Cooling device for circuit breakers
AssigneeEaton Corporation
InventorsHemant K. Mody, Xin Zhou, Peter J. Theisen
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An alternating current circuit breaker having an extended fin cantilevered from its housing. A portion of the fin along its extended length is magnetized so that the fin flutters in the magnetic field generated by the alternating current conducted through the breaker. The resulting magnetic resonance vibration establishes forced, convective heat transfer which assists cooling of the breaker.
Claims18
An electrical apparatus employing alternating current to flow through or within close proximity to the apparatus for a first purpose, the apparatus including a cooling mechanism comprising a flexible reed having an elongated length with a first end anchored to the electrical apparatus and a second end cantilevered from the first end with a portion of the elongated length substantially adjacent the second end, as compared to the spacing of the portion from the first end, constructed of a material that is influenced by a magnetic field set up by the alternating current to cause excitation of the reed at or near its resonant frequency with the alternating current influencing excitation of the reed flowing through the electrical apparatus substantially adjacent the first end relative the spacing of the flow of electrical current from the second end, without diverting any of the alternating electrical current from the first purpose.
A circuit interrupter adapted to have an alternating current flow there through, the circuit interrupter including a cooling mechanism comprising a first flexible reed having an elongated length with a first end anchored to the electrical apparatus and a second end cantilevered from the first end with a portion of the elongated length substantially adjacent the second end, as compared to the spacing of the portion from the first end, magnetized and cantilevered within and excited by a magnetic field generated by the alternating current passing through the circuit interrupter at a location substantially adjacent the first end relative the spacing of the flow of the electrical current from the second end, without diverting any of the electrical current flowing through the circuit interrupter.
A method of cooling an apparatus having an alternating current flowing there through for a first purpose comprising the steps of:
- Supporting a first end of an oscillating member within the apparatus secured to the apparatus and having an extended length with a second end of the oscillating member cantilevered from the first end and having a portion constructed of a material that is influenced by a magnetic field set up by the alternating current to cause excitation of the member at or near its resonant frequency with the alternating current influencing excitation of the oscillating member flowing through the electrical apparatus substantially adjacent the first end relative to the spacing of the flow of electrical current from the second end and without diverting any of the alternating current from the first purpose, wherein the portion is suspended within the field;
- and
- Supplying the alternating current to create the magnetic field.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.