EP4300529A1 - Medium voltage or high voltage switch system with a magnetic system applying a transverse field to a vacuum switch - Google Patents
Medium voltage or high voltage switch system with a magnetic system applying a transverse field to a vacuum switch Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP4300529A1 EP4300529A1 EP22182517.7A EP22182517A EP4300529A1 EP 4300529 A1 EP4300529 A1 EP 4300529A1 EP 22182517 A EP22182517 A EP 22182517A EP 4300529 A1 EP4300529 A1 EP 4300529A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- switch system
- yoke
- coil
- vacuum interrupter
- arm
- 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.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 26
- 230000004907 flux Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 4
- 239000012212 insulator Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010791 quenching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000171 quenching effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006698 induction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Images
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
- H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
- H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
- H01H33/664—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings
-
- 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
- H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
- H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
- H01H33/664—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings
- H01H33/6641—Contacts; Arc-extinguishing means, e.g. arcing rings making use of a separate coil
-
- 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
- H01H33/28—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
-
- 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
- H01H33/28—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism
- H01H33/38—Power arrangements internal to the switch for operating the driving mechanism using electromagnet
-
- 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
- H01H33/59—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switch and not otherwise provided for, e.g. for ensuring operation of the switch at a predetermined point in the ac cycle
- H01H33/596—Circuit arrangements not adapted to a particular application of the switch and not otherwise provided for, e.g. for ensuring operation of the switch at a predetermined point in the ac cycle for interrupting dc
-
- 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
- H01H33/60—Switches wherein the means for extinguishing or preventing the arc do not include separate means for obtaining or increasing flow of arc-extinguishing fluid
- H01H33/66—Vacuum switches
- H01H33/666—Operating arrangements
-
- 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 medium voltage or high voltage switch system, and a medium voltage or high voltage switchgear.
- a hybrid medium voltage or high voltage DC circuit breaker is a device where the arc voltage of a vacuum interrupter (VI) is used to transfer the current from a main path in which the VI is located to a parallel path with a semiconductor, where the current can then be switched off.
- VI vacuum interrupter
- a critical aspect of such a hybrid DC circuit breaker is this commutation of the current from the VI to the parallel semiconductors.
- Normally, for example medium voltage (MV) vacuum interrupters generate arc voltages of only about 50V.
- MV vacuum interrupter For a fast and reliable commutation of the load current or short circuit current, a vacuum interrupter with an increased arc voltage is needed.
- state-of-the-art MV Vacuum Interrupters are practically unable to switch any DC currents when the circuit voltage is above 50V.
- a medium voltage, or high voltage switch system comprising:
- the vacuum interrupter comprises a fixed contact and a movable contact.
- a closed configuration of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to maintain the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact.
- the vacuum interrupter In an opening transition of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact.
- the magnetic system is configured to generate a magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through a gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition.
- An axis of the vacuum interrupter is directed through the centre of the fixed contact and through the centre of the movable contact, and wherein the magnetic flux lines are directed perpendicularly to the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- the magnetic system comprises a yoke structure.
- the yoke comprises a first arm and a second arm and ends of the first arm and second arm are located on opposite side of the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- the first arm of the yoke comprises a first permanent magnet and the second arm of the yoke comprises a second permanent magnet.
- the yoke is configured such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are positioned on opposite sides of the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- the magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.
- the first permanent magnet is located at the end of the first arm of the yoke and the second permanent magnet is located at the end of the second arm of the yoke.
- a coil of the at least one coil is wound around a part of the yoke between the first arm of the yoke and the second arm of the yoke.
- a first coil of the at least one coil is wound around the first arm of the yoke and a second coil of the at least one coil is wound around the second arm of the yoke.
- the at least one coil is electrically connected to the fixed contact.
- the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- the at least one coil is electrically connected to the movable contact.
- the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- the yoke comprises iron.
- the switch system comprises a main path and a semiconductor path parallel to the main path.
