Power device comprising an insulating gas for an electrical power apparatus

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an electrical power device for use in an electrical energy power installation (100), the electrical power device (1) comprising: a gas chamber (10) adapted to comprise an insulating gas under a set of conditions of use comprising a predetermined installation pressure (P0) when in a state of use in the electrical power installation (100); and an insulating component (20) comprising a material capable of dissolving the insulating gas and arranged relative to the gas chamber (10) such that the insulating component is at least partially exposed to the insulating gas when the electrical power device (1) is in the state of use. The electrical power device has a delivery state, which is a state of the electrical power device (1) before and / or at an installation time (to) when the electrical power device is installed in the electrical energy power installation (100) under the set of conditions of use comprising the installation pressure (P0) of the insulating gas in the gas chamber (10), wherein, in the delivery state, the insulating component (20) comprises an amount of pre-filled insulating gas dissolved in the material of the insulating component (20). The present disclosure also relates to a method for manufacturing an electrical power device having an insulating component comprising an amount of pre-filled insulating gas dissolved in the material of the insulating component (20).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical power device for electrical power equipment, the electrical power device comprising an insulation component and an insulation gas. The present disclosure further relates to a method for manufacturing an electrical power device comprising an insulation component and an insulation gas. BACKGROUND

[0002] Electrical power devices, such as switchgear comprising transformers, circuit breakers, disconnectors or other electrical power devices, can comprise an insulation gas, such as for example SF6, CO2, O2 and / or N2, to improve the insulation of the electrical power device and enable safe operation.

[0003] As such, electrical power devices for high voltage environments comprising a gas insulation are designed to operate at a predetermined operating pressure of the insulation gas in the electrical power device. However, it is known that although the predetermined operating pressure of the insulation gas is established at the initial installation of the electrical power device, after a certain time of use, such as a few months, the gas pressure will decrease significantly from the predetermined operating pressure. This decrease in gas pressure in the electrical power device continues over time and will eventually result in that the electrical power device has to be refilled with insulation gas to re-establish the desired predetermined operating pressure of the insulation gas. For example, the electrical power device can need to be refilled with insulation gas within a few years after the initial installation of the electrical power device.

[0004] Hence, it is desirable to eliminate or reduce the need for refilling insulation gas after installation of an electrical power device comprising an electrical power device having a gas chamber filled with insulation gas.

[0005] It is an object of the present disclosure to fully or partly meet the above needs. SUMMARY

[0006] The above objects are achieved by an electrical power device according to the present disclosure.

[0007] As such, there is provided an electrical power device for use in an electrical power equipment, the electrical power device comprising a gas chamber, wherein the gas chamber is adapted to contain an insulation gas within the gas chamber at a set of usage conditions when in a usage state in the electrical power equipment, the set of usage conditions comprising a predetermined installation pressure of the insulation gas in the gas chamber.

[0008] Further, the electrical power device comprises an insulation component comprising a material capable of dissolving at least some of the insulation gas in the insulation gas, wherein the insulation component is arranged relative to the gas chamber such that the insulation component is at least partly exposed to the insulation gas when the electrical power device is in the usage state.

[0009] Furthermore, the power device has a delivery state, which is a state of the power device prior to and / or at the time of installation, at which time the power device is installed in an electrical energy power apparatus under a set of usage conditions including a predetermined installation pressure of the insulating gas in the gas chamber.

[0010] As presented herein, in the delivery state, the insulating component comprises an amount of pre-filled insulating gas dissolved in the material of the insulating component.

[0011] Thus, the present invention relies on the understanding that the drop in pressure of the insulating gas in the electrical energy power apparatus after installation can be caused at least in part by the electrical energy power apparatus comprising one or more insulating components having a material capable of dissolving the insulating gas. After initial installation of the power apparatus, as the insulating component gradually absorbs the dissolved insulating gas, the amount of insulating gas in the gas chamber decreases and the pressure of the insulating gas in the gas chamber drops.

[0012] To alleviate this problem, it is presented herein to provide a power device in which one or more insulating components are pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas. As such, when the power device is in a delivery state prior to and / or at the time of installation at which time the electrical energy power apparatus is set to have a desired installation pressure, the insulating component is already at least partially filled with dissolved insulating gas.

[0013] Thus, the pre-filled insulating component has a reduced capacity to absorb more insulating gas compared to an insulating component that is not pre-filled.

[0014] Thus, by providing a power device comprising an insulating component pre-filled with insulating gas prior to and / or at the time of installation of the power apparatus, it is possible to reduce the drop in gas pressure of the power apparatus comprising the power device after initial installation, i.e. after the time of installation.

[0015] The insulating component being pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas means that the insulating component comprises at least some dissolved insulating gas.

