the electronic circuit 40 has the terminals T1, T2 electrically connected to different arc-breaking plates 41, 42, 43, 44 electrically disconnected from the electric contacts 2, 3 and other live parts, thereby normally operating at a floating voltage potential (in particular when the switching apparatus is in an open state).
  • Figures 3-4 show an embodiment of the invention, in which the arc-breaking assembly 4 comprises an electronic circuit 40 including a single semiconductor switch D1 (power diode).
  • the semiconductor switch D1 has a current input terminal (anode terminal) and a current output terminal (cathode terminal) electrically connected with the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2 of the electronic circuit 40, respectively.
  • the first and second terminals T1, T2 are in turn electrically connected with first and second arc-breaking plates 41, 42 respectively.
  • the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are positioned in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to the fixed contact 2 of the electric pole 10. In this way, the movable contact 3 passes first in proximity of the first arc-breaking plate 41 and subsequently in proximity of the second arc-breaking plate 42, during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the semiconductor switch D1 power diode is oriented in agreement to the direction of movement M of the movable contact 3, during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the semiconductor switch D1 When the switching apparatus 1 is in a closed state, the semiconductor switch D1 is in an interdiction state as the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are at the same (floating) voltage potential.
  • the movable contact 3 When the movable contact 3 separates from the fixed contact 2 ( figure 5 - instant to), electric arcs arise between the electric contacts 2, 3 and reach the arc-breaking plates 400.
  • an (AC) arc current I ARC starts circulating through the arc-breaking plates 400 following the direction of movement M of the movable contact 3 ( figure 3 ).
  • the arc current I ARC naturally follows a current path extending through the gap between the fixed contact 2 and the first arc-breaking plate reached by the movable contact 3, through the arc-breaking plates reached by the movable contact 3 and through the gap between the last arc-breaking plate reached by the movable contact 3 and the movable contact itself ( figure 3 ).
  • the power diode D1 remains in an interdiction state as both the first and second terminals T1, T2 or at least the second terminal T2 of the electronic circuit 10 are at a floating voltage potential. Therefore, the arc current I ARC follows the natural current path through the arc-breaking plates 400 already reached by the movable contact 3.
  • a forward bias voltage V D (more precisely a forward bias voltage difference) is applied between the first and second terminals T1, T2 of the electronic circuit 10 (and therefore the current input and output terminals of the semiconductor switch D1) since the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are now positioned at different points of a same current path having a relatively high equivalent impedance.
  • the parameter ⁇ takes a minimum value when the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are side by side and a maximum value when the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are positioned at opposite sides of the arc-chute arrangement 4A.
  • the forward bias voltage V D between the first and second terminals T1, T2 makes the semiconductor switch D1 to switch in a conduction state ( figure 5 - instant ti).
  • the semiconductor switch D1 provides an alternative low-impedance current path to the arc current I ARC , which thus moves away from the arc-breaking plates 400 and starts circulating between the first and second terminals T1, T2.
  • the arc current I ARC follows now an alternative current path extending through the gap between the fixed contact 2 and the first arc-breaking plate reached by the movable contact 3, through the first and second terminals T1, T2 and through the gap between the last arc-breaking plate reached by the movable contact 3 and the movable contact itself ( figure 4 ).
  • FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of the invention, in which the arc-breaking assembly 4 comprises an electronic circuit 40 including a single semiconductor switch D1 (power diode).
  • the semiconductor switch D1 has the current input and output terminals (anode and cathode) electrically connected with the second terminal T2 and the first terminal T1 of the electronic circuit 40, respectively.
  • the first and second terminals T1, T2 are in turn electrically connected with first and second arc-breaking plates 41, 42 respectively.
  • the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are positioned in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to the fixed contact 2 of the electric pole 10 as in the embodiment of figures 3-4 .
  • the semiconductor switch D1 Since it has the current input and output terminals (anode and cathode) electrically connected to the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 (through the first and second terminals T1, T2 of the electronic circuit 10), respectively, the semiconductor switch D1 is oriented in opposition to the direction of movement M of the movable contact 3, during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the semiconductor switch D1 When the switching apparatus 1 is in a closed state, the semiconductor switch D1 is in an interdiction state as the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are at the same (floating) voltage potential.