- the vacuum interrupter is located in the main path, and in the closed configuration of the switch system is configured to carry current via the main path. During the opening transition the current commutes from the main path to at least the semiconductor path.
- a medium voltage or high voltage switchgear comprising at least one switch system according to the first aspect.
- a medium voltage, or high voltage switch system comprises a vacuum interrupter 10, and a magnetic system 50.
- the vacuum interrupter comprises a fixed contact 11 and a movable contact 12. In a closed configuration of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to maintain the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact. In an opening transition of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact.
- the magnetic system is configured to generate a magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through a gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition. An axis of the vacuum interrupter is directed through the centre of the fixed contact and through the centre of the movable contact, and wherein the magnetic flux lines are directed perpendicularly to the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- the first arm of the yoke comprises a first permanent magnet 51 and the second arm of the yoke comprises a second permanent magnet 51.
- the yoke is configured such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are positioned on opposite sides of the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- the magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.
- the first permanent magnet is located at the end of the first arm of the yoke and the second permanent magnet is located at the end of the second arm of the yoke.
- the magnetic system comprises at least one coil 53 configured to carry current.
- the at least one coil is wound around at least one part of the yoke.
- the magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated when current is carried by the at least one coil.
- a first coil of the at least one coil is wound around the first arm of the yoke and a second coil of the at least one coil is wound around the second arm of the yoke.
- the at least one coil is electrically connected to the fixed contact.
- the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- the yoke comprises iron.
- the switch system 60 comprises a main path 61 and a semiconductor path 62 parallel to the main path.
- the vacuum interrupter is located in the main path, and in the closed configuration of the switch system is configured to carry current via the main path. During the opening transition the current commutes from the main path to at least the semiconductor path.
- the vacuum interrupter is axially symmetric.
- the vacuum interrupter does not utilize an arcing chamber.
- a medium voltage or high voltage switchgear can then comprise at least one switch system as described above.
- the vacuum interrupter that can be a standard MV VI, can therefore be in general axially symmetric and does not require additional provisions like e.g. an arcing chamber.
- a MV VI can operate in a medium voltage situation in a manner comparable to a low voltage situation via utilization of the magnetic system.
- Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a vacuum interrupter 1 with an external magnetic system 50 to enhance the vacuum interrupter's performance.
- the vacuum interrupter 1 comprises a fixed contact 11, a movable contact 12, upper and lower lids 13, 14, bellows 15 and a ceramic insulator 16.
- the magnetic system 50 comprises two permanent magnets 51, driving magnetic flux in the direction indicated by the arrows, and an iron yoke 52 that is returning the magnetic flux back around the vacuum interrupter.
- the magnetic system 50 is arranged in a way that its magnetic flux passes through the area between the fixed contact 11 and movable contact 12, where an electrical arc will start burning between the contacts 11 and 12 when the vacuum interrupter is opening.
- Fig. 2 shows the principal arrangement of the main components of a medium voltage hybrid DC switch or circuit breaker 60.
- a main path 61 with a vacuum interrupter 1 carries the nominal current with low losses.
- the switch 60 When the switch 60 is opening, the current has to commutate from the main path 61 to the semiconductor path 62 and to the voltage limiting path 63.
- Fig. 3 shows the vacuum interrupter 1 as it is also shown in Fig. 1 , but in a perspective view.
- the ceramic insulator 16 has been omitted so that the fixed contact 11 and movable contact 12 can be seen in their relative position to the magnetic system 50.
- Fig. 4 shows an alternative way to generate magnetic flux in the magnetic system 50.
- a coil 53 is connected in series to the vacuum interrupter as part of the main current path 61 of the medium voltage (MV) DC hybrid switch or circuit breaker 60.
- No permanent magnets 51 are required in this embodiment, as the magnetic flux perpendicular to the arc is generated by the main current itself.
- the movable stem of the vacuum interrupter connected to the movable contact 12 is electrically connected to one terminal of the coil 53 by a contact system 17, that may be a sliding contact system or a flexible conductor.