[0016] Optionally, the insulating component comprises an amount of pre-filled insulating gas such that the pressure of the insulating gas in the gas chamber follows a substantially linear decay from the installation pressure proportional to the time elapsed from the time of installation.

[0017] It has been found that for a prior art power device comprising an insulating component that is not pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas, the drop in pressure in the gas chamber after the time of installation initially follows a substantially exponential curve. Only after a considerable time range, the drop in pressure can slow down, thereby following a substantially linear behavior.

[0018] By an insulation part comprising an amount of pre-filled insulation gas as presented herein, it can be ensured that the insulation part is pre-filled such that the pressure of the insulation gas in the gas chamber follows a substantially linear decay proportional to the time elapsed from the time of installation. In this way, at least the exponential part of the pressure decay curve presented by the prior art can be avoided, which means that the pressure drop of the power device from the predetermined installation pressure can be significantly reduced compared to the prior art.

[0019] Optionally, the substantially linear decay is such that, in case of using a first pressure difference and a second pressure difference, the deviation of the second pressure difference with respect to the first pressure difference is less than 10%, the first pressure difference being the difference between the installation pressure and a first pressure value, the first pressure value representing the pressure in the gas chamber at a first time instant, the first time instant being a selected time range from the time of installation, the second pressure difference being the difference between the first pressure and a second pressure, the second pressure value representing the pressure in the gas chamber at a second time instant, the second time instant being two subsequent selected time ranges from the time of installation.

[0020] Hence, the presence of a substantially linear decay can be determined using the above presented definitions.

[0021] Optionally, the first pressure value and / or the second pressure value is an average value determined over a predetermined measurement time range to represent the pressure in the gas chamber at the first time instant or the second time instant.

[0022] Such average value can be determined over a predetermined measurement time range determined by the skilled person to be representative in view of any pressure measurement fluctuations.

[0023] Similarly, the selected time range as used above can be determined by the skilled person in view of the expected behaviour of the pressure drop.

[0024] For example, the selected time range is at least 5 days.

[0025] (wherein "day" herein means "day and night", i.e. 5 days correspond to 5x24 hours).

[0026] Optionally, the power device comprises a removable cover enclosing the gas chamber when in a transport state. In this way, the gas chamber of the power device comprising the insulation part with an amount of pre-filled insulation gas can be filled with insulation gas before the time of installation and before the power device is installed in the power installation at the predetermined installation gas pressure. This can enable the power device comprising the pre-filled insulation part to be transported and stored under the condition that the gas chamber is filled with insulation gas. This can be important to maintain the pre-filled insulation part (further explained below) for a period of time after the pre-filling and until the power device is installed under the set of installation conditions as described above.

[0027] A pre-filled power device can be susceptible to re-leakage of the insulating gas dissolved in the pre-filled power device, thereby reducing the content of the insulating gas dissolved in the pre-filled power device. By ensuring that the gas chamber of the power device is also filled with insulating gas before the power device is installed in the power installation, such leakage can be reduced or avoided.

[0028] Optionally, the gas chamber comprises the insulating gas at a set of transport conditions when the power device is in a transport state.

[0029] For example, the set of transport conditions can comprise a transport pressure, which is lower than the installation pressure.

[0030] As such, in order to avoid the problem of leakage of dissolved insulating gas from the pre-filled power device, the power device can be arranged to be in a transport state, wherein the gas chamber comprises the insulating gas at a transport pressure, which is lower than the installation pressure.

[0031] The insulating component can be any insulating component arranged at least partially inside the gas chamber.

[0032] Optionally, the insulating component can form the gas chamber. This can be the case, for example, for a power device being a circuit breaker, which can comprise a hollow insulating component, the inside of which forms the internal gas chamber of the power device. Typically, the outside of the hollow insulating component can form the outside of the circuit breaker.

[0033] The insulating component can comprise any material capable of dissolving the insulating gas.

[0034] Optionally, the insulating component comprises a polymeric material. For example, the insulating component can comprise an epoxy material.

[0035] The insulating gas can be any insulating gas useful in the art. For example, the insulating gas can comprise SF6 gas, CO2 gas, O2 gas and / or N2 gas. As such, the insulating gas can comprise any of the mentioned gases or any mixture thereof.

[0036] In a second aspect, the object is achieved by a method according to the invention.

[0037] Thus, a method for manufacturing an electric power device for subsequent installation in an electric power installation is provided, the electric power device comprising: a gas chamber, wherein, when the electric power device is in a state of use in which the electric power device is arranged for use in the electric power installation, the gas chamber is adapted to contain an insulating gas within the gas chamber under a set of conditions of use, the conditions of use including a predetermined installation pressure of the insulating gas in the gas chamber, and the electric power device further comprising: an insulating component arranged relative to the gas chamber such that, when the electric power device is in the state of use, the insulating component is at least partially exposed to the insulating gas. The insulating component comprises a material capable of dissolving the insulating gas.

