Overcurrent Limiting Unit and Detection Unit and Method for Producing and Operating the Same

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This patent describes an overcurrent limiting and detection unit that quickly detects and limits excessive current in electrical networks using a ferrite core with a permanent magnet. The arrangement ensures that the ferrite core operates in a saturated state under normal conditions, but once the current exceeds a threshold (such as during a fault), the core transitions out of saturation. This triggers a detection coil to produce a signal, which immediately activates a protective switch to cut off the current, preventing damage and ensuring safety. The detection is non-invasive, rapid, and galvanically isolated from the main current path.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Protection of power electronics and sensitive electrical components in DC (direct current) and AC (alternating current) power distribution networks.
• Integration into circuit breakers or protective devices in industrial, commercial, and residential power systems.
• Real-time fault detection and disconnection in battery management systems, electric vehicle charging systems, and renewable energy installations such as solar or wind farms.
• Overcurrent detection and limitation in automation panels or critical infrastructure (e.g., data centers, telecom towers).
• Enhancing safety in low and medium voltage electrical grids by minimizing fault response times and reducing equipment damage.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Provides extremely fast and non-invasive overcurrent detection and interruption, significantly reducing response times to electrical faults.
• Improved safety for sensitive and expensive components by quickly limiting fault currents before damage occurs.
• Galvanic isolation of the detection coil from the main current path, reducing measurement losses and enhancing reliability.
• No significant energy loss in normal operation (low insertion loss), resulting in higher system efficiency.
• Compact and cost-effective design, as detection and current limiting functions are combined in a single unit, saving space and parts.
• Adaptable to various core and coil configurations, allowing tailoring to different voltage and current levels across electrical systems.

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Patent Abstract

An overcurrent limiting and detection unit includes a ferrite core that is brought into a saturated region with respect to its magnetic conductivity by arranging at least one permanent magnet to effect magnetic non-conductivity of the ferrite core, a network coil that is wound around a part of the ferrite core and that is configured such that, during operation of the overcurrent limiting unit and detection unit, an electric network current flows through it, the at least one permanent magnet being arranged on the ferrite core such that a magnetic flux caused by the at least one permanent magnet flows against a magnetic flux caused by the network coil during operation, wherein a detection coil being galvanically isolated from the network coil, is wound around a part of the ferrite core and is configured to detect a transition from the saturated region to an unsaturated region.