- Fig. 5 shows a combination of flux generation by permanent magnets 51 and coil 53.
- Figure 6 shows an embodiment where two coils 53 are arranged at the ends of the arms of the yoke 52, positioned closely to the vacuum interrupter.
- the magnetic field is directed perpendicular to the gap and the arc, so that an arc would be driven by the Lorentz force towards the observer when the technical direction of the current is from the fixed contact 11 to the movable contact 12, and away from the observer when the current is running vice versa. Due to that driving, the arc is elongated and the arc voltage is increased. This effect can be used to 1) switch off load currents when the driving voltage of the circuit in the low MV range 2) ensure the commutation of the current from the main path 61 to the semiconductor path 62 and the voltage limiting path 63.
- MV DC CBs or current limiters for this purpose a separate commutation switch in series to the VI is required, but that can now be omitted.
- the vacuum interrupter can be a standard vacuum interrupter it can be axially symmetrical. This means that there is no preferred direction for the current; the principle is working for any direction of the current. Also, additional provisions like an acring chamber are not foreseen in the standard MV VI.
- a coil 53 is used for the same effect as provided by the permanent magnets 53, to induce a magnetic field perpendicularly to the gap. Also here, the principle will work for both directions of the main current. Alternatively, also two or more coils can be used; see Fig. 6 .
- Permanent magnets and coil based induction can both be used together to generate an appropriate magnetic field.
- the combination shown in Fig. 5 can generate an effective magnetic field, but here a certain direction of the main current has to be respected so that the magnetic flux from the coil 53 is in the same direction as the flux of permanent magnets 51, i.e. flux from 51 and from 53 are added and not subtracted. However, this is not difficult to achieve from standard electromagnetic knowledge.
- Fig. 6 shows that two coils 53 are arranged in a way that their flux is pointing directly towards the contacts 11, 12. For very high currents, the effect is that more flux can reach the arcing area even when the iron yoke is already saturated.
- the embodiment shown in Fig 6 can also be equipped with permanent magnets 51.
- the new development has shown that the arc voltage of a standard vacuum interrupter can be increased from about 50V to several hundred volts with peak voltages above 1000V.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Electromagnetism (AREA)
- High-Tension Arc-Extinguishing Switches Without Spraying Means (AREA)
Abstract
- a vacuum interrupter (10); and
- a magnetic system (50);
wherein the vacuum interrupter comprises a fixed contact (11) and a movable contact (12);
wherein in a closed configuration of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to maintain the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact;
wherein in an opening transition of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact; and
wherein the magnetic system is configured to generate a magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through a gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition; and
wherein an axis of the vacuum interrupter is directed through the centre of the fixed contact and through the centre of the movable contact, and wherein the magnetic flux lines are directed perpendicularly to the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
Description
- The present invention relates to a medium voltage or high voltage switch system, and a medium voltage or high voltage switchgear.
- A hybrid medium voltage or high voltage DC circuit breaker is a device where the arc voltage of a vacuum interrupter (VI) is used to transfer the current from a main path in which the VI is located to a parallel path with a semiconductor, where the current can then be switched off.
- A critical aspect of such a hybrid DC circuit breaker is this commutation of the current from the VI to the parallel semiconductors. Normally, for example medium voltage (MV) vacuum interrupters generate arc voltages of only about 50V. For a fast and reliable commutation of the load current or short circuit current, a vacuum interrupter with an increased arc voltage is needed. However, state-of-the-art MV Vacuum Interrupters are practically unable to switch any DC currents when the circuit voltage is above 50V.
- There is a need to address these issues.
- Therefore, it would be advantageous to enable a standard VI to be able to switch higher voltages. For example, to shift the DC switching performance of a standard MV VI at least into the low range of MV load break switching.
- The object of the present invention is solved with the subject matter of the independent claims, wherein further embodiments are incorporated in the dependent claims.
- In a first aspect, there is provided a medium voltage, or high voltage switch system, comprising:
- a vacuum interrupter; and
- a magnetic system.