[0038] The method comprises the steps of:

[0039] - subjecting the insulating component to the insulating gas under a set of predetermined gas-dissolution conditions for at least a predetermined gas-dissolution time period,

[0040] wherein the predetermined gas-dissolution conditions comprise a predetermined gas-dissolution pressure that is greater than the installation pressure,

[0041] such that the insulating component is pre-filled with an amount of the insulating gas dissolved in the material of the insulating component.

[0042] The method is performed prior to installing the electric power device in the state of use. The set of predetermined gas-dissolution conditions will be set to promote dissolution of the insulating gas into the insulating component. Thus, the result of the method above is an insulating component that is pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas, i.e. as a result of the process, at least some of the insulating gas is dissolved into the insulating component. Thus, the insulating component that is pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas will have a lower capacity for dissolving additional insulating gas compared to the insulating component prior to performing the method. Thus, when the electric power device comprising the insulating component pre-filled with insulating gas is set in the state of use at the predetermined installation pressure, the drop in gas pressure of the electric power device after the initial installation, i.e. after the installation time, will be reduced, as hinted above in relation to the first aspect.

[0043] As mentioned above, the set of predetermined gas-dissolution conditions will be set to promote dissolution of the insulating gas into the insulating component. According to the proposed method, the set of predetermined gas-dissolution conditions comprises a predetermined gas-dissolution pressure that is greater than the installation pressure at which the electric power device is intended to be installed and ideally operated when in use. The relatively high predetermined gas-dissolution pressure means that the insulating gas will dissolve into the insulating component at a higher rate per time unit compared to a rate per time unit in a situation where, for example, a lower pressure such as the installation pressure is used.

[0044] Optionally, the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions and the predetermined gas dissolution time period are such that the insulating component is pre-filled with an amount of insulating gas such that, when subjected to the use condition, the pressure of the insulating gas in the gas chamber follows a substantially linear decay from an installation pressure at the installation time.

[0045] As such, the predetermined gas dissolution conditions can be set such that the insulating component comprises an amount of dissolved insulating gas when pre-filled such that at least the exponential part of the pressure decay curve as presented in the prior art can be avoided. Thus, the pressure drop of the power device from the predetermined installation pressure can be significantly reduced compared to the prior art.

[0046] Optionally, the substantially linear decay is such that, using a first pressure difference and a second pressure difference, the deviation of the second pressure difference with respect to the first pressure difference is less than 10%, the first pressure difference being the difference between the installation pressure and a first pressure value, the first pressure value representing the pressure in the gas chamber at a first moment in time from the installation time, the second pressure difference being the difference between the first pressure value and a second pressure value, the second pressure value representing the pressure in the gas chamber at a second moment in time from the installation time, the second moment in time being twice the first moment in time.

[0047] Thus, when the power device comprising the insulating component pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas is set in the use condition at the installation time, it can be determined whether a substantially linear decay is present or not, for example using the definitions as presented above.

[0048] Optionally, the first pressure value and / or the second pressure value is an average value determined over a predetermined measurement time range to represent the pressure in the gas chamber at the first moment in time or the second moment in time.

[0049] Such an average value can be determined over a predetermined measurement time range determined by the skilled person to be representative taking into account any pressure measurement fluctuations.

[0050] Similarly, the selected time range as used above can be determined by the skilled person taking into account the expected behaviour of the pressure decay.

[0051] For example, the selected time range is at least 5 days.

[0052] Optionally, the method can comprise the step of forming the power device comprising the insulating component prior to the step of subjecting the insulating component to the insulating gas under the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least the predetermined gas dissolution time period. As such, the step of subjecting the insulating component to the insulating gas under the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions can be performed by filling the gas chamber of the device with the insulating gas under the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions and for the predetermined gas dissolution time. Thus, the method provides an efficient way of pre-filling the insulating component with dissolved insulating gas.

[0053] Thus, the step of subjecting the insulating component to the insulating gas under the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least the predetermined gas dissolution time period is performed in the context of the power device comprising the insulating component, and the method can comprise:

[0054] - filling the gas chamber with the insulating gas, and

[0055] - maintaining the insulating gas in the chamber under the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions of the power device for at least the predetermined gas dissolution time period to form the power device in a delivery state, wherein the insulating component comprises an amount of pre-filled insulating gas dissolved in a material of the insulating component prior to being connected to the power device.

[0056] In another option, the method can comprise the step of forming the power device after the step of subjecting the insulating component to the insulating gas under the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least the predetermined gas dissolution time period. With this option, one or more insulating components can be pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas, after which the one or more insulating components are arranged in the gas chamber or are arranged to form the gas chamber in the power device.

[0057] Optionally, the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions comprises a predetermined gas dissolution temperature.

