Capacitor collector

Abstract

A circuit interrupting device includes a vacuum circuit breaker (110), a separable ceramic capacitor (1900), and an insulating housing (125). The vacuum circuit breaker includes a vacuum bottle (200) and first and second contacts (205, 210) disposed within the vacuum bottle. The second contact is movable relative to the first contact between a closed position and an open position. The separable ceramic capacitor is electrically connected in parallel with a vacuum circuit breaker disposed above the outer surface of the vacuum bottle. An insulative housing surrounds the separable ceramic capacitor and the vacuum circuit breaker.

Description

[0001] Related Applications and Cross-References

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 350,705 filed on June 9, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 383,999 filed on November 16, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to energy harvesting. Summary of the invention

[0004] The electric power distribution network delivers electricity to various distribution transformers that step down the electricity from medium voltage levels to lower voltages that are provided to loads such as homes, businesses, etc. Such a distribution network includes various circuit interrupting devices, such as circuit breakers, reclosers, and other switching devices, that control the flow of power throughout the network. As an example, a network circuit interrupting device, such as a recloser, may include and / or be implemented as a vacuum circuit breaker that includes opposing contacts that are movable between an open position and a closed position.

[0005] When a particular circuit interrupting device is closed, known solutions (such as current transformers or other series configuration devices) are used to collect power from the distribution network to power the electronic devices (e.g., control circuits, actuators, sensors, etc.) within the circuit interrupting device. However, when the circuit interrupting device is open, the current through the collecting current transformer is interrupted, and therefore no power is delivered to the electronic devices. When the circuit interrupting device is open, existing solutions for powering the mentioned electronic devices implement bulky energy storage devices, such as batteries and electrolytic capacitors, for collecting power from the distribution network. However, such solutions take up a lot of space and are limited in terms of energy storage capacity.

[0006] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a circuit interruption device, which includes a vacuum circuit breaker, a separable ceramic capacitor and an insulating housing. The vacuum circuit breaker includes a vacuum bottle and a first contact and a second contact disposed in the vacuum bottle. The second contact can move between a closed position and an open position relative to the first contact. The separable ceramic capacitor is electrically connected in parallel with the vacuum circuit breaker and is disposed on an outer surface of the vacuum bottle. The insulating housing surrounds the capacitor and the vacuum circuit breaker.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a recloser including a terminal and one or more electronic components, the terminal being configured to electrically connect the recloser to a power line included in a power distribution network. The recloser also includes a vacuum circuit breaker electrically connected between the terminal and the one or more electronic components, the vacuum circuit breaker including a first contact and a second contact, the second contact being movable between a closed position and an open position relative to the first contact. The recloser also includes a separable ceramic capacitor electrically connected in parallel with the vacuum circuit breaker and an insulating housing surrounding the separable ceramic capacitor and the vacuum circuit breaker.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a vacuum circuit breaker, the vacuum circuit breaker including a vacuum bottle surrounding a first contact and a second contact. The method includes sliding a separable ceramic capacitor over the vacuum bottle and surrounding the vacuum bottle and the separable ceramic capacitor in an insulating housing.

[0009] Other aspects of the application will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figure 1 A perspective view of a circuit interrupting device, such as a recloser, is shown in accordance with some aspects.

[0011] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum interrupter according to some aspects is shown.

[0012] Figure 3 It shows that according to some aspects Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the energy harvesting circuit included in the recloser.

[0013] Figure 4 Based on some aspects Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the energy harvesting circuit included in the recloser.

[0014] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum interrupter according to some aspects is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 A perspective view of a vacuum interrupter is shown with an insulating housing removed, according to some aspects.

[0016] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a vacuum circuit breaker according to some aspects.

[0017] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a vacuum interrupter according to some aspects is shown.

[0018] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a vacuum circuit breaker according to some aspects.

[0019] Fig. 10A A perspective view of a vacuum interrupter and collector during the assembly process is shown according to some aspects.