- The vacuum interrupter comprises a fixed contact and a movable contact. In a closed configuration of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to maintain the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact. In an opening transition of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact. The magnetic system is configured to generate a magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through a gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition. An axis of the vacuum interrupter is directed through the centre of the fixed contact and through the centre of the movable contact, and wherein the magnetic flux lines are directed perpendicularly to the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- In an example, the magnetic system comprises a yoke structure. The yoke comprises a first arm and a second arm and ends of the first arm and second arm are located on opposite side of the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- In an example, the first arm of the yoke comprises a first permanent magnet and the second arm of the yoke comprises a second permanent magnet. The yoke is configured such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are positioned on opposite sides of the axis of the vacuum interrupter. The magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.
- In an example, the first permanent magnet is located at the end of the first arm of the yoke and the second permanent magnet is located at the end of the second arm of the yoke.
- In an example, the magnetic system comprises at least one coil configured to carry current. The at least one coil is wound around at least one part of the yoke. The magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated when current is carried by the at least one coil.
- In an example, a coil of the at least one coil is wound around a part of the yoke between the first arm of the yoke and the second arm of the yoke.
- In an example, a first coil of the at least one coil is wound around the first arm of the yoke and a second coil of the at least one coil is wound around the second arm of the yoke.
- In an example, the at least one coil is electrically connected to the fixed contact.
- In an example, the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- In an example, the at least one coil is electrically connected to the movable contact.
- In an example, the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- In an example, the yoke comprises iron.
- In an example, the switch system comprises a main path and a semiconductor path parallel to the main path. The vacuum interrupter is located in the main path, and in the closed configuration of the switch system is configured to carry current via the main path. During the opening transition the current commutes from the main path to at least the semiconductor path.
- In an example, the switch system comprises a voltage limiting path parallel to the main path. During the opening transition the current commutes from the main path to the semiconductor path and the voltage limiting path.
- In a second aspect, there is provided a medium voltage or high voltage switchgear comprising at least one switch system according to the first aspect.
- The above aspects and examples will become apparent from and be elucidated with reference to the embodiments described hereinafter.
- Exemplary embodiments will be described in the following with reference to the following drawings:
-
Fig. 1 shows an example of a vacuum interrupter with a magnetic system; -
Fig. 2 shows an example of the main components of a medium voltage hybrid DC switch or circuit breaker; -
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the vacuum interrupter with the magnetic system as shown inFig. 1 , but with the ceramic insulator omitted; -
Fig. 4 shows an example of a vacuum interrupter with a magnetic system; -
Fig. 5 shows an example of a vacuum interrupter with a magnetic system; and -
Fig. 6 shows an example of a vacuum interrupter with a magnetic system. - A new medium voltage or high voltage switch system is now described. The new design utilizes that for quenching a DC arc between contacts of a vacuum interrupter, a magnetic field perpendicular to the current is used to increase the switching performance due to an increased arc voltage.
- In an example a medium voltage, or high voltage switch system comprises a
vacuum interrupter 10, and amagnetic system 50. The vacuum interrupter comprises a fixedcontact 11 and amovable contact 12. In a closed configuration of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to maintain the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact. In an opening transition of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact. The magnetic system is configured to generate a magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through a gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition. An axis of the vacuum interrupter is directed through the centre of the fixed contact and through the centre of the movable contact, and wherein the magnetic flux lines are directed perpendicularly to the axis of the vacuum interrupter. - In an example, the magnetic system comprises a
yoke structure 52. The yoke comprises a first arm and a second arm and ends of the first arm and second arm are located on opposite side of the axis of the vacuum interrupter. - In an example, the first arm of the yoke comprises a first
permanent magnet 51 and the second arm of the yoke comprises a secondpermanent magnet 51. The yoke is configured such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are positioned on opposite sides of the axis of the vacuum interrupter. The magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets. - In an example, the first permanent magnet is located at the end of the first arm of the yoke and the second permanent magnet is located at the end of the second arm of the yoke.