[0058] The set of predetermined use conditions can comprise a predetermined use temperature range. Such a predetermined use temperature range can be indicative of a temperature range in which the power device is intended to operate when in use, and such a predetermined use temperature range can for example be a temperature range that is set in view of environmental conditions at a location where the power device is installed. The predetermined gas dissolution temperature can optionally be higher than the predetermined use temperature range. Thus, a relatively high predetermined gas dissolution temperature can facilitate the gas to dissolve in the insulating component at a higher rate per time unit than for example a rate per time unit under use conditions.

[0059] As hinted at above in relation to the first aspect, the insulating component can comprise any material capable of dissolving the insulating gas. Optionally, the insulating component comprises a polymeric material. For example, the insulating component comprises an epoxy material. The insulating gas can be any insulating gas useful in the art. For example, the insulating gas can comprise SF6 gas, CO2 gas, O2 gas, and / or N2 gas. Thus, the insulating gas can comprise any of the mentioned gases or any mixture thereof.

[0060] Optionally, the insulating component can comprise a polymeric material, which polymeric material is an epoxy material, and the insulating gas can comprise CO2 gas.

[0061] Optionally, the method can further comprise the step of, after the predetermined gas dissolution time period, setting the power device in a set of predetermined storage conditions.

[0062] The set of predetermined storage conditions can be different from the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions.

[0063] Alternatively or additionally, the predetermined storage conditions can be different from the predetermined usage conditions.

[0064] Optionally, the set of storage conditions comprises a storage pressure that is less than the predetermined gas dissolution pressure.

[0065] Alternatively or additionally, the set of storage conditions comprises a storage pressure that is less than the predetermined installation pressure.

[0066] As such, the storage pressure can be a relatively low pressure.

[0067] Optionally, the method can comprise:

[0068] - using the removable closure to close the chamber to maintain the insulating gas in the chamber in a transport state of the power component.

[0069] By ensuring that the chamber is filled with insulating gas, the tendency of the dissolved insulating gas comprised in the pre-filled power component to leak can be reduced.

[0070] Hence, the chamber of the power device can be closed by the removable closure such that during, for example, transport and storage of the power device, a set of storage conditions comprising a storage pressure is maintained in the gas chamber.

[0071] In a third aspect, there is provided a power device for subsequent installation in an electrical power apparatus and manufactured by the method according to the second aspect.

[0072] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a method for arranging a power device according to the first aspect and / or for arranging a power device manufactured by the method of the second aspect, the method comprising:

[0073] - installing the power device in an electrical power apparatus adapted to operate in usage conditions.

[0074] Optionally, the method can comprise the further step of, prior to installing the power device in the power apparatus,

[0075] - storing and / or transporting the power device comprising the removable closure arranged to maintain the insulating gas in the chamber in a transport state of the power device, and

[0076] - removing the removable closure prior to installing the power device in the power apparatus.

[0077] In a fifth aspect, there is provided an electrical energy power plant comprising one or more power devices, wherein at least one power device is a power device according to the first aspect and / or a power device manufactured by the method according to the second aspect.

[0078] It should be understood that features and advantages described in relation to one of the aspects above apply equally to each of the other aspects.

[0079] Further advantages and advantageous features of the present application are disclosed in the following description and in other aspects of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0080] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the application cited as examples.

[0081] In the drawings:

[0082] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a power device according to an example embodiment of the first aspect of the present application;

[0083] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a power device arranged in an electrical energy power plant; Figure 1

[0084] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of an electrical energy power plant comprising a plurality of power devices;

[0085] Figure 4 is a schematic method scheme illustrating an example embodiment of the second aspect of the present application;

[0086] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of a power device according to another example embodiment of the first aspect of the present application;

[0087] Figure 6a is a chart illustrating a decrease in pressure of an insulating gas in a power device of the prior art in an electrical energy power plant; and

[0088] Figure 6b is a chart illustrating a decrease in pressure of an insulating gas in a power device according to the first aspect of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of a power device 1 according to an example embodiment of the present application is depicted. The example power device 1 comprises an outer housing 50 forming a gas chamber 10 which, when the power device 1 is in use, will be filled with an insulating gas. Figure 1 ​The power device 1 further comprises a pair of conductors, each conductor being arranged in a sleeve forming the insulation part 20 of the power device 1. It should be understood that the power device 1 is merely illustrative and is only intended to show the concept that the power device 1 comprises a gas chamber 10 and an insulation part 20. Thus, Figure 1 Any details of the device 1 such as power connections are not included. As such, the power device 1 can be any type of power device intended to be filled with an insulating gas during use. Thus, the power device 1 can be any device for gas-insulated switchgear applications. For example, the power device 1 can be any one of a transformer, a capacitor, a surge arrester, a circuit breaker, or a disconnector.

