Beijing Osmond information Consulting Co., Ltd.
The project objective is to research and develop a Digital Arc-less Socket (DAS) for DC grid related applications, such as DC buildings. The research element includes electronics and mechanical topology and structure of the socket; sensing and control methods to achieve “true” arc-less direct disconnection under loading conditions; interaction between mechanical triggered electronics operation in microsecond during plug disconnection. Besides, different from nowadays “smart” sockets with substantial standby power consumption; DAS is going to achieve “zero” standby loss when the socket is no connection. Socket is the interface between DC grid and human. The project is going to develop a very safe and user-friendly socket for DC buildings applications. Safely use of energy with reduced environmental pollution is an inevitable challenge for a sustainable development of smart city. According to the results from ART/299CP, it was demonstrated that “DC buildings” technologies can reduce 5% to 20% power loss in comparing with the AC counterpart. However, voltage is stayed at high level, such as 375V, continuously in DC grid system and strong electric arc will be induced when a direct disconnection of plug from socket with loaded appliance. There is a risk of accident, such as fire / explosion, caused by the electric arc. ASTRI will develop the digital arc-less socket in the project with the key features: i) Semiconductors and mechanical switches coordinated disconnection to achieve safety and “true” arc-less in on-load direct disconnection; ii) Very low power consumption, 0.3W, when plug is inserted to the socket and “zero” power consumption when the plug is disconnected. During the project, theoretical analysis with the assistance of computer simulation and iterative prototyping will be conducted to derive the technologies and sample build. With the success of the project, in near term, it can clear nowadays obstacle of DC buildings application including safety and poor user experience during appliance disconnection. It can strengthen ASTRI’s innovated DC building power and protection technologies leadership in Hong Kong and China; in a long run, it can educate the public of electrical safety and emerging energy saving technologies. It also supports the Smart City development and approach carbon neutral.