- In an example, the magnetic system comprises at least one
coil 53 configured to carry current. The at least one coil is wound around at least one part of the yoke. The magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated when current is carried by the at least one coil. - In an example, a coil of the at least one coil is wound around a part of the yoke between the first arm of the yoke and the second arm of the yoke.
- In an example, a first coil of the at least one coil is wound around the first arm of the yoke and a second coil of the at least one coil is wound around the second arm of the yoke.
- In an example, the at least one coil is electrically connected to the fixed contact.
- In an example, the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- In an example, the at least one coil is electrically connected to the movable contact.
- In an example, the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- In an example, the yoke comprises iron.
- In an example, the
switch system 60 comprises amain path 61 and asemiconductor path 62 parallel to the main path. The vacuum interrupter is located in the main path, and in the closed configuration of the switch system is configured to carry current via the main path. During the opening transition the current commutes from the main path to at least the semiconductor path. - In an example, the switch system comprises a
voltage limiting path 63 parallel to the main path. During the opening transition the current commutes from the main path to the semiconductor path and the voltage limiting path. - In an example, the vacuum interrupter is axially symmetric.
- In an example, the vacuum interrupter does not utilize an arcing chamber.
- A medium voltage or high voltage switchgear can then comprise at least one switch system as described above.
- The new medium voltage or high voltage switch system is now described in specific detail, where reference is made to
Figs. 1-6 . The new development enables a standard medium voltage vacuum interrupter to be utilized, where an external magnetic field is generated, to provide for medium voltage low-range load break switching of DC currents. The new development finds utility for any kind of switch where the vacuum interrupter carries the current when the switch is closed, and where an elevated arc voltage is desirable for commutating the current to a parallel arc quenching system for opening the circuit. - The vacuum interrupter, that can be a standard MV VI, can therefore be in general axially symmetric and does not require additional provisions like e.g. an arcing chamber. Thus, a MV VI can operate in a medium voltage situation in a manner comparable to a low voltage situation via utilization of the magnetic system.
-
Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of avacuum interrupter 1 with an externalmagnetic system 50 to enhance the vacuum interrupter's performance. Thevacuum interrupter 1 comprises a fixedcontact 11, amovable contact 12, upper andlower lids ceramic insulator 16. Themagnetic system 50 comprises twopermanent magnets 51, driving magnetic flux in the direction indicated by the arrows, and aniron yoke 52 that is returning the magnetic flux back around the vacuum interrupter. Themagnetic system 50 is arranged in a way that its magnetic flux passes through the area between the fixedcontact 11 andmovable contact 12, where an electrical arc will start burning between thecontacts -
Fig. 2 shows the principal arrangement of the main components of a medium voltage hybrid DC switch orcircuit breaker 60. Amain path 61 with avacuum interrupter 1 carries the nominal current with low losses. When theswitch 60 is opening, the current has to commutate from themain path 61 to thesemiconductor path 62 and to thevoltage limiting path 63. -
Fig. 3 shows thevacuum interrupter 1 as it is also shown inFig. 1 , but in a perspective view. Theceramic insulator 16 has been omitted so that the fixedcontact 11 andmovable contact 12 can be seen in their relative position to themagnetic system 50. -
Fig. 4 shows an alternative way to generate magnetic flux in themagnetic system 50. Here, acoil 53 is connected in series to the vacuum interrupter as part of the maincurrent path 61 of the medium voltage (MV) DC hybrid switch orcircuit breaker 60. Nopermanent magnets 51 are required in this embodiment, as the magnetic flux perpendicular to the arc is generated by the main current itself. The movable stem of the vacuum interrupter connected to themovable contact 12 is electrically connected to one terminal of thecoil 53 by acontact system 17, that may be a sliding contact system or a flexible conductor. -
Fig. 5 shows a combination of flux generation bypermanent magnets 51 andcoil 53. -
Figure 6 shows an embodiment where twocoils 53 are arranged at the ends of the arms of theyoke 52, positioned closely to the vacuum interrupter. - In