[0090] In Figure 1 the schematic view, the power device 1 comprises a housing 50 forming an inner wall of the gas chamber 10, and the insulation part 20 is arranged inside the housing 50.

[0091] As such, the housing 50 can be made of any suitable material, such as metal. However, in other applications, the housing 50 itself can be the insulation part 20 and thus made of an insulating material, as will be described below with reference to Figure 5

[0092] Further, the housing 50 of the power device 1 can be provided with one or more ports 55 to the gas chamber 10. One such port 55 can be adapted to fill the gas chamber 10 with an insulating gas.

[0093] Further, as is known in the art, as Figure 3 schematically shown in Figure 2 , the power device 1 can be adapted to be connectable to other power devices 1’, 1” also comprising a gas chamber 10’, 10”, as schematically shown in

[0094] In use, the power device 1 will be arranged in an electrical energy power equipment for high voltage environments. Examples of electrical energy power equipment can be switchgear equipment, live tank circuit breakers, and / or dead tank circuit breakers.

[0095] Figure 5 Another example of a power device 1 for use in an electrical energy power equipment is schematically shown.

[0096] As Figure 5 ​The power device 1 can be a circuit breaker, i.e. an electrically operated switch designed to protect an electrical circuit from damage caused by an overcurrent due to a fault, as exemplified in the figure. The power device 1 comprises a interrupter unit 62, which in the example embodiment comprises a fixed contact 63a and a movable contact 63b arranged movable relative to the fixed contact between an open position and a closed position. The power device 1 can further comprise an operating mechanism 72 arranged to operate the interrupter unit, i.e. in the illustrated example to move the movable contact 63b between the open position and the closed position by means of a movable arm 28. The insulation part 20 forms an insulation housing enclosing the interrupter unit 62. The insulation part 20 forms a gas chamber 10 comprising an insulation gas. The circuit breaker can further comprise a second insulation part forming an extension of the insulation housing, e.g. a second insulation part arranged below the illustrated insulation part and arranged to house a power supply and a ground contact.

[0097] As such, Figure 5 The power device 1 illustrated in the figure is an example of a power device 1 where the insulation part 20 forms at least part of an inner wall of the gas chamber 10.

[0098] In use, the power device 1, such as the ones exemplified above, is used in an electrical energy power installation 100. As such, when in use in the power installation 100, the gas chamber 10 of the power device 1 is adapted to comprise an insulation gas under a set of conditions of use. The conditions of use comprise a predetermined installation pressure, which is the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber 10 when the gas is introduced into the gas chamber.

[0099] The insulation gas can be any gas suitable for the application. As such, the gas can be, for example, a SF6 gas, a CO2 gas, an O2 gas and / or a N2 gas.

[0100] The insulation part 20 can be made of an insulation material suitable for the application. A suitable insulation material can for example be a polymer material, such as an epoxy material.

[0101] Power devices 1 and electrical energy power installations 100, such as the ones generally described above, are known in the art. However, as hinted in the introduction of the present application, power devices of the prior art can be subject to a pressure drop in the gas chamber 10 over time, which initially is set to a desired pressure of use, which is equal to the installation pressure of the gas when the electrical energy power installation 100 is installed.

[0102] Figure 6a The pressure drop in the gas chamber 10 of the power device 1, in this example a circuit breaker, after installation time to is schematically illustrated. As Figure 6aAs illustrated, during a first time period after the installation time t0, the pressure of the insulating gas decreases relatively fast from the installation pressure P0, wherein the pressure decay substantially follows an exponential curve. After the first time period after the installation time t0, the pressure decay rate slows down, such that the pressure decay follows a substantially linear curve. This pressure decay exhibited by prior art power devices eventually leads to an unacceptable low level of pressure in the gas chamber. Therefore, to remedy or prevent this, it is conventional practice to refill the power device with additional gas to restore the installation pressure P0 after the power device has been operated for a period of time. For example, such a refill can be planned to take place after installation, for example 3 to 4 years.

[0103] With the power device 1 as presented herein, the insulating component 20 is pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas at the installation time t0, at which time the gas chamber 10 is arranged to comprise insulating gas at the desired installation pressure P0, before the power device 1 is installed in the power apparatus 100.

[0104] As presented herein, the insulating component 20 can be pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas when the insulating component 20 comprises a material that is soluble for the insulating gas.

[0105] Hence, there is provided a power device 1 having a delivery state, which is a state of the power device before and / or at the installation time t0, at which time the power device is installed in the electrical energy power apparatus 100 under a set of usage conditions comprising the installation pressure P0 of the insulating gas in the gas chamber. As presented herein, when in the delivery state, the insulating component 20 is pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas.

[0106] The power device 1 in the delivery state can be manufactured by a method comprising the steps of:

[0107] - subjecting the insulating component 20 to the insulating gas under a set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least a predetermined gas dissolution period of time S10, such that the insulating component 20 is pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas.

[0108] The predetermined gas dissolution conditions comprise a predetermined gas dissolution pressure that is greater than the installation pressure P0.

[0109] The inventors have found that, as Figure 6a illustrated, the initial exponential pressure drop in the pressure chamber 10 is mainly due to the dissolution of the insulating gas into the insulating component 20 of the power device 1. Hence, by providing a power device 1 in a delivery state in which the insulating component 20 is pre-filled with dissolved insulating gas, as Figure 6b illustrated, the pressure in the gas chamber 10 of such a power device 1 can be substantially linear after the installation time t0.

[0110] Figure 6b As Figure 6a schematically shown, after a time of installation to, at which the desired installation pressure P0 is set in the insulation gas of the insulation chamber 10 of the power device 1 (in this example a circuit breaker), the pressure in the gas chamber 10 of the power device 1 drops. However, in Figure 6b the insulation part 20 is pre-filled with dissolved insulation gas. Thus, Figure 6b the drop in pressure in is a substantially linear drop. It will be understood that by avoiding an exponential drop in pressure (as can be seen in Figure 6a ) the refilling of the power device 1 with additional gas to restore the installation pressure P0 after the power device 1 has been operated for a period of time can be significantly delayed, or can be completely exempted from the need for refilling, compared to prior art devices.

[0111] As mentioned in the above, the method comprises subjecting the insulation part 20 to the insulation gas under a set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least a predetermined gas dissolution period of time. The predetermined gas dissolution conditions and the predetermined gas dissolution period of time can be determined to achieve a desired insulation part 20 pre-filled with dissolved insulation gas.

[0112] In particular, the predetermined gas dissolution conditions can be set to promote the dissolution of the gas into the insulation part 20 at a higher rate per time unit compared to the rate per time unit under the circumstances at the normal use conditions of the power device.

[0113] To this end, the predetermined gas dissolution pressure can be greater than the installation pressure P0.

[0114] Further, the predetermined gas dissolution conditions can comprise a predetermined gas dissolution temperature that is higher than the expected use temperature range of the power device 1.

[0115] The predetermined gas dissolution conditions and the predetermined gas dissolution period of time applicable to the power device can be determined empirically for a specific power device. For example, parameters such as the volume of the insulation member, the volume of the insulation chamber, the material of the insulation member and the type of insulation gas can be relevant to the outcome.

[0116] For example, in a power circuit breaker, wherein the insulation part comprises glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin, and wherein the insulation gas is CO2, the method is performed with a predetermined gas dissolution promoting pressure of 11.2 bar and a predetermined gas dissolution promoting time of 3 months. The temperature is 22 degrees Celsius.

[0117] The volume of the C02gas in the power circuit breaker is 3.52 liters, the area of the glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin is 0.175 square meters, and the thickness of the glass fiber reinforced epoxy resin is 0.0065 meters. The result of the method is a power circuit breaker which, when set in a service condition, exhibits a linear gas pressure decay as described above.

[0118] The predetermined gas-dissolution-promoting time can depend on factors such as the geometry of the insulating component. Generally, the predetermined gas-dissolution-promoting time can be shortened by using a higher predetermined gas-dissolution-promoting pressure and / or a higher temperature.

[0119] As set out above, the method can be carried out such that the insulating component is pre-filled with insulating gas to such an extent that, when subjected to a service condition, the pressure of the insulating gas in the gas chamber 10 follows an approximately linear decay from the installation pressure P0 at the installation time.

[0120] In order to determine whether the power device 1 comprising the pre-filled insulating component 20 exhibits an approximately linear decay from the installation pressure P0, therefore, the power device 1 comprising the pre-filled insulating component 20 in a delivery state is set in an expected service condition. The installation time t0 is an initial time at which the service condition comprising the installation pressure P0 of the insulating gas is set for the power device 1. The power device 1 is then maintained without any adjustment of the pressure in the gas chamber 10 for a time, while the pressure in the gas chamber can be measured.

[0121] In order to determine whether the pressure decay in the gas chamber 10 is approximately linear after the installation time t0, different methods can be applied.

[0122] For example, with reference to Figure 6b a first pressure value P1 is measured which represents the pressure in the gas chamber 10 at a first time t1 which is a selected time range At from the installation time t0. Then, a second pressure value P2 is measured which represents the pressure in the gas chamber 10 at a second time t2 which is two subsequent selected time ranges At from the installation time t0.

[0123] A first pressure difference AP1 is determined as the difference between the installation pressure P0 and the first pressure value P1, and a second pressure difference AP2 is determined as the difference between the first pressure value P1 and the second pressure value P2. If the deviation of the second pressure difference AP2 with respect to the first pressure difference AP1 is less than 10%, the pressure decay can be determined to be approximately linear.

[0124] The time range of the first time instant can be chosen in relation to the power device and its usage conditions. For example, the first time instant can be at least 5 days from the installation time to. For example, the first time instant can be 5 days.

[0125] The first pressure value and / or the second pressure value can be an average value as determined over the predetermined measurement time range to represent the pressure in the gas chamber 10 at the first time instant or the second time instant.

[0126] The method as set out above can be performed prior to arranging the insulation component 20 in the power device 1.

[0127] However, alternatively, as shown by the example method of Figure 4 The method step S10 can be performed with the insulation component 20 included in the power device 1. Thus, the method step S10 can comprise:

[0128] - filling the gas chamber 10 with the insulation gas S11, and

[0129] - maintaining the insulation gas in the chamber 10 under the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions of the power device 1 for at least a predetermined gas dissolution time period S12 to form the power device 1 in a delivery state, wherein,

[0130] The insulation component 20 is pre-filled with the dissolved insulation gas prior to being connected to the power equipment 100.

[0131] Further, the method can comprise, after the predetermined gas dissolution time period, setting the power device in a set of predetermined storage conditions S20. The set of storage conditions can for example comprise a storage pressure that is less than the predetermined gas dissolution pressure and less than the predetermined installation pressure.

[0132] The method can comprise a step S30 of enclosing the gas chamber 10 using the removable closure 40 to maintain the insulation gas in the chamber in the delivery state of the power component. The enclosing of the gas chamber 10 can be performed after the above-mentioned step S20 of setting the power device in a set of predetermined storage conditions, as Figure 4 illustrated.

[0133] Thus, the steps S10 to S50 relate to providing the power device in a delivery state prior to installing the power device in a power equipment.

[0134] In the method for arranging the power device in the power equipment, the method can further comprise a step S40 of storing and / or transporting the power device 1 including the removable closure 40; and a step S50 of removing the removable closure 40 prior to installing the power device 1 in the power equipment 100.

[0135] By a subsequent step S60 of installing the electric power device in the electric energy power equipment adapted to operate in the conditions of use, the electric energy power equipment 100 is formed.

[0136] It is to be understood that the application is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; on the contrary, many changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art, within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric power device (1) for use in an electric energy power plant (100), the electric power device (1) comprising: A gas chamber (10), wherein, when in use in the electric energy power device (100), the gas chamber (10) is adapted to contain an insulating gas within the gas chamber (10) under a set of use conditions, the set of use conditions including a predetermined installation pressure (P0) of the insulating gas in the gas chamber (10), and the power device (1) further comprising: an insulating component (20), the insulating component (20) comprising a material capable of dissolving at least some of the insulating gas in the insulating gas, wherein the insulating component (20) is arranged relative to the gas chamber (10) such that when the power device (1) is in the use state, the insulating component (20) is at least partially exposed to the insulating gas; It is characterized by: The insulating component (20) comprises a polymer material, the power device has a delivery state, the delivery state being the state of the power device before and / or at an installation time (t0), at which the power device is installed in the electric energy power device (100) under the set of usage conditions, wherein in the delivery state the insulating component (20) comprises a pre-filled amount of insulating gas dissolved in the material of the insulating component (20), wherein, when the power device (1) is in the delivery state, the gas chamber (10) contains the insulating gas under a set of delivery conditions, wherein the set of delivery conditions includes a delivery pressure, the delivery pressure (Pd) being lower than the predetermined installation pressure (P0), and The insulating component (20) includes a quantity of pre-filled insulating gas such that the pressure of the insulating gas in the gas chamber (10) follows a substantially linear decay from the predetermined installation pressure (P0) in proportion to the time elapsed from the installation time (t0).

2. The power device (1) according to claim 1, wherein The substantially linear decay is such that, using a first pressure difference (ΔP1) and a second pressure difference (ΔP2), the second pressure difference (ΔP2) deviates from the first pressure difference (ΔP1) by less than 10%, the first pressure difference (ΔP1) being the difference between the predetermined installation pressure (P0) and a first pressure value (P1), the first pressure value (P1) representing the pressure in the air chamber (10) at a first moment (t1), the first moment (t1) being a selected time range (Δ) from the installation time (t0), the selected time range being at least 5 days, and the second pressure difference (ΔP2) being the difference between the first pressure value (P1) and a second pressure value (P2), the second pressure value (P2) representing the pressure in the air chamber (10) at a second moment (t2), the second moment (t2) being two subsequent selected time ranges (Δ) from the installation time (t0).

3. The power device (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The first pressure value and / or the second pressure value is an average value determined within a predetermined measurement time range to represent the pressure in the air chamber at the first moment or the second moment.

4. The power device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The insulating component (20) comprises a polymer material, the polymer material is an epoxy resin material, and / or The insulating gas includes SF6 gas, CO2 gas, O2 gas and / or N2 gas.

5. The power device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The insulating member (20) includes a polymer material, which is an epoxy resin material, and the insulating gas includes CO2 gas.

6. A method for producing an electrical device (1) for subsequent installation in an electrical energy power plant (100), The power device (1) comprises: A gas chamber (10), wherein, when the power device (1) is in a state of use in which the power device (1) is arranged for use in the electric energy power equipment (100), the gas chamber (10) is adapted to contain an insulating gas within the gas chamber (10) under a set of use conditions, the set of use conditions including a predetermined installation pressure (P0) of the insulating gas in the gas chamber (10), and the power device (1) further comprising: an insulating component (20), the insulating component (20) being arranged relative to the gas chamber (10) such that when the electric device (1) is in the use state, the insulating component (20) is at least partially exposed to the insulating gas; The insulating member (20) comprises a material capable of dissolving at least some of the insulating gas, wherein the insulating member (20) comprises a polymer material, and The method comprises the following steps: Before installing the electric device in the state of use, - subjecting the insulating component (20) to the insulating gas under a set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least a predetermined gas dissolution period (S10), wherein the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions includes a predetermined gas dissolution pressure greater than the predetermined installation pressure (P0), Such that the insulating component (20) is pre-filled with a certain amount of insulating gas dissolved in the material of the insulating component (20), Wherein, the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions and the predetermined gas dissolution time period The insulating component (20) is pre-filled with a certain amount of the insulating gas so that when subjected to the use conditions, the pressure of the insulating gas in the gas chamber (10) follows a substantially linear decay from the predetermined installation pressure (P0) at the installation time (t0).

7. The method according to claim 6, comprising: Prior to the step of subjecting the insulating component (20) to the insulating gas under a set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least a predetermined gas dissolution period (S10), the electric power device (1) including the insulating component (20) is formed.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein The step of subjecting the insulating component (20) to the insulating gas under a set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least a predetermined gas dissolution period is performed when the insulating component (20) is included in the power device (1), and the step of subjecting the insulating component (20) to the insulating gas under a set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions for at least a predetermined gas dissolution period comprises: - filling the gas chamber (10) with the insulating gas (S11), and - Maintaining the insulating gas in the gas chamber (10) for at least the predetermined gas dissolution time period (S12) under the set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions of the electric power device (1) to form the electric power device (1) in a transport state, wherein the insulating component (20) includes a certain amount of pre-filled insulating gas dissolved in the material of the insulating component (20) before being connected to the electric energy power equipment (100).

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein The set of predetermined gas dissolution conditions includes a predetermined gas dissolution temperature.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The set of predetermined usage conditions includes a predetermined usage temperature range, and the predetermined gas dissolution temperature is higher than the predetermined usage temperature range.

11. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, comprising the step of setting the electrical device to a set of predetermined storage conditions (S20) after the predetermined gas dissolution time period, the set of predetermined storage conditions comprising a storage pressure less than the predetermined gas dissolution pressure and / or less than the predetermined installation pressure.

12. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein: The substantially linear decay is such that, using a first pressure difference (ΔP1) and a second pressure difference (ΔP2), the second pressure difference (ΔP2) deviates from the first pressure difference (ΔP1) by less than 10%, the first pressure difference (ΔP1) being the difference between the predetermined installation pressure (P0) and a first pressure value (P1), the first pressure value (P1) representing the pressure in the air chamber (10) at a first moment (t1), the first moment (t1) being a selected time range (Δ) from the installation time (t0), the selected time range being at least 5 days, and the second pressure difference (ΔP2) being the difference between the first pressure value (P1) and a second pressure value (P2), the second pressure value (P2) representing the pressure in the air chamber (10) at a second moment (t2), the second moment (t2) being two subsequent selected time ranges (Δ) from the installation time (t0).

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The first pressure value and / or the second pressure value is an average value determined within a predetermined measurement time range to represent the pressure in the air chamber at the first moment or the second moment.

14. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein The insulating component (20) comprises a polymer material, the polymer material is an epoxy resin material, and / or The insulating gas includes SF6 gas, CO2 gas, O2 gas and / or N2 gas.

15. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein The insulating member (20) includes a polymer material, which is an epoxy resin material, and the insulating gas includes CO2 gas.

16. A method for arranging an electric power device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5 and / or a method for arranging an electric power device (1) manufactured by the method according to any one of claims 6 to 15, the method comprising: - installing said power device (1) in an electric energy power plant (100) suitable for operation under said conditions of use (S60).

17. An electric energy power plant (100), comprising one or more electric devices (1), wherein: At least one electric device (1) is an electric device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and / or at least one electric device (1) is manufactured by a method according to any one of claims 6 to 15.

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