Arc attenuation arrangements with variable venting and damping and arrangement methods

Abstract

Circuit protection device (130) for use in a circuit containing at least one pair of conductors, wherein the circuit protection device (130) is configured to generate an arc, wherein the arc products generating the arc include arc gases, and wherein the circuit protection device (130) comprises: at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213), wherein a first electrode arrangement of the pair of electrode arrangements (213) is electrically connected to a first conductor of the at least one pair of conductors, and a second electrode arrangement of the pair of electrode arrangements (213) is electrically connected to a second conductor of the at least one pair of conductors, wherein the at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213) is configured to generate the arc; a conductor base (210) for mounting the electrode arrangements (213) on it; a cover (202) connected to the conductor base (210) and defining at least one insulation chamber (247), wherein the at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213) is arranged in the at least one insulation chamber (247); an enclosure shield (206) arranged on the conductor base (210) in the insulation chamber (247), wherein the enclosure shield (206) defines an enclosure chamber (249) enclosing the at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213), wherein the enclosure shield (206) is configured to at least partially enclose arc products in the enclosure chamber (249); and a preload arrangement (246) positioned between the cover (202) and the enclosure shield (206) and connected to at least one of the cover (202) and the enclosure shield (206), wherein the preload arrangement (246) is configured to allow the enclosure shield (206) to move away from the conductor base (210) in order to define a gap between the conductor base (210) and the enclosure shield (206) to allow at least some of the arc gases to escape from the enclosure chamber (249).

Description

background

[0001] The present invention relates generally to electrical system protection devices and in particular to arc attenuation systems for use in the discharge of exhaust gases and pressure from a point of arc generation.

[0002] Common electrical circuits and switchgear essentially have conductors separated by a gap insulated with materials such as air, gas, or solid dielectrics. However, if the conductors are positioned too close together, or if a voltage between the conductors exceeds the dielectric strength of the insulation between them, an arc flashover can occur. An arc flashover can result from insulation aging, rodent damage, and improper maintenance procedures. The insulation between the conductors can become ionized, making it conductive and allowing an arc to form. An arc flashover causes a sudden release of energy due to a fault between phase conductors, between a phase conductor and a neutral conductor, or between a phase conductor and a ground point. Arc flashover temperatures can reach 20°C.Temperatures can reach or exceed 000 °C, which can vaporize conductors and burn through the metal plates of adjacent equipment. Additionally, an arc fault is accompanied by the release of a significant amount of energy in the form of heat, intense light, pressure waves, and / or sound waves, which can cause severe damage to conductors and adjacent equipment. Generally, the fault current and energy associated with an arc fault are lower compared to the fault current and energy associated with a bolted short circuit. However, due to the inherent delay between relay closure and circuit breaker tripping, immense damage can occur at a fault location. The circuit breaker can be operated using a faster tripping mechanism to reduce this damage.Even with this feature, the damage cannot be minimized.

[0003] At least some known systems use an arc attenuation system to safely dissipate energy from the site of an arc flashover. The arc attenuation system has an enclosure / chamber, often containing electrodes or conductors separated by a distance with sufficient dielectric strength between them to prevent arc flashover without external assistance. A plasma generation device is contained within the arc confinement chamber. When an arc flashover event is detected, the plasma device emits ablative plasma toward the electrodes. The ablative plasma reduces the electrical impedance between the electrodes, and an electric arc can be formed between them. The electric arc conducts the energy from the initial arc flashover zone to the arc chamber until the arc flashover is aborted or extinguished.To safely dissipate energy away from the electric arc, the arc containment device should not conduct excessive current into or through the ground path. The deposition of charged particles from the arc event onto the grounded parts of the arc attenuation system essentially causes a current to flow through the ground path. To prevent excessive current flow to ground, additional components, such as charge collectors and / or coatings like epoxy and / or ceramics, are used, which complicate the manufacturing process and increase costs.

[0004] US 8,278,811 B2 describes a device for dissipating energy from an electric arc. US 8,563,888 B2 describes an arc-limiting device. Brief description

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a circuit protection device for use in a circuit containing at least one pair of conductors is described. The circuit protection device is configured to generate an arc that produces arc products, including arc gases. The circuit protection device comprises at least one pair of electrode assemblies, a conductor base for mounting the electrode assemblies thereon, an enclosure shield arranged on the conductor base within the insulation chamber, and a bias arrangement positioned between the cover and the enclosure shield and connected to at least one of the cover and the enclosure shield.A first electrode arrangement of the pair of electrode arrangements is electrically connected to a first conductor of the at least one pair of conductors, and a second electrode arrangement of the pair of electrode arrangements is electrically connected to a second conductor of the at least one pair of conductors. The at least one pair of electrode arrangements is arranged in at least one insulation chamber. The enclosure shield defines an enclosure chamber that encloses at least one pair of electrode arrangements. The enclosure shield is configured to at least partially enclose the arc products in the enclosure chamber. The bias arrangement is configured to allow the enclosure shield to move away from the conductor base, thereby defining a gap between the conductor base and the enclosure shield to allow the venting of at least a portion of the gas from the enclosure chamber.