Figs. 1 and3 , the magnetic field is directed perpendicular to the gap and the arc, so that an arc would be driven by the Lorentz force towards the observer when the technical direction of the current is from the fixedcontact 11 to themovable contact 12, and away from the observer when the current is running vice versa. Due to that driving, the arc is elongated and the arc voltage is increased. This effect can be used to 1) switch off load currents when the driving voltage of the circuit in the low MV range 2) ensure the commutation of the current from themain path 61 to thesemiconductor path 62 and thevoltage limiting path 63. Previously in some concepts of MV DC CBs or current limiters, for this purpose a separate commutation switch in series to the VI is required, but that can now be omitted. As the vacuum interrupter can be a standard vacuum interrupter it can be axially symmetrical. This means that there is no preferred direction for the current; the principle is working for any direction of the current. Also, additional provisions like an acring chamber are not foreseen in the standard MV VI. - In
Fig. 4 acoil 53 is used for the same effect as provided by thepermanent magnets 53, to induce a magnetic field perpendicularly to the gap. Also here, the principle will work for both directions of the main current. Alternatively, also two or more coils can be used; seeFig. 6 . - Permanent magnets and coil based induction can both be used together to generate an appropriate magnetic field. The combination shown in
Fig. 5 can generate an effective magnetic field, but here a certain direction of the main current has to be respected so that the magnetic flux from thecoil 53 is in the same direction as the flux ofpermanent magnets 51, i.e. flux from 51 and from 53 are added and not subtracted. However, this is not difficult to achieve from standard electromagnetic knowledge. -
Fig. 6 shows that twocoils 53 are arranged in a way that their flux is pointing directly towards thecontacts Fig 6 can also be equipped withpermanent magnets 51. - The new development has shown that the arc voltage of a standard vacuum interrupter can be increased from about 50V to several hundred volts with peak voltages above 1000V.
-
- 1 VI with enhanced performance
- 10 Vacuum Interrupter (VI)
- 11 Fixed contact of VI
- 12 Movable contact of
VI 1 - 3 Upper lid of VI
- 14 Lower lid of VI
- 15 Bellows of VI
- 16 Ceramic insulator of VI
- 17 Contact system of VI
- 50 Magnetic system
- 51 Permanent magnet of 50
- 52 Iron yoke of 50
- 53 Coil of 50
- 60 MV hybrid DC switch or CB
- 61 Main path of 60 with a
VI 1 - 62 Semiconductor path of 60
- 63 Voltage limiting path of 60
- While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing a claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.
Claims (15)
- A low voltage, medium voltage, or high voltage switch system, comprising:- a vacuum interrupter (10); and- a magnetic system (50);wherein the vacuum interrupter comprises a fixed contact (11) and a movable contact (12);wherein in a closed configuration of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to maintain the movable contact in contact with the fixed contact;wherein in an opening transition of the switch system the vacuum interrupter is configured to move the movable contact away from the fixed contact; andwherein the magnetic system is configured to generate a magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through a gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition; andwherein an axis of the vacuum interrupter is directed through the centre of the fixed contact and through the centre of the movable contact, and wherein the magnetic flux lines are directed perpendicularly to the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- Switch system according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic system comprises a yoke structure (52), wherein the yoke comprises a first arm and a second arm and wherein the ends of the first arm and second arm are located on opposite side of the axis of the vacuum interrupter.
- Switch system according to claim 2, wherein the first arm of the yoke comprises a first permanent magnet (51) and the second arm of the yoke comprises a second permanent magnet (51), wherein the yoke is configured such that the first permanent magnet and the second permanent magnet are positioned on opposite sides of the axis of the vacuum interrupter, and wherein the magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated by the permanent magnets.
- Switch system according to claim 3, wherein the first permanent magnetic is located at the end of the first arm of the yoke and the second permanent magnet is located at the end of the second arm of the yoke.