  • the movable contact 3 When the movable contact 3 separates from the fixed contact 2 ( figure 7 - instant to), electric arcs arise between the electric contacts 2, 3 and reach the arc-breaking plates 400.
  • An (AC) arc current I ARC starts circulating through the arc-breaking plates 400 following the direction of movement M of the movable contact 3 ( figure 3 ).
  • the power diode D1 remains in an interdiction state as a reverse bias voltage-V D is applied between the first and second terminals T1, T2. Therefore, the arc current I ARC follows its natural current path configured as illustrated above.
  • the semiconductor switch D1 switches in a conduction state, thereby providing an alternative low-impedance current path for the arc current I ARC .
  • the arc current I ARC moves away from the arc-breaking plates 400 to the electronic circuit 40 and starts circulating between the first and second terminals T1, T2.
  • the arc current I ARC thus follows an alternative current path configured as illustrated above.
  • the semiconductor switch D1 switches in an interdiction state as a reverse bias voltage -V D is again applied between the first and second terminals T1, T2 of the electronic circuit 10.
  • the arc current I ARC is thus interrupted.
  • Figure 8 shows an embodiment of the invention, according to which the electronic circuit 40 of the arc-breaking assembly 4 includes multiple semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN (power diodes) electrically connected in series between the first and second terminals T1, T2.
  • D1, D2, DN power diodes
  • the semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN have their current input and output terminals (anodes and cathodes) oriented towards the first terminal T1 and the second terminal T2, respectively.
  • the first and second terminals T1, T2 are in turn electrically connected with first and second arc-breaking plates 41, 42 respectively.
  • the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are positioned in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to the fixed contact 2 of the electric pole 10 as in the embodiments of figures 3-4 , 6.
  • the semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN are therefore oriented according to the direction of movement M of the movable contact 3, during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the operation of the arc-breaking assembly 4 is substantially similar to that one of the embodiments of figures 3-4 . Therefore, it will not here be described in more details for the sake of brevity.
  • Figure 9 shows another embodiment of the invention, according to which the electronic circuit 40 of the arc-breaking assembly 4 includes multiple semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN (power diodes) electrically connected in series between the first and second terminals T1, T2.
  • the power diodes D1, D2, DN have their anodes and cathodes oriented towards the second terminal T2 and the first terminal T1, respectively.
  • the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are positioned in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to the fixed contact 2 of the electric pole 10.
  • the power diodes D1, D2, DN are therefore oriented opposite to the direction of movement M of the movable contact 3, during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the operation of the arc-breaking assembly 4 is substantially similar to that one of the embodiment of figure 6 . Therefore, it will not here be described in more details for the sake of brevity.
  • FIGS. 8-9 are particularly advantageous as they allow using semiconductor switches (power diodes) of smaller size (thereby less expensive), since the voltage V D i applied between the current input and output terminals (anode and cathode) of each semiconductor switch is considered lowered.
  • V D i V D / N
  • V D is the bias voltage applied between the first and second terminals T1, T2 and N is the number of semiconductor switches electrically connected in series.
  • the electronic circuit 40 of the arc-breaking assembly 4 may include multiple semiconductor switches D1, D2, DN (e.g. power diodes) electrically connected in parallel between the first and second terminals T1, T2.
  • D1, D2, DN e.g. power diodes
  • the operation of the arc-breaking assembly 4 is substantially similar to the operation of the embodiment of figures 3-4 . Therefore, it will not here be described in more details for the sake of brevity.
  • FIGS 3 , 4 , 6 , 8-9 show embodiments of the invention, according to which the arc-breaking assembly 4 comprises a single electronic circuit 40 configured as described above.
  • Figures 10-12 show embodiments of the invention, according to which the arc-breaking assembly 4 comprises multiple electronic circuits 40A, 40B configured as described above.
  • the arc-breaking assembly 4 comprises a first electronic circuit 40A, which has a first terminal T1 electrically connected with a first arc-breaking plate 41 and a second terminal T2 electrically connected with a second arc-breaking plate 42.
  • the arc-breaking plates 41, 42 are positioned in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to the fixed contact 2 of the electric pole 10.
  • the arc-breaking assembly 4 further comprises a second electronic circuit 40B, which has a corresponding first terminal T1 electrically connected with a third arc-breaking plate 43 and a corresponding second terminal T2 electrically connected with a fourth arc-breaking plate 44.
  • the arc-breaking plates 43, 44 are positioned in a proximal position and in a distal position with respect to the fixed contact 2 of the electric pole 10.
  • the electronic circuits 40A, 40B are configured in such a way to conduct an arc current I ARC according to a same predefined direction, during the opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the electronic circuits 40A, 40B are configured in such a way to conduct an arc current I ARC according to opposite predefined directions, during the opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the first, second, third and fourth arc-breaking plates 41, 42, 43, 44 are positioned at increasing distances from the fixed contact 2, respectively. In this way, the movable contact 3 passes in proximity of said arc-breaking plates at subsequent instants, during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • the operation of the arc-breaking assembly 4 is substantially similar to the operation the embodiment of figures 3-4 or to the operation of the embodiment of figure 6 depending on how the electronic circuits 40A, 40B are configured. Therefore, it will not here be described in more details for the sake of brevity.
  • each electronic circuit ensures the circulation of an arc current I ARC between the first and second terminals T1, T2, according to a predefined conduction direction, during an opening manoeuvre of the switching apparatus.
  • Figure 13 shows an embodiment of the invention, in which the electronic circuit 40 has a first terminal T1 electrically connected with a first plurality of first arc-breaking plates 41, 43 and a second terminal T2 electrically connected with a second plurality of arc-breaking plates 42, 44.
  • the operation of the arc-breaking assembly 4 is substantially similar to the operation the embodiment of figures 3-4 or to the operation of the embodiment of figure 6 depending on how the electronic circuit 40 is configured. Therefore, it will not here be described in more details for the sake of brevity.
  • the arc breaking assembly 4 comprises one or more protection circuits 49, each electrically connected in parallel with a corresponding electronic circuit 40.
  • Figure 14 shows an embodiment of the invention, in which the arc-breaking assembly 4 comprises a protection circuit 49 (e.g. including a varistor) electrically connected in parallel to electronic circuit 40.
  • a protection circuit 49 e.g. including a varistor
  • the switching apparatus 1 provides relevant advantages with respect to corresponding known switching systems of the state of the art.
  • the switching apparatus 1 includes an arc-breaking assembly 4 having improved current breaking capabilities.
  • the arrangement of an electronic circuit 10 configured as described above allows quickly extinguishing electric arcs between the arc-breaking plates, thereby improving the dielectric properties of the insulating gases therebetween.
  • the switching apparatus 1 proves particularly effective when critical line currents (e.g. short-circuit currents or overload currents) have to be interrupted during an opening manoeuvre.
  • critical line currents e.g. short-circuit currents or overload currents
  • the switching apparatus 1 is particularly adapted for use in AC medium-voltage applications. However, it may be conveniently used also in applications of different type.
  • the switching apparatus 1 is relatively easy and cheap to manufacture at industrial level with well-established manufacturing techniques. It may therefore be manufactured at competitive costs with similar switching systems of the state of the art.

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  • Driving Mechanisms And Operating Circuits Of Arc-Extinguishing High-Tension Switches (AREA)
  • Arc-Extinguishing Devices That Are Switches (AREA)
EP20174638.5A 2020-05-14 2020-05-14 Appareil de commutation pour réseaux de distribution d'énergie électrique Withdrawn EP3910658A1 (fr)

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1179736A (en) * 1967-05-31 1970-01-28 Watford Electric Company Ltd Improvements in Current Interruptors
WO2016091318A1 (fr) * 2014-12-12 2016-06-16 Abb Technology Ltd Dispositif de commutation
US20170358403A1 (en) * 2016-06-08 2017-12-14 Eaton Corporation Hybrid mccb employing electromechanical contacts and power electronic devices

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1179736A (en) * 1967-05-31 1970-01-28 Watford Electric Company Ltd Improvements in Current Interruptors
WO2016091318A1 (fr) * 2014-12-12 2016-06-16 Abb Technology Ltd Dispositif de commutation
US20170358403A1 (en) * 2016-06-08 2017-12-14 Eaton Corporation Hybrid mccb employing electromechanical contacts and power electronic devices

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