[0020] Fig. 10B It shows that according to some aspects Fig. 9 A perspective view of a tubular ceramic collector of a vacuum circuit breaker during the assembly process.

[0021] Fig.11 is a flow chart illustrating a method for manufacturing a vacuum circuit breaker according to some aspects. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Before explaining any embodiment of the present application in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement of parts set forth in the following description or shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments can be practiced or executed in various ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and its variants is intended to cover the items listed below and their equivalents and additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "install", "connect", "support" and "couple" and their variants are widely used, including both direct and indirect installation, connection, support and coupling.

[0023] In addition, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, and for purposes of discussion, may be shown and described as being mostly implemented in hardware only. However, one of ordinary skill in the art, and based on a reading of this detailed description, will recognize that in at least one embodiment, the electronic-based aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium), which may be executed by one or more processing units (such as a microprocessor and / or an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC")). Therefore, it should be noted that the present embodiments may be implemented using a plurality of hardware- and software-based devices and a plurality of different structural components. For example, the "server," "computing device," "controller," "processor," etc. described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable medium modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) connecting components.

[0024] Relative terms, such as, for example, "about," "approximately," "substantially," etc., used in connection with quantities or conditions will be understood by those of ordinary skill to include the values ​​and have the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., the terms include at least the degree of error associated with measurement precision, the tolerance associated with a particular value [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.], etc.). Such terms should also be considered to disclose ranges defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. For example, the expression "from about 2 to about 4" also discloses a range of "from 2 to 4." Relative terms may refer to positive and negative percentages (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10% or more) of the indicated value.

[0025] Functions described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Similarly, functions performed by multiple components may be combined and performed by a single component. Similarly, components described as performing a particular function may also perform additional functions not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is "configured" in a certain manner is configured at least in that manner, but may also be configured in a manner not explicitly listed.

[0026] Figure 1 A circuit interrupting device, such as a recloser 100, included in a power distribution network according to some examples is shown. Although the circuit interrupting device is described herein as being implemented as a recloser 100, it should be understood that certain aspects of the recloser 100 may also be incorporated into other types of circuit interrupting devices that are not reclosing, such as, but not limited to, non-reclosing circuit breakers and other types of switchgear included in a power distribution network.

[0027] The recloser 100 includes a housing 105 that contains and / or supports one or more components for electrically connecting and disconnecting the recloser 100 to and from a power distribution network. In the example shown, the housing 105 includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion, the upper housing portion containing, for example, a vacuum circuit breaker 110, and the lower housing portion containing or otherwise supporting control electronics, actuators, and / or various other electrical and mechanical components included in the recloser 100. The recloser 100 also includes a first terminal 115 and a second terminal 120 that electrically connect the recloser 100 to a power line included in the power distribution network. In the example shown, the first or upper terminal 115 extends outwardly from a top surface of the vacuum circuit breaker 110, and the second or lower terminal 120 extends outwardly from a side surface of a lower portion of the housing 105.

[0028] The vacuum circuit breaker 110 includes an insulating housing 125 that surrounds or contains a vacuum bottle 200 ( Figure 2). The insulating housing 125 is formed of, for example, one or more insulating materials. The vacuum bottle 200 defines a vacuum chamber that surrounds the fixed contact 205 and the movable contact 210. The fixed contact 205 is electrically connected to the upper terminal 115 of the recloser 100, and the movable contact 210 is electrically connected to the lower terminal 120 of the closer 100. When the fixed contact 205 and the movable contact 210 are in contact with each other (e.g., the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is closed), current flows from the power line of the power distribution network through the contacts 205, 210 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. When the contacts 205, 210 are in contact with each other, the current flowing through the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is converted and used to power a load, such as one or more electronic devices included in the recloser 100. For example, one or more of the controller, control circuit, sensor, actuator, communication device and / or other circuit components are powered by the converted line current flowing through the vacuum circuit breaker 110, for example, via a current transformer 315 (e.g., Figure 3 shown).

[0029] When the fixed contact 205 and the movable contact 210 are separated to open the vacuum circuit breaker 110 (eg Figure 2 ), current does not flow through the contacts 205, 210 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. Therefore, when the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is open, no current flows through the vacuum circuit breaker 110, which current can be used to power the electronic equipment included in the recloser 100. Therefore, the present disclosure proposes to electrically connect a capacitor in parallel with the vacuum circuit breaker 110 to collect energy from the power distribution network when the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is open.

[0030] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a recloser 100 in which a high-voltage, high-impedance capacitor 215 is electrically connected in parallel with a vacuum circuit breaker 110. For example, the capacitor 215 and the vacuum circuit breaker 110 are electrically connected in parallel between a power line 305 included in an electric power distribution network and a load 310, the load 310 including one or more electronic devices, such as a controller, a sensor, an actuator, a communication device, and / or other circuit components included in the recloser 100. When the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is closed (e.g., the fixed contacts 205 and the movable contacts 210 are in contact with each other), current flows from the power line 305 in the distribution network and flows through the low-impedance vacuum circuit breaker 110 because the impedance of the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is much less than or less than the impedance of the high-voltage, high-impedance capacitor 215. In addition, when the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is closed, current from the power line 305 does not flow through the capacitor 215 because the impedance of the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is much less than the impedance of the capacitor 215. That is, when the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is closed, the vacuum circuit breaker 110 short-circuits the capacitor 215. The current transformer 315 is connected in series with the vacuum circuit breaker 110, and provides power to the load 310 when the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is closed and conducts current.

[0031] When the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is open (e.g., the fixed contacts 205 and the movable contacts 210 are separated), a relatively small current flows through the high-voltage, high-impedance capacitor 215, which is collected for powering the load 310. For example, when the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is open, the capacitor 215 collects or conducts AC current from the power line 305, and the collector circuit 320 converts the collected AC current into a direct current (DC) current for powering the electronic equipment included in the load 310.

[0032] Figure 4 An example circuit schematic is shown, in which the collector circuit 320 includes a rectifier 400, a Zener diode 405, and a load capacitor 410. The rectifier 400 converts the AC current output by the capacitor 215 into a DC current for powering the load 310. In the example shown, the rectifier 400 is implemented as a diode bridge rectifier. However, it should be understood that in other examples, the rectifier 400 is implemented as a different type of rectifier circuit. The load capacitor 410 is charged by the DC current output by the rectifier 400 and powers the load 310. For example, the load capacitor 410 outputs power to the load 310 at a voltage level approximately equal to the breakdown voltage of the Zener diode 405. In some cases, the load capacitor is implemented as an electrolytic capacitor. In other cases, the load capacitor 410 is replaced with a different type of energy storage device.

[0033] In some cases, the capacitor 215 and the vacuum circuit breaker 110 are integrated into a single package. For example, in some cases, the capacitor 215 is contained within the insulating housing 125 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. In this case, the capacitor 215 is located between the outer surface of the vacuum bottle 200 and the inner surface of the insulating housing 125 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. Furthermore, in this case, the capacitor 215 is a cylindrical capacitor that is positioned to surround or wrap the vacuum bottle 200 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. For example, Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example is shown in which the capacitor 215 is implemented as a cylindrical capacitor that is wrapped around the vacuum bottle 200 and disposed inside the insulating housing 125 . Figures 9 to 11 An example is shown in which the capacitor 215 is implemented as a separable ceramic capacitor, which is disposed above the vacuum bottle 200 and inside the insulating case 125 .

[0034] In other cases, the capacitor 215 is located between an insulating sheath (such as a silicone sheath) wrapped around the outer surface of the vacuum bottle 200 and the inner surface of the insulating housing 125 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. In addition, in this case, the capacitor 215 is a cylindrical capacitor that is positioned to surround or wrap the insulating sheath that is wrapped or otherwise disposed on the vacuum bottle 200 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. Figure 8 An example is shown in which an insulating sheath 1800 is wrapped around a vacuum bottle 200 before installing the capacitor 215, so that when installed, the capacitor 215 is arranged between an insulating sheath (such as a silicone sheath) wrapped around the outer surface of the vacuum bottle 200 and the inner surface of the insulating shell 125 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110 or arranged above it. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 The description is for capacitor 215 (ie Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 8 The description also applies to the separable ceramic capacitor 1900.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, capacitor 215 is formed of dielectric material 220, first cylindrical capacitor plate 225, and second cylindrical capacitor plate 230. When capacitor 215 is positioned within vacuum circuit breaker 110, a layer of dielectric material 220 is formed between the outer surface of vacuum bottle 200 and insulating housing 125. First cylindrical capacitor plate 225 and second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 are spaced apart within dielectric material layer 220, such that first capacitor plate 225 and second capacitor plate 230 are wrapped around vacuum bottle 200 without contacting the surface of vacuum bottle 200 or insulating housing 125. That is, capacitor 215 is formed such that first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 is spaced apart from the outer surface of vacuum bottle 200 and second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 by dielectric material 220. Similarly, second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 is spaced apart from first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 and the inner surface of insulating housing 125 by dielectric material 220.

[0036] Therefore, if Figure 2 and Figure 5As shown, the vacuum circuit breaker 110 is constructed such that the capacitor 215 is disposed between the outer surface of the vacuum bottle 200 and the insulating housing 125. In addition, the capacitor 215 is electrically connected in parallel with the fixed contact 205 and the movable contact 210 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110 because the first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 is electrically connected to the upper terminal 115, and the second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 is electrically connected to the collector circuit 320 and / or the load 310. Figure 8 In the example shown, an insulating sheath (such as a silicone sheath) 1800 is wrapped around or otherwise disposed on the outer surface of the vacuum bottle 200 such that the capacitor 215 is disposed between the insulating sheath 1800 and the insulating housing 125 .

[0037] Figure 6 A perspective view of a single package including the vacuum interrupter 110 and the capacitor 215 is shown, wherein the insulating housing 125 has been removed. As shown, a first layer 600 of the dielectric material 220 is wrapped around the vacuum bottle 200. A first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 and a second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 are wrapped around the first layer 600 of the dielectric material 220, wherein a second layer (not shown) of the dielectric material 220 is disposed between the first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 and the second cylindrical capacitor plate 230. A third layer 605 of the dielectric material 220 is formed on an outer surface of the second cylindrical capacitor plate 230, such that the third layer 605 separates the second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 from the insulating housing 125.

[0038] In some cases, the first capacitor plate 225 and the second capacitor plate 230 are positioned within the vacuum bottle 200. In this case, the size of the vacuum bottle 200 and the cylindrical capacitor plates 225, 230 is increased because the dielectric constant of the vacuum is much lower than the dielectric constant of the dielectric material 220 used to form the capacitor 215.

[0039] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating a method or process 700 for manufacturing a vacuum circuit breaker (such as vacuum circuit breaker 110) according to the present disclosure. Process 700 includes applying a first dielectric material layer (such as first layer 600) to the outer surface of vacuum bottle 200 (block 705). In some cases, the process begins by first wrapping silicone insulating sheath 1800 around the outer surface of vacuum bottle 200, followed by applying the first dielectric material layer (such as first layer 600). In this case, the first dielectric material layer is then applied to the outer surface of silicone insulating sheath 1800 wrapped around the outer surface of vacuum bottle 200.

[0040] The process 700 continues by wrapping a first capacitor plate, such as the first cylindrical capacitor plate 225, around the vacuum bottle 200 (block 710). The process 700 also includes applying a second dielectric material layer around the vacuum bottle 200, such as around the first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 (block 715), and wrapping a second capacitor plate, such as the second cylindrical capacitor plate 230, around the vacuum bottle 200 (block 715). In some cases, the process 700 includes the step of applying the second dielectric material layer around the first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 before wrapping the second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 around the vacuum bottle 200, such that the second dielectric material layer is disposed between the first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 and the second cylindrical capacitor plate 230.

[0041] At box 725, process 700 continues by enclosing vacuum bottle 200, first cylindrical capacitor plate 225, and second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 in an insulating housing, such as an insulating housing. In some cases, process 700 also includes applying a third dielectric material around second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 before enclosing vacuum bottle 200 and first cylindrical capacitor plate 225 and second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 with insulating housing 125, such that a layer of third dielectric material is disposed between second cylindrical capacitor plate 230 and an inner surface of insulating housing 125. In addition, power distribution system type components and associated control devices contemplated by the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, line disconnect devices, fault circuit breakers, power line monitors, power factor correction devices, and load switch devices, as well as other overhead distribution switches, insulators, and lightning arresters. Non-limiting examples of line disconnect devices include sectionalizers. Non-limiting examples of fault circuit breakers include circuit breakers and reclosers. Non-limiting examples of power line monitors include sensors and fault locators. Non-limiting examples of power factor correction devices include capacitor switches. Non-limiting examples of load switch devices include load break switches. For ease of description, power distribution system type components may also be collectively referred to herein as "power distribution components" in the plural form and "power distribution components" in the singular form.

[0042] Fig. 9 1 shows a vacuum interrupter 110 implemented using a separable ceramic capacitor 1900. The separable ceramic capacitor 1900 is similar to the capacitor 215, wherein the properties of the capacitor 215 are interchangeable with the separable ceramic capacitor 1900. Fig. 9As shown, capacitor 1900 is formed of a ceramic dielectric material 1910, a first metallized plate 1920, and a second metallized plate 1930. When capacitor 1900 is positioned within vacuum circuit breaker 110, a ceramic dielectric material layer 1910 may be formed between an outer surface of vacuum bottle 200 and insulating housing 125. Separable ceramic capacitor 1900 has an inner diameter that allows separable ceramic capacitor 1900 to slide over vacuum bottle 200 and / or insulating sheath 1800 (see FIG. 1 ). Figure 8 An optional dielectric material or air gap may also be provided between the first metallized plate 1920 and the vacuum bottle 200 .

[0043] The vacuum circuit breaker 110 is configured such that the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 is disposed between the outer surface of the vacuum bottle 200 and the insulating housing 125. When the first metallized plate 1920 is electrically connected to the upper terminal 115 and the second metallized plate 1930 is electrically connected to the collector circuit 320 and / or the load 310, the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 is electrically connected in parallel with the fixed contact 205 and the movable contact 210 of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. Figure 8 In the example shown, an insulating sheath (such as a silicone sheath) 1800 is wrapped around or otherwise disposed on the outer surface of the vacuum bottle 200, such that the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 is disposed between the insulating sheath 1800 and the insulating housing 125. The insulating sheath (e.g., silicone sheath) is optional and may not be required.

[0044] Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B A perspective view of a separable ceramic capacitor 1900 is shown. The separable ceramic capacitor 1900 includes axially offset metallized capacitor plates 1920, 1930. The metallized capacitor plates 1920, 1930 and the ceramic dielectric material 1910 are cylindrical in shape. The inner diameter of the second metallized plate 1930 is greater than the outer diameter of the first metallized plate 1920. The inner diameter of the second metallized plate 1930 and the outer diameter of the first metallized plate 1920 are configured to accommodate the ceramic dielectric material 1910. The axial offset and the varying diameters of the metallized plates 1920, 1930 provide a desired dielectric gap for an applied voltage. The separable ceramic capacitor 1900 is a hollow cylinder that allows the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 to slide over the vacuum bottle 200. The separable ceramic capacitor 1900 includes a first opening on a first side and a second opening on a second side.

[0045] Fig.112 is a flow chart illustrating a method or process 2100 for manufacturing a vacuum circuit breaker (such as vacuum circuit breaker 110) according to the present disclosure. Process 2100 includes sliding a separable ceramic capacitor 1900 over a vacuum bottle 200 (block 2110). As described above, the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 has an inner diameter that allows the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 to slide over the vacuum bottle 200. The vacuum bottle 200 is manufactured separately from the separable ceramic capacitor 1900, thereby simplifying the assembly of the vacuum circuit breaker 110. Specifically, during assembly, the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 can simply slide over the vacuum bottle 200.

[0046] The components of the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 can be similarly manufactured separately. Specifically, the first metallized plate 1920, the second metallized plate 1930 and the ceramic dielectric material 1910 can be manufactured separately and assembled together to form the separable ceramic capacitor 1900. The metallized plates 1920, 1930 can include metal plates or metal coated plates. During assembly, the ceramic dielectric material 1910 slides over the first metallized plate 1920, and the second metallized plate 1930 slides over the ceramic dielectric material 1910. In some embodiments, the ceramic dielectric material 1910 and the metallized plates 1920, 1930 are held together due to the tight fit provided between the ceramic dielectric material 1910 and the metallized plates 1920, 1930. In other embodiments, an adhesive or fastener can fix the ceramic dielectric material 1910 to the metallized plates 1920, 1930. Similar fixing techniques can also be used to fix the separable ceramic capacitor 1900 to the vacuum bottle 200. In the example shown, the metallized plates 1920, 1930 have a length that is less than the length of the ceramic dielectric material 1910 to allow for axial offset of the metallized plates 1920, 1930. The length of the ceramic dielectric material 1910 may be substantially the same as the length of the body of the vacuum bottle 200. The lengths of the metallized plates 1920 and 1930 may be selected based on the desired capacitance, voltage, and current characteristics of the separable ceramic capacitor 1900.

[0047] At box 2120, process 2100 continues by enclosing vacuum bottle 200 and separable ceramic capacitor 1900 in an insulating housing (such as insulating housing 125). In some embodiments, an insulating layer of dielectric material may be provided over metallized plates 1920, 1930 to achieve dielectric tolerance. The insulating layer of dielectric material may be added by sliding an insulating layer over metallized plates 1920, 1930. In addition, the distribution system type components and associated control devices contemplated by the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, line disconnect devices, fault circuit breakers, power line monitors, power factor correction devices, and load switch devices and other overhead distribution switches, insulators, and lightning arresters. Non-limiting examples of line disconnect devices include sectionalizers. Non-limiting examples of fault circuit breakers include circuit breakers and reclosers. Non-limiting examples of power line monitors include sensors and fault locators. Non-limiting examples of power factor correction devices include capacitor switches. Non-limiting examples of load switch devices include load break switches. For ease of description, power distribution system type components may also be collectively referred to herein as “power distribution components” in the plural form and “power distribution component” in the singular form.

[0048] The voltage collection device according to the present disclosure can be used with a live non-grounded device or a normally grounded pole-based control device. It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments of the present disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All values ​​set forth herein are exemplary and can be modified depending on the line voltage (Vsource) and the line continuous wattage, the voltage and power requirements of the control device, and the characteristics and properties of the voltage collection device. This includes the values ​​of the physical size, resistance and power characteristics of resistors and transformers and other elements (such as overvoltage circuit breakers and voltage converters) used with or incorporated into the voltage collection device. In addition, although the voltage collection circuit in the voltage collection device may include only a transformer circuit, i.e., a resistor / transformer voltage divider, the voltage collection circuit may also include other elements, such as a first overvoltage disconnect device, a second overvoltage disconnect device and / or a voltage converter. Therefore, the above description should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure, but only as an embodiment thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the same reference numerals represent the same or corresponding parts. Although the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described and illustrated above, it should be understood that these are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limitations. Additions, deletions, substitutions and other modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be considered as being limited by the above description.

Claims

1. A circuit interrupting device, comprising: A vacuum circuit breaker, comprising: Vacuum flask, and a first contact and a second contact disposed in the vacuum bottle, the second contact being movable relative to the first contact between a closed position and an open position; a separable ceramic capacitor electrically connected in parallel with the vacuum circuit breaker and disposed above an outer surface of the vacuum bottle; and An insulating case surrounds the separable ceramic capacitor and the vacuum circuit breaker.

2. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 1, wherein: The separable ceramic capacitor is cylindrical and has an inner diameter configured to slide over the vacuum bottle.

3. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 1, wherein: The separable ceramic capacitor includes a ceramic dielectric material disposed between metallized plates, wherein the ceramic dielectric material provides a dielectric gap for the separable ceramic capacitor, wherein the metallized plates are axially offset.

4. The circuit interrupting device according to claim 3, wherein: The separable ceramic capacitor is hollow and includes a first opening on a first side and a second opening on a second side.

5. The circuit interrupting device of claim 4, wherein: The separable ceramic capacitor is slidably received over the vacuum bottle.

6. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1, further comprising: An insulating sheath is disposed on the outer surface of the vacuum bottle, wherein the separable ceramic capacitor is disposed on the insulating sheath.

7. The circuit interrupting device of claim 1, wherein: The insulating housing comprises: a first surface for connecting the insulating housing to a power distribution component; and a second surface for connecting the insulating housing to a mounting structure coupled to a utility pole, The separable ceramic capacitor is electrically connected between an alternating current (AC) line voltage source and a converter.

8. The circuit interrupting device of claim 7, further comprising: A first overvoltage disconnect component is electrically connected between the AC line voltage source and ground.

9. A recloser, comprising: a terminal configured to electrically connect the recloser to a power line included in a power distribution network; one or more electronic components; a vacuum circuit breaker electrically connected between the terminal and the one or more electronic components, the vacuum circuit breaker comprising a first contact and a second contact, the second contact being movable relative to the first contact between a closed position and an open position; a detachable ceramic capacitor electrically connected in parallel with the vacuum circuit breaker; and An insulating case surrounds the separable ceramic capacitor and the vacuum circuit breaker.

10. The recloser according to claim 9, wherein: The separable ceramic capacitor surrounds the first contact and the second contact.

11. The recloser according to claim 9, further comprising: a current transformer configured to provide power to the one or more electronic components using power from the power line when the first contact and the second contact are in the closed position; and A collector circuit is configured to provide power to the one or more electronic components using power from the separable ceramic capacitor when the first contact and the second contact are in the open position.

12. The recloser according to claim 11, wherein: The collector circuit comprises: a rectifier configured to convert alternating current (AC) power flowing through the separable ceramic capacitor into a direct current (DC) power output; and An electrolytic capacitor is configured to provide the DC power output by the rectifier to the one or more electronic components.

13. The recloser according to claim 12, wherein: The collector circuit also includes a Zener diode electrically connected in parallel with the electrolytic capacitor; and Wherein the electrolytic capacitor outputs DC power to the one or more electronic components at a voltage level approximately equal to a breakdown voltage of the Zener diode.

14. The recloser according to claim 9, wherein: The separable ceramic capacitor includes a ceramic dielectric material disposed between axially offset metallized plates, and wherein the separable ceramic capacitor is slidingly received over the vacuum interrupter.

15. A method of manufacturing a vacuum circuit breaker, the vacuum circuit breaker comprising a vacuum bottle surrounding a first contact and a second contact, the method comprising: Sliding a detachable ceramic capacitor over the vacuum bottle; as well as The vacuum bottle and the separable ceramic capacitor are enclosed in an insulating casing.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising forming the separable ceramic capacitor by providing a ceramic dielectric material between metallization plates.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising axially offsetting the metallized plate.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The separable ceramic capacitor is electrically connected in parallel with the vacuum bottle.

19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: An insulating sheath is provided around an outer surface of the vacuum bottle, wherein the separable ceramic capacitor is slid over the insulating sheath.

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