- Switch system according to any of claims 2-4,
wherein the magnetic system comprises at least one coil (53) configured to carry current, and wherein the at least one coil is wound around at least one part of the yoke, and wherein the magnetic field with magnetic flux lines that are directed through the gap between the movable contact and the fixed contact during the opening transition comprises a magnetic field generated when current is carried by the at least one coil. - Switch system according to claim 5, wherein a coil of the at least one coil is wound around a part of the yoke between the first arm of the yoke and the second arm of the yoke.
- Switch system according to claim 5, wherein a first coil of the at least one coil is wound around the first arm of the yoke and a second coil of the at least one coil is wound around the second arm of the yoke.
- Switch system according to any of claims 5-7,
wherein the at least one coil is electrically connected to the fixed contact. - Switch system according to claim 8, wherein the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- Switch system according to any of claims 5-7,
wherein the at least one coil is electrically connected to the movable contact. - Switch system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one coil is configured to carry at least a portion of the current that flows between the fixed contact and the movable contact during the opening transition.
- Switch system according to any of claims 2-11,
wherein the yoke comprises iron. - Switch system according to any of claims 1-12,
wherein the switch system comprises a main path (61) and a semiconductor path (62) parallel to the main path, and wherein the vacuum interrupter is located in the main path, and wherein in the closed configuration of the switch system is configured to carry current via the main path, and wherein during the opening transition the current commutes from the main path to at least the semiconductor path. - Switch system according to claim 13, wherein the switch system comprises a voltage limiting path (63) parallel to the main path, and wherein during the opening transition the current commutes from the main path to the semiconductor path and the voltage limiting path.
- A low voltage, medium voltage or high voltage switchgear comprising at least one switch system according to any of claims 1-14.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22182517.7A EP4300529A1 (en) | 2022-07-01 | 2022-07-01 | Medium voltage or high voltage switch system with a magnetic system applying a transverse field to a vacuum switch |
CN202310755970.1A CN117334516A (en) | 2022-07-01 | 2023-06-26 | Medium or high voltage switching system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP22182517.7A EP4300529A1 (en) | 2022-07-01 | 2022-07-01 | Medium voltage or high voltage switch system with a magnetic system applying a transverse field to a vacuum switch |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP4300529A1 true EP4300529A1 (en) | 2024-01-03 |
Family
ID=82492863
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP22182517.7A Pending EP4300529A1 (en) | 2022-07-01 | 2022-07-01 | Medium voltage or high voltage switch system with a magnetic system applying a transverse field to a vacuum switch |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP4300529A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN117334516A (en) |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3071667A (en) * | 1959-08-12 | 1963-01-01 | Gen Electric | Vacuum-type circuit interrupter |
US4021628A (en) * | 1975-01-20 | 1977-05-03 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Vacuum fault current limiter |
US4250364A (en) * | 1978-10-13 | 1981-02-10 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Vacuum arc current limiter with oscillating transverse magnetic field and method |
EP1760744A1 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2007-03-07 | Abb Research Ltd. | Vacuum circuit breaker with an arc moved by a permanent magnet |
CN111243900A (en) * | 2020-01-19 | 2020-06-05 | 国网江苏省电力有限公司电力科学研究院 | Liquid sulfur hexafluoride arc voltage transfer type direct current circuit breaker and control method thereof |
DE102019219863A1 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2021-06-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for conditioning contact pieces for electrodes of a vacuum interrupter |
