Cooling device for circuit breakers using parasitic magnetic fields based forced air flow generator

A circuit interrupter assembly, the circuit interrupter assembly comprising:

• a circuit interrupter structured to be disposed between a power source and an electrical load, the circuit interrupter comprising a terminal structured to be connected to a busbar;
• and
• a cooling device for reducing a temperature of a terminal connector of the busbar, the cooling device comprising:
• a number of support members mechanically coupled to the circuit interrupter terminal;
• a housing coupled to the support members;
• and
• a cooling assembly disposed within the housing, the cooling assembly comprising:
• a permanent magnet coupled to an interior of the housing;
• a torque converter coupled to the permanent magnet;
• and
• a fan blade coupled to the torque converter,
• wherein the housing is formed with a plurality of ventilation openings on a side disposed to face the circuit interrupter terminal,
• wherein the support members are produced to be of a length that disposes the permanent magnet in sufficient proximity to the circuit interrupter terminal such that, when current flows through the circuit interrupter terminal, a parasitic magnetic field generated by the flowing current exerts a force upon a magnetic field of the permanent magnet and thereby induces motion of the permanent magnet, and
• wherein the torque converter rotates the fan blade when motion is induced in the permanent magnet.

A method of cooling a point of connection between a circuit interrupter terminal and a busbar, the method comprising:

• disposing a permanent magnet in sufficient proximity to the point of connection such that a parasitic magnetic field produced by a flow of current through the circuit interrupter terminal exerts a force on a magnetic field of the permanent magnet and securing the permanent magnet in place with a pivot such that the permanent magnet can move about the pivot;
• coupling the magnet to a torque converter that converts oscillatory motion to rotational motion;
• coupling a fan blade to the torque converter;
• and
• powering the circuit interrupter with AC power.