[0006] In a further, unclaimed aspect of the invention, an electrical insulation structure for use with a circuit protection device is described, comprising several electrode assemblies, each having an electrode configured to generate an electric arc. The electric arc generates arc products containing arc gases. The electrical insulation structure comprises a conductor base, an inclusion shield connected to the cover and defining an inclusion chamber, an inclusion shield arranged on the conductor base within the insulation chamber, and a bias arrangement positioned between the cover and the inclusion shield. The inclusion shield defines an inclusion chamber configured to enclose the several electrode assemblies. The inclusion shield is configured to at least partially enclose the arc products within the inclusion chamber.The biasing arrangement is connected to at least one of the cover and the enclosure shield. The biasing arrangement is configured to allow the enclosure shield to move away from the conductor base, thereby defining a gap between the conductor base and the enclosure shield to allow the venting of at least some of the arc gases from the enclosure chamber.

[0007] In a further aspect of the invention, a method for arranging a circuit protection device for use in a circuit containing at least one pair of conductors is described, wherein the circuit protection device comprises a conductor base, an inclusion shield defining an inclusion chamber, a cover, and at least one pair of electrode arrangements configured to generate an electric arc. The electric arc generates arc products containing arc gases. The method includes attaching the at least one pair of electrode arrangements to the conductor base, connecting the inclusion shield to the cover by means of an insulating arrangement between the inclusion shield and the cover such that the cover can move relative to the shield to define a gap between the inclusion shield and the conductor base.to vent arc gases from the enclosure chamber, the connection of the cover to the conductor base such that the at least one pair of electrode arrangements is arranged in the enclosure chamber and the enclosure shield is arranged on the conductor base, the electrical connection of a first electrode arrangement of the pair of electrode arrangements to a first conductor of the at least one pair of conductors and the electrical connection of a second electrode arrangement of the pair of electrode arrangements to a second conductor of the at least one pair of conductors. Brief description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic block representation of an exemplary power distribution system that can be used to distribute electrical energy (i.e., electric current and voltage) obtained from an electrical power source to one or more loads. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an arc attenuation system for use with the [product name] in Fig. 1 energy distribution system shown. Fig. Figure 3 is a simplified schematic representation of the in Fig. 2 illustrated exemplary arc confinement device. Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the in Fig. 2 illustrated exemplary arc confinement device. Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a section of the in Fig. 2 illustrated exemplary arc confinement device. Fig. 6 is another exemplary arc confinement device for use with the one described in Fig. 1 energy distribution system shown. Fig. 7 is a flowchart of a procedure for arranging a in Fig. 2 shown arc confinement device. Detailed description

[0008] The invention is explained with reference to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of systems and devices for use with circuit protection are described herein. In particular, exemplary embodiments of systems and devices for use in arc attenuation systems are described. These embodiments improve the discharge of ionized gases, heat, metal fragments, and pressure from the circuit protection system after an arc flashover has occurred. For example, the arc protection system can receive a signal indicating the detection of a primary arc flashover in a power system monitored by the arc protection system. The arc protection system can then generate a secondary arc to transfer the energy from the primary arc to the arc attenuation system or containment device.Furthermore, these embodiments suitably improve the rated performance of the device, the outflow of exhaust gases, heat, metal fragments and pressure generated by the secondary arc from an arc confinement chamber to the plant enclosure containing the arc confinement system.

[0010] Some exemplary embodiments of the arc confinement device include an containment shield within which a secondary arc is generated. The containment shield provides a variable venting path for the release of gases, pressure, etc., generated by the secondary arc. For example, in some embodiments, the shield is movably connected to a cover (which is attached to a conductor base), allowing movement of the containment shield relative to the base. This movable connection creates an opening between the lower portion of the containment shield and the upper portion of the conductor base, providing a venting path for arc discharge and metal fragments. The degree of lift of the containment shield depends on the internal pressure generated by the arcing event.The degree of lift defines the venting area for arc discharge, metal fragments, and the pressure wave. The presence of a movable mechanism, such as a spring mechanism between the cover and / or shielding and the containment shielding, creates a variable venting system. In other embodiments, mechanisms other than springs can be used. For example, a compressible material between the upper area and the containment shielding, a split containment shield that can move in sections, spring-loaded pressure flaps, a damping mechanism between shielding, etc., can produce a similar effect. With the variable venting system, a design tailored to multiple arcs and / or fault currents can be achieved.Furthermore, the spring (or other preload mechanism) can be varied depending on the design of the arc confinement device and the desired (or required) venting. Additionally, placing the confinement shield in a slot in the conductor base and securing it within the slot with a preload force limits transport-related lifting of the confinement shield (i.e., the movement of the confinement shield when the assembly is moved or otherwise transported). This ensures that gaps designed for the safe dielectric operation of the device are not interrupted during transport. The damping effect produced by the spring or preload element arrangement can also reduce the fastening requirements of the arc confinement chamber by dampening the shock waves generated by the arcing event.Furthermore, some embodiments include bubble-shaped formations or deviations on the inner surface of the enclosure shield, which diffuse the shock pressure wave in order to reduce the amplification of the shock pressure due to reflections from the walls of the enclosure shield.

[0011] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic block representation of an exemplary power distribution system 100, which can be used to distribute electrical current (i.e., current and voltage) received from an electrical power source 102 to one or more loads 104. The power distribution system 100 includes several electrical distribution lines 106 that receive current, such as three-phase alternating current (AC) from the electrical power source 102. Alternatively, the power distribution system 100 can receive any number of phases of current via any suitable number of electrical distribution lines 106, enabling the power distribution system 100 to function as described herein.

[0012] The electrical power source 102 includes, for example, an electrical power distribution network or “grid”, a steam turbine generator, a gas turbine generator, a wind turbine generator, a hydroelectric generator, a solar pendulum arrangement and / or any other device or system that generates electrical current. The loads 104 include, for example, machinery, motors, lighting and / or other electrical and electromechanical equipment of a manufacturing, power generation or distribution facility.

[0013] Electrical distribution lines 106 are arranged as multiple conductors 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the conductors 110 include a first phase conductor 112, a second phase conductor 114, and a third phase conductor 116. The first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114, and third phase conductor 116 are connected to a system protection system 118 to transmit a first current phase, a second current phase, and a third current phase, respectively, to the system protection system 118.

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment, the plant protection system 118 is a switchgear unit that protects the power distribution system 100 and / or loads 104 against an electrical fault that may occur in the power distribution system 100. In particular, the plant protection system 118 disconnects loads 104 from the electrical distribution lines 106 (and from the electrical power source 102) to interrupt the current when an arc flashover event 120 is detected. Alternatively, the plant protection system 118 is any other protection system that allows the power distribution system 100 to selectively prevent an electrical current flow to the loads 104.

[0015] As used herein, an “arc flashover event” refers to a sudden release of energy due to a fault between at least two electrical conductors. Conductors may include conductors connected to different phases, a phase and an earth conductor, a phase and a neutral conductor, or between three phases. The sudden release of energy may cause pressure waves, shock waves, very high temperatures, metal fragments, acoustic waves, gases, and / or light (collectively sometimes referred to herein as “arc products”) in the vicinity of the fault, for example, in the plant protection system 118 and / or the power distribution system 100.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the plant protection system 118 includes a controller 122, which contains a processor 124 and a memory 126 connected to the processor 124. The processor 124 controls and / or monitors the operation of the plant protection system 118. Alternatively, the plant protection system 118 includes any other suitable circuit or device for controlling and / or monitoring the operation of the plant protection system 118.

[0017] It should be understood that the term "processor" essentially refers to any programmable system, including systems and microcontrollers, reduced instruction set (RISC) circuits, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor capable of performing the functions described herein. The foregoing examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the definition and / or meaning of the term "processor" in any way.

[0018] The plant protection system 118 includes a disconnecting device 128, which is connected to the first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114, and third phase conductor 116. The disconnecting device 128 is controlled or activated by a controller 122 to interrupt the current flowing through the first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114, and third phase conductor 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the disconnecting device 128 includes a line breaker, contactor, switch, and / or any other device that enables controllable interruption by the controller 122.

[0019] An arc containment system 130 or an arc containment device 130 is connected to a disconnecting device 128 via the first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114 and third phase conductor 116. Additionally, the control unit 122 is connected to the arc attenuation system 130 via a transmission link.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, the plant protection system 118 also includes at least one first or current sensor 132 and at least one second or additional sensor 134, such as optical, acoustic, voltage, pressure sensors, etc. The current sensor 132 is connected to or arranged around the first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114, and third phase conductor 116 for measuring and / or detecting the current flowing through the conductors 112, 114, and 116. Alternatively, a separate current sensor 132 is connected to or arranged around the first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114, and third phase conductor 116 for measuring and / or detecting the current flowing through the conductors 112, 114, and 116. In an exemplary embodiment, the current sensor 132 is a current transformer, a Rogowski coil, a Hall effect sensor, and / or a shunt resistor.Alternatively, the current sensor 132 can include any other sensor that enables a function of the plant protection system 118 as described herein. In an exemplary embodiment, each current sensor 132 generates one or more signals representing a measured or detected current (hereinafter referred to as "current signals") flowing through the first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114, and third phase conductor 116, and transmits the current signals to the controller 122.

[0021] An additional sensor 134 in an exemplary embodiment measures and / or detects an arc flash event, for example, by measuring or detecting a generated light wave, an generated acoustic pressure, a voltage reduction of the system, a barometric pressure at one or more predefined levels, and / or a lifting of a cover of the protective system 118 in the plant protection system 118, which are generated by an arc flash event 120. The additional sensor 134 generates one or more signals representing the measured or detected quantity (sometimes referred to herein as "sensor signals") and transmits the sensor signals to the controller 122.

[0022] The controller 122 analyzes the current signals and the signal from the additional sensor 134 to determine and / or detect whether the arc flashover event 120 has occurred. Specifically, the controller 122 compares the additional signals with one or more rules or thresholds to determine whether the additional signals provide evidence of an arc flashover event 120. If the controller 122 determines, based on the additional signals, that the arc flashover event 120 has occurred, the controller 122 transmits a trip signal to the circuit protection device 128 and an activation signal to the arc containment device 130. The circuit protection device 128 interrupts the current flow through the first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114, and third phase conductor 116 in response to the trip signal.A trigger unit in an arc containment device 130 issues a trigger signal to a plasma generation device to inject plasma between electrodes to generate a secondary arc event that diverts the arc energy from the plant protection system into the arc containment device 130.

[0023] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an arc attenuation system 130 and Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary arc confinement device 130. Fig. Figure 4 is an exploded view of an arc confinement device 130 and Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a (in Fig. 2 shown) Section A of the arc confinement device 130.

[0024] Plant protection systems, arc containment devices, and methods for arranging arc containment devices are disclosed. In one example, an electrical insulation structure comprises a conductor base 210, a cover 202 connected to the conductor base 210 and defining an insulation chamber 247, an containment shield 206 arranged on the conductor base 210 in the insulation chamber 247, and a bias arrangement 246 positioned between the cover 202 and the containment shield 206. The containment shield 206 defines a containment chamber 249 configured to contain the multiple electrode arrangements 213. The containment shield 206 is configured to contain at least some of the arc products in the containment chamber 249.The preload arrangement 246 is designed to allow the enclosure shield 206 to move away from the conductor base 210 in order to define a gap between the conductor base 210 and the enclosure shield 206 in order to allow the venting of at least part of the gas from the enclosure chamber 249.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the arc containment device 130 includes a cover 202, a shock shield 206 (e.g., an containment tray or containment shield) (in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown), a (in the Fig. 2 shown) preload arrangement 246 and a (in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown) ladder arrangement 208.

[0026] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the conductor arrangement 208 comprises a conductor base 210 and a conductor cover 212 with several (not shown) insulated electrical conductors positioned between them. Each electrical conductor is connected to an electrode arrangement 213. In the exemplary implementation, the system 130 comprises a pair of electrode arrangements 213 and a pair of electrical conductors, each electrode arrangement 213 being connected to a different conductor of the pair of electrical conductors. In particular, a first electrode arrangement 213 of the pair of electrode arrangements 213 is connected to a first conductor of the pair of electrical conductors, and a second electrode arrangement 213 of the pair of electrode arrangements 213 is connected to a second conductor of the pair of electrical conductors. Other embodiments may include one or more electrode arrangements 213 and more or fewer conductors.Each electrode assembly 213 comprises an arc source electrode 216 and an electrode support 214. The electrode support 214 has an inner conductor 215. The arc source electrode 216 is rigidly attached to the inner conductor 215 of the electrode support 214. An outer body 217 of the electrode support 214 is made of an insulating material. Each electrode support 214 is rigidly attached to a conductor cover 212 and spaced apart to define an electrode gap (not shown) between the arc source electrodes 216. Each electrical conductor 215 extends through the conductor base 210 to connect the electrodes 218 to a power source (not shown), such as a busbar.The conductor base 210 and the conductor cover 212 can be made of any suitable electrically insulating material and composite materials to provide electrically insulating support for electrodes 218, the cover 202 and the enclosure shield 206.

[0027] An arc-initiating device, such as a plasma-generating device 230, is arranged near the gap 257. For example, the plasma-generating device 230 may be arranged centrally with respect to the arc-source electrodes 216 and is configured to ionize a gap in the gap. In one embodiment, the plasma-generating device 230 injects plasma and / or a beam of electrons to ionize the gap and weaken the dielectric strength of the medium in order to generate a secondary arc fault in response to a signal indicating a primary arc flashover in the electrical system connected to the arc-containment device 130. During operation, the arc-source electrodes 216 generate an arc, such asa secondary arc, for use in the destruction of energy in conjunction with a primary arc flashover detected in a circuit, and thus produce hot ionized exhaust gases, acoustic and pressure waves, and / or metal splinters (i.e., arc pogen products in the arc confinement device 130).

[0028] The cover 202 includes an upper section 232, a lip and / or a flat projection 234, and a side 236 extending between the upper section 232 and the lip 232. The lip 232 includes several (not shown) mounting openings dimensioned to receive a (not shown) suitable fastening mechanism, such as a screw bolt, for connecting it to the conductor cover 212. The upper section 232 and the side 236 essentially define an isolation chamber 247 in which electrode assemblies 213 are arranged. The cover 202 is dimensioned to cover the shock shield 206 and enclose the shock shield 206 within the isolation chamber 247. The cover 202 also has openings 235, also referred to as vent holes 248, to vent gases and other arc discharges caused by the arc event in the arc containment device 130.In the illustrated embodiment, the vent holes 235 are located on side 226 of the cover. In further embodiments, the vent holes 235 can be located on the upper area 232 of the cover 202. Furthermore, vent holes 235 can be arranged at only one location or at more than one location, including in a circumferential arrangement around the cover 202. In this exemplary embodiment, the arc discharges leave the device 118 directly into the vicinity of the cover 202 via the vent holes 235. Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment of an arc containment device 130, in which arc discharges from the system protection device 118 are directed by means of chimneys 600 (shown in dashed lines) located above the vent holes 235. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, ventilation holes 235 are defined in the cover 202 at a location behind the chimneys 600.

[0029] As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the shock shield 206 is dimensioned to cover the electrodes 216 and is arranged above the electrodes 216 in the isolation chamber 247. The shock shield 206 comprises an upper section 238 and a side 240, which essentially define an enclosure chamber 249 within the isolation chamber 247. The electrode arrangements 213 are essentially arranged within the enclosure chamber 249 such that the secondary arc source generated by the plasma generation device 230 and electrodes 218 is either enclosed or partially enclosed by the shock shield 206 within the enclosure chamber 249. Furthermore, charged particles and other arc products, such as high-intensity pressure waves, high temperatures, metal fragments, gases, and / or light, are enclosed or partially enclosed within the enclosure chamber 249. Several exhaust vent openings 242 are formed in the upper section 238.In further embodiments, ventilation openings 242 are arranged on side 240 of the shock shield 206.

[0030] A preload arrangement 246 is positioned between the cover 202 and the shock shield 206. The preload arrangement 246 essentially connects the cover 202 to the shock shield 206, preloads the shock shield 206 relative to the cover 202, preloads the shock shield 206 relative to the conductor base 210, allows movement of the shock shield 206 with respect to the cover 202, maintains the alignment between the shock shield 206 and the cover 202 when the shock shield 206 moves relative to the cover 202, and / or allows variable venting of at least some arc products from the confinement chamber 249. In the exemplary implementation, the preload arrangement 246 is connected to the cover 202 and the shock shield 206. In other implementations, the isolation arrangement can only be connected to one of the cover 202 and the shock shield 206.The preload arrangement 246 prevents direct contact and electrical connection between the cover 202 and the shock shield 206. Charged particles generated in the confinement chamber 249 during the secondary arcing event are thereby prevented from coming into contact with the cover 202. The preload arrangement 246 includes an alignment post 244 ( Fig. 2), which is located in the center of the shock shield 206 and connected to the shock shield 206. An insulator disc 231 is mounted at the center of the upper area 232 of the cover 202 with several fastening mechanisms. The insulator disc 231 is made of an electrically insulating material and contains a (in Fig. The opening 248 (shown in Figure 4) is dimensioned to accommodate a corresponding alignment post 244, thereby enabling the slidable connection of the shock shield 206 to the cover 202. Thus, the shock shield 206 operates by moving relative to the cover 202 in response to changes in pressure generated by an electric arc in the enclosure chamber 249.

[0031] A preload element 250 preloads the shock shield 206 in a direction away from the upper region 232 of the cover 202. In one embodiment, the preload element 250 is a spring. In other embodiments, the preload element 250 is a damper, a flexible component, a combinable material, a foldable shock shield with a rigid stop mechanism, or any other type of preload element. If an opposing and stronger force is exerted on the shock shield 206 and the associated preload element 250, the shock shield 206 and an attached alignment post 244 slide parallel to the alignment post such that the alignment post 244 remains in the opening 248, while the shock shield 206 moves away from the conductor base 210 and toward the cover 202.

[0032] The prestressing arrangement 246 houses an alignment post 244 and a prestressing component 250 and serves as a movement guide for a shock shield 206 during an arc flash event. The prestressing arrangement 246 prevents contact between the shock shield 206 and the cover 202. A ground fault current is eliminated by preventing contact between the shock shield 206 and the cover 202. Additionally, an arc attenuation system 130 is mounted on the upper part of a movable mounting platform 237 using insulators 239. In operation, the arc containment system 130 can be mounted in a cabinet or rack (not shown). The movable mounting platform 237 allows relative movement of the containment system 130 to the rack on which it is mounted.In an installed / operating position relative to the frame, the arc containment system 130 may be at least partially enclosed and inaccessible. The movable mounting platform 237 allows the containment system 130 to be moved out of the frame into a position that provides access to the arc containment system 130 without disconnecting it from the frame. The movable mounting platform 237 is at ground potential. Insulators 239 are selected to meet the system's dielectric requirements. This arrangement interrupts the ground path from the arc containment system 130 to the frame due to the insulators 239. The path length above the surface from the mounting point of the cover 202 to the insulators 239 improves the dielectric strength of the device and prevents the formation of a ground path due to leakage current.By preventing the mounting platform 237 from being electrically connected to the arc confinement system 130, the grounding path of the device 130 can be avoided and / or controlled, and operators coming into contact with the mounting platform 237 during an arc flash event are protected from the high current of the arc flash. The mounting mechanism on the insulators 239 and the insulator disc mechanism 230 can prevent any occurrence of a ground flashover fault during an arc flashover.

[0033] An annular groove 204 is defined in a section of the conductor cover 212. The annular groove 204 extends from an upper surface 252 of the conductor cover 212 to the conductor base 210 in the conductor cover 212. In the exemplary embodiment, the groove 204 has a depth of approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 inches). In the exemplary embodiment, the groove 204 extends to a section of the conductor cover 212 that is positioned at a predetermined distance 256 from the conductor base 210. The groove 204 is also partially defined by two spaced-apart projections 254a and 254b that extend a distance 260 from the surface 252. The distance 256 and the distance 260 can be any suitable value.The groove 204 is designed to accommodate a lower region 244 of the side surface 226 of the shock shield in such a way that exhaust gases cannot escape into the confinement chamber 249 when the shock shield 206 is biased towards the top of the cover 220. If the pressure generated by the exhaust gases within the confinement chamber 249 is sufficient to cause the shock shield 206 to slide parallel to the alignment post in a direction away from the conductor cover 212, the side surface 240 of the shock shield 206 moves, creating a gap between the lower region 220 and the groove 204 through which exhaust gases can escape within the confinement chamber 249. This movement contributes to shock wave damping.Due to the dampened shock wave, the resulting forces on one or more clamping screws connecting the cover to the ladder base are reduced, and the resulting stress on the structure is minimized.

[0034] The displacement of the shock shield 206 is a function of the pressure contained within the shock shield 206 and the opposing vertical force exerted on the shock shield 206 by the preload component 250. The pressure of the shock shield 206 is also a function of the arc current and arc duration. Higher arc currents generate greater pressures in the confinement chamber 249. To provide improved venting at higher currents (i.e., higher pressures in the confinement chamber 249), the shock shield 206 can move toward or away from the conductor cover 212 (or conductor base 210) to release gases from the lower section 220 of the shock shield 206. However, excessive additional venting can cause arc maintenance problems at lower arc currents due to poor gas retention.Excessive venting of exhaust gases away from the electrodes 216 leads to insufficient amounts of ions / charged particles in the space between the electrodes 216 to maintain the secondary arc until the upstream circuit component clears the fault. Deionization increases the dielectric strength and extinguishes the arc in the arc chamber, resulting in re-ignition of the arc at the primary arc fault location. Thus, the exemplary design using a biasing component 250 between the shock shield 206 and the cover 202 results in a variable venting arrangement.

[0035] In the case of low-current arcs, the gas pressure may not be sufficient to move the shock shield 206 due to the preload force exerted on the shield 206 by the spring 250. Conversely, in the case of high arc currents, the higher gas pressure may be sufficient to counteract the force of the preload component 250 and cause the shock shield 206 to move away from the conductor cover 212, while the preload component 250 pushes against it. The gases are then vented through a gap created between the lower region of the shock shield 206 and the annular groove 204. Since part of the generated shock and the presence of gases result from the arc reduced by the shock shield 206 and the associated preload component 250, the clamping requirements for attaching the cover 202 to the conductor cover 212 are reduced.In addition to providing variable venting, the preload component 250 generates a preload that holds the shock shield 206 in position such that the lower section 220 remains within the groove 204 and the conductor cover 212. Thus, vibrations caused, for example, by movement of the arc confinement system 130, and vibrations induced in the arc confinement system 130, do not displace the shock shield 206 and therefore do not unintentionally vent the arc confinement chamber 249. Furthermore, if the shield 206 is not held in its correct position, the distance from the electrodes 216 to the shock shield 206 is not uniform, which deteriorates the dielectric performance of the arc confinement device 130.

[0036] The stiffness of the preload component 250 is selected according to the venting requirements with respect to the nominal arc current of the arc containment device 130. For example, an arc containment device 130 with a higher nominal arc current will have a stiffer preload component 250 than an arc containment device 130 with a lower nominal arc current. An exemplary distance 255, by which the shock shield 206 rises during an arc event, is shown in Fig. Figure 3 shows that by appropriately selecting the prestressing component 250, the design of the device can be extended in size in any direction.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment, the shock shield 206 has several structural features 53, such as bubbles, depressions, deviations, etc., to diffuse reflections from the shock pressure generated by an arc flash event and / or to reduce a shock pressure wave within an enclosure 249 generated by an arc flash event. These mechanical features 253 reduce the magnitude of the shock wave pressure due to an arc flash event in the enclosure 130. As a result, the mechanical features 253 reduce the clamping requirements for attaching the cover 202 to the conductor cover 212.

[0038] During operation, the (in Fig. (1 shown) control unit 122 uses the current signals and the measurement signals to determine and / or detect whether an arc flash event 120 has occurred. In response to the detection, the (in Fig. 1 shown) Control 122 the (in Fig. 2. Plasma generation device 230 (shown) for emitting a cloud of ablative plasma. In particular, the plasma generation device 230 emits the plasma into the (in Fig. (2 shown) gap 257, which is between the (in Fig. The arc source electrodes 218 (2 shown) are defined. The plasma reduces the impedance between the tips of the electrodes 216 to allow the formation of a secondary arc flashover. The secondary arc flashover releases energy, which includes metal fragments, heat, pressure, light, and / or sound. The exhaust gases are guided through the lower region 220 of the shock shield 206 as it moves away from the conductor cover due to the accumulation of gases.

[0039] The distance and speed at which the shock shield (i.e., the inclusion shield) 206 moves relative to the conductor cover 212 is controlled by one or more bias components 250 positioned above an upper surface 238 of the inclusion shield 206. According to the exemplary embodiment, the inclusion shield 206 is configured to move approximately 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) away from the conductor cover 212 to allow gases generated by the arc to escape through a gap between the inclusion shield 206 and the conductor cover 212.

[0040] According to the presentation in Fig.7 includes a method 700 for arranging a circuit protection device, the fastening 702 of at least one pair of electrode arrangements to a conductor base. A plasma generating device is attached to a conductor cover. An enclosure shield defining an enclosure chamber is connected to the cover such that the enclosure shield can be actuated with respect to the conductor cover to create a gap between the enclosure shield and the conductor cover for venting gases generated by an arc in the enclosure chamber. The method includes connecting, 706, the cover to the conductor base such that the at least one pair of electrode arrangements is arranged in the enclosure chamber. A first electrode arrangement of the at least one pair of electrode arrangements is electrically connected to a first conductor of the at least one pair of conductors, 708.A second electrode arrangement of the at least one pair of electrode arrangements is electrically connected to a second conductor of the at least one pair of conductors, 710. .

[0041] Exemplary embodiments of devices for use in electrical distribution system protection systems are described in detail above. The devices are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein; rather, the operation of the methods and / or components of the system and / or devices can be used independently and separately from other operations and / or components described herein. Furthermore, the described operations and / or components can also be defined or used in combination with other systems, methods, and / or devices and are not limited to implementation solely with the systems, methods, and storage media described herein.

[0042] Although the present invention is described in connection with an exemplary power distribution environment, embodiments of the invention can be operated with numerous other general or specific power distribution environments or configurations. The power distribution environment is not intended to suggest any limitation regarding the scope of protection, use, or functionality of any aspect of the invention. Furthermore, the power distribution environment should not be interpreted as having any dependency or requirement regarding any or any combination of components depicted in the exemplary operating environment.

[0043] The order in which the operations are performed in the embodiments of the invention presented and described herein is not important unless otherwise specified. That is to say, the operations can be performed in any order unless otherwise specified, and embodiments of the invention may include additional or fewer operations than those disclosed herein. For example, it is considered that performing a particular operation before, simultaneously with, or after another operation may fall within the scope of protection of aspects of the invention.

[0044] When elements of different embodiments of the present invention are introduced, the articles "one", "a", "the", and "said" shall mean that one or more of the elements may be present. The terms "comprising", "containing", and "having" shall be inclusive and mean that additional elements besides those listed may be present.

[0045] This description uses examples to disclose the invention, including its best embodiment, and to enable anyone skilled in the art to put the invention into practice, including the manufacture and use of all elements and systems and the execution of all processes involved. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims and may include further examples that are apparent to a person skilled in the art. Such further examples shall be included in the scope of the invention if they have structural elements that do not differ from the wording of the claims or if they contain equivalent structural elements with insignificant modifications compared to the wording of the claims. REFERENCE MARK LIST: 100 Power distribution system 102 electrical power source 106 electrical distribution lines 110 ladders 112 first phase conductor 114 second phase conductor 116 third phase conductor 118 Plant protection system 120 arc flash event 122 Control 124 processor 126 storage 128 Separating device 130 Arc confinement device 132 Sensor 134 additional sensors 202 Cover 204 Nut 206 Shock shielding 208 Ladder arrangement 210 ladder base 212 Ladder cover 213 Electrode arrangement 214 Electrode support 215 inner conductors 216 arc source electrodes 217 Outer body 220 lower section 230 Plasma generation unit 231 Insulator disc 232 upper area 234 flat lead 235 ventilation holes Page 236 237 movable assembly platform 238 upper area 239 insulators Page 240 242 exhaust gas vents 244 alignment posts 246 Preload arrangement 247 Isolation chamber 248 Opening 249 Enclosure chamber 250 Preload component 252 upper surface 253 mechanical designs 255 route 256 route 257 gap 260 route 600 fireplaces 700 procedures 702 attach 704 connected 706 connect 708 connected 710 connected

Claims

Circuit protection device (130) for use in a circuit containing at least one pair of conductors, wherein the circuit protection device (130) is configured to generate an electric arc, wherein the arc products generating the arc include arc gases, and wherein the circuit protection device (130) comprises: at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213), wherein a first electrode arrangement of the pair of electrode arrangements (213) is electrically connected to a first conductor of the at least one pair of conductors, and a second electrode arrangement of the pair of electrode arrangements (213) is electrically connected to a second conductor of the at least one pair of conductors, wherein the at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213) is configured to generate the electric arc; a conductor base (210) for mounting the electrode arrangements (213) thereon;a cover (202) connected to the conductor base (210) and defining at least one insulation chamber (247), wherein the at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213) is arranged in the at least one insulation chamber (247); an enclosure shield (206) arranged on the conductor base (210) in the insulation chamber (247), wherein the enclosure shield (206) defines an enclosure chamber (249) enclosing the at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213), wherein the enclosure shield (206) is configured to at least partially enclose arc products in the enclosure chamber (249);and a bias arrangement (246) positioned between the cover (202) and the enclosure shield (206) and connected to at least one of the cover (202) and the enclosure shield (206), wherein the bias arrangement (246) is configured to allow the enclosure shield (206) to move away from the conductor base (210) in order to define a gap between the conductor base (210) and the enclosure shield (206) to allow at least some of the arc gases to escape from the enclosure chamber (249). Circuit protection device (130) according to claim 1, wherein the bias arrangement (246) has at least one bias element (250) configured to control a distance and speed at which the enclosure shield (206) moves away from the conductor base (10). Circuit protection device (130) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (202) has several vent openings (235) arranged circumferentially on it and designed to vent at least a part of the arc gases from the at least one insulation chamber (247). Circuit protection device (130) according to claim 1, which further comprises at least one chimney (600) connected to the cover (202), wherein the cover (202) has at least one vent opening configured to vent at least a portion of the arc gases from the at least one insulation chamber (247), and wherein the at least one chimney is located above the at least one vent opening. Circuit protection device (130) according to claim 1, wherein the shock shielding has at least one mechanical configuration (253) designed to reduce a shock pressure wave within the enclosure chamber (249). Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) for use in a circuit containing at least one pair of conductors, wherein the circuit protection device (130) comprises a conductor base (210), an enclosure shield (206) defining an enclosure chamber (249), a cover (202), and at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213) configured to generate an arc, wherein the arc products generating the arc include arc gases, and the method comprises the steps of: attaching the at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213) to the conductor base (210); connecting the enclosure shield (206) to the cover (202) such that the enclosure cover is operated to move relative to the cover in order to define a gap between the enclosure shield (206) and the conductor base (210) in order to vent arc gases from the enclosure chamber (249);Connecting the cover (202) to the conductor base (210) such that the at least one pair of electrode arrangements (213) is arranged in the enclosure chamber (249) and the enclosure shield (206) is arranged on the conductor base (210); electrically connecting a first electrode arrangement (213) of the pair of electrode arrangements (213) to a first conductor of the at least one pair of conductors; and electrically connecting a second electrode arrangement (213) of the pair of electrode arrangements (213) to a second conductor of the at least one pair of conductors. Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) according to claim 6, wherein the step of connecting the enclosure shield (206) to the cover (202) comprises the step of connecting the enclosure shield (206) to the cover (202) to a bias arrangement (246) having at least one bias element (250) configured to control a distance and speed at which the enclosure shield (206) can be operated to move relative to the cover (202). Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) according to claim 6, wherein the step of connecting the cover (202) to the conductor base (210) comprises the step of connecting the cover (202) to a conductor base (210) which has an annular groove which is provided to receive a lower section of the enclosure shield (206). Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) according to claim 6, wherein the step of connecting the cover (202) to the conductor base (210) comprises the step of connecting the cover (202) to the conductor base (210) to a preload arrangement (246) and to the lower section of the enclosure shield (206) arranged in the annular groove, wherein the preload arrangement (246) is configured to allow the enclosure shield (206) to move away from the conductor base (210) in order to define a gap between the annular groove and the enclosure shield (206) in order to vent at least some of the gases from the enclosure chamber (249). Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) according to claim 6, in which the step of connecting the enclosure shield (206) to the cover (202) comprises the step of slidably connecting the enclosure shield (206) to the cover (202) by means of a bias arrangement (246).

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