CN113327811A (en) * | 2021-04-22 | 2021-08-31 | 西安交通大学 | Arc extinguish chamber structure of oscillating type direct current circuit breaker |
CN114023595A (en) * | 2021-09-26 | 2022-02-08 | 中国电力科学研究院有限公司 | Direct current transfer device and direct current combined electrical apparatus applying same |
CN112420443B (en) * | 2020-12-07 | 2022-05-17 | 南京南瑞继保电气有限公司 | Device for increasing switch arc voltage and control method thereof |
-
2022
- 2022-07-01 EP EP22182517.7A patent/EP4300529A1/en active Pending
-
2023
- 2023-06-26 CN CN202310755970.1A patent/CN117334516A/en active Pending
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3071667A (en) * | 1959-08-12 | 1963-01-01 | Gen Electric | Vacuum-type circuit interrupter |
US4021628A (en) * | 1975-01-20 | 1977-05-03 | Westinghouse Electric Corporation | Vacuum fault current limiter |
US4250364A (en) * | 1978-10-13 | 1981-02-10 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Vacuum arc current limiter with oscillating transverse magnetic field and method |
EP1760744A1 (en) * | 2005-09-02 | 2007-03-07 | Abb Research Ltd. | Vacuum circuit breaker with an arc moved by a permanent magnet |
DE102019219863A1 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2021-06-17 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for conditioning contact pieces for electrodes of a vacuum interrupter |
CN111243900A (en) * | 2020-01-19 | 2020-06-05 | 国网江苏省电力有限公司电力科学研究院 | Liquid sulfur hexafluoride arc voltage transfer type direct current circuit breaker and control method thereof |
CN112420443B (en) * | 2020-12-07 | 2022-05-17 | 南京南瑞继保电气有限公司 | Device for increasing switch arc voltage and control method thereof |
CN113327811A (en) * | 2021-04-22 | 2021-08-31 | 西安交通大学 | Arc extinguish chamber structure of oscillating type direct current circuit breaker |
CN114023595A (en) * | 2021-09-26 | 2022-02-08 | 中国电力科学研究院有限公司 | Direct current transfer device and direct current combined electrical apparatus applying same |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN117334516A (en) | 2024-01-02 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US8502102B2 (en) | DC switching device | |
RU2581599C2 (en) | Arc blow-out circuit breaker | |
RU2668562C1 (en) | Double-contact switch with vacuum switching chambers | |
US9673004B1 (en) | Electrical switching apparatus, and arc chamber assembly and associated circuit protection method | |
US11410825B2 (en) | Disconnecting device for interrupting a direct current of a current path as well as a circuit breaker | |
KR101568685B1 (en) | Arc extinguishing mechanism of direct current switch and direct current switch and direct current circuit breaker having arc extinguishing mechanism | |
KR20180043316A (en) | Connecting devices and switches for electric switches | |
US20230230789A1 (en) | Relay | |
CN111952111B (en) | Double-fracture quick vacuum arc extinguish chamber | |
EP4300529A1 (en) | Medium voltage or high voltage switch system with a magnetic system applying a transverse field to a vacuum switch | |
CA3028224C (en) | Switch having an arc-quenching device | |
EP1414057B1 (en) | Air circuit breaker | |
KR101902012B1 (en) | Contacting device with function of suppressing contact repulsion | |
KR100988116B1 (en) | Vacuum interrupter and vacuum circuit breaker having the same | |
KR20020014701A (en) | High-speed mechanical switching point | |
US20150114933A1 (en) | Pushrod assembly for a medium voltage vacuum circuit breaker | |
EP3899999B1 (en) | Contact unit for a switching device and switching device | |
CA3117799C (en) | Electromagnetic drive for a power circuit-breaker with a vacuum interrupter | |
KR200413970Y1 (en) | Pole insulation guide of disconnector and earthing switch of gas insulated switchgear | |
CN216435773U (en) | Contact system, circuit breaker and isolator with increase magnetic component | |
EP3910658A1 (en) | A switching apparatus for electric power distribution grids | |
CN113782391B (en) | Relay device | |
RU2171515C1 (en) | Vacuum circuit breaker | |
CN117296119A (en) | Hybrid circuit breaker with vacuum interrupter | |
CN111755286A (en) | Arc extinguishing structure of direct current contactor |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION HAS BEEN PUBLISHED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20240527 |
|
RBV | Designated contracting states (corrected) |
Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |