Arc attenuation arrangement and arrangement method for preventing earth flashover

Abstract

Circuit protection device (130) for use in a circuit having at least one pair of conductors, wherein the circuit protection device (130) is configured to generate an arc, 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; a conductor base (210) designed to support the electrode arrangements (213) on it; a cover (202) which is connected to the conductor base (210) and defines 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) movably connected to the cover (202) in the isolation chamber (247), wherein the enclosure shield (206) defines an enclosure chamber (249) configured to enclose charged particles generated by the arc, and wherein the enclosure shield (206) operates such that it moves relative to the cover (202) in response to a pressure change generated by the arc in the enclosure chamber (249); and an insulation arrangement (207) connected to at least one cover (202) and to the enclosure shield (206), wherein the insulation arrangement (207) is configured to prevent the cover (202) from touching the enclosure shield (206).

Description

background

[0001] The inventions described herein relate generally to electrical system protection devices and in particular to arc attenuation systems, devices and arrangement methods for diverting exhaust gases and pressure away from a point of arc generation and for limiting earth flashover in the system.

[0002] Common electrical circuits and switchgear essentially consist of conductors separated by a gap in the insulation, 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 flash can occur. An arc flash 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.

[0003] 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 or exceed 20,000 °C, which can vaporize conductors and burn through the laminations of adjacent equipment plates. Additionally, an arc flashover 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 flashover are lower compared to the fault current and energy associated with a bolted short circuit.Due to the inherent delay between the relay closing and the circuit breaker tripping, significant damage can occur at a fault location. The circuit breaker can be operated using a faster tripping mechanism to reduce the damage. However, even with this feature, the damage cannot be completely minimized.

[0004] 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-generating 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 diverts the energy from the initial arc flashover zone to the arc confinement chamber until the arc flashover is interrupted or extinguished.To safely dissipate energy away from the electric arc, the arc containment device should not conduct excessive current into the ground path. The deposition of charged particles from the arc event onto grounded parts 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.

[0005] 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

[0006] 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 electric arc. The circuit protection device comprises at least one pair of electrode assemblies, a conductor base configured to support the electrode assemblies, a cover connected to the conductor base and defining at least one insulation chamber, an enclosure shield movably connected to the cover within the insulation chamber, and an insulation arrangement connected to at least one of the covers 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 isolation chamber. The isolation shield defines an isolation chamber configured to contain charged particles generated by the arc. The isolation shield operates such that it moves relative to the cover in response to a change in the pressure generated by the arc in the isolation chamber. The isolation arrangement is configured to prevent the cover from contacting the isolation shield.

[0007] In a further, unclaimed aspect of the invention, an electrical insulation structure for use with a circuit protection device is provided, comprising multiple electrode assemblies. Each of the multiple electrode assemblies has an electrode connected to an electrode holder. The electrical insulation structure comprises a conductor base, a cover connected to the conductor base, an inclusion shield connected to the cover and defining an inclusion chamber, and an insulation arrangement connected to at least one of the cover and the inclusion shield. The inclusion shield is arranged in the cover and configured to move away from the conductor base in response to a pressure change generated by an arc in the inclusion chamber. The insulation arrangement is configured to prevent the cover from contacting the inclusion shield.

[0008] Another aspect of the invention is a method for arranging a circuit protection device for use in a circuit containing a pair of conductors. The circuit protection device comprises a conductor base, an enclosure shield defining an enclosure chamber, a cover, a plasma generation device, and a pair of electrode assemblies, each having an electrode attached thereto.The method includes attaching the pair of electrode arrangements to the conductor base, connecting the enclosure shield to the cover by means of an insulating arrangement between the enclosure shield and the enclosure shield in such a way that the cover can be moved towards and away from an upper area of ​​the cover, connecting the cover to the conductor base in such a way that the pair of electrode arrangements is arranged in the enclosure chamber, and electrically connecting the pair of electrode arrangements to the 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 energy distribution system of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective schematic representation of a Fig. 2 illustrated exemplary arc attenuation system. Fig. Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-section of the insulator disk of the [unclear text]. Fig. 2 of the arc attenuation system shown. Fig. Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-section of the interface between the inner shield and the top of the cover of the [unclear text]. Fig. 2 of the arc attenuation system shown. Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a procedure for arranging a in Fig. 2 of the arc attenuation system shown. Detailed description

[0009] The invention is explained with reference to the following exemplary embodiments.

[0010] Exemplary embodiments of systems and devices for use with a circuit protection system are described herein. These embodiments improve the dissipation of exhaust gases, heat, and pressure from the circuit protection system after the generation of an arc. For example, the circuit protection system receives a signal representing the detection of a primary arc flashover in a power system connected to the circuit protection system. The circuit protection system generates a secondary arc to dissipate the energy generated by the primary arc flashover from the power system.The embodiments described herein utilize the presence of exhaust gases generated by the arc flashover to trigger the conduction of energy generated by the arc flashover out of an installation enclosure without causing a current flow through an earthing fuse, thus protecting the circuit protection system and any other electrical equipment positioned in the installation enclosure from an earth fault.

[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 the 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 two electrical conductors. This sudden release of energy can 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 circuit breaker 128 connected to the first phase conductor 112, second phase conductor 114, and third phase conductor 116. The circuit breaker 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 circuit breaker 128 includes a circuit breaker, contactor, switch, and / or any other device that enables controllable interruption by the controller 122.

[0019] An arc attenuation system 130, also sometimes referred to as an electrical fault attenuation system 130 or circuit protection device 130, is connected to a circuit interruption 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 flash 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 flash event 120. If the controller 122 determines, based on the additional signals, that the arc flash event 120 has occurred, the controller 122 transmits a trip signal to the circuit protection device 128 and an activation signal to the arc suppression system 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.The arc attenuation system 130 redirects energy from the arc event 120 and / or discharges it into an arc attenuation system 130, which is described in more detail herein.

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

[0024] A circuit protection device 130 is configured to generate an electric arc intended for use with a circuit containing at least one conductor pair. The circuit protection device includes at least one pair of electrode assemblies 213 electrically connected to the conductor pair and a conductor base 210 for supporting the electrode assemblies 213. The protection device includes a cover 202 connected to the conductor base 210 and defining at least one insulation chamber 247. The electrode assemblies 213 are arranged in the insulation chamber 247. An enclosure shield 206 is movably connected to the cover 202. The enclosure shield 206 defines an enclosure chamber 249 configured to contain charged particles generated by the electric arc.The enclosure shield 206 operates by moving relative to the cover 202 in response to a pressure change generated by the arc in the enclosure chamber 249. An insulating arrangement 207 is provided to prevent the cover 202 from contacting the enclosure shield 206.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, the arc attenuation system 130 includes a (in Fig. 2 shown) cover 202, a (also referred to herein as an inclusion shell or inclusion shield) (in the Fig. (2 - 5 shown) Shock shielding 206, one (in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 4 shown) isolation arrangement 207 and a (in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown) ladder arrangement 208.

[0026] According to the presentation in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 5 includes the conductor arrangement 208, a conductor base 210, and a conductor cover 212 with several electrical conductors (not shown) positioned therein. Each electrical conductor is connected to an electrode arrangement 213. In the exemplary implementation, the system 130 includes 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.The electrode assembly 213 comprises an arc source electrode 218 and an electrode support 214. The electrode support 214 has an inner conductor 219. The arc source electrode 218 is rigidly attached to the inner conductor 219 of the electrode support 214. An outer body 221 of the electrode support 214 consists of a (in . Fig. 2 (shown) insulating material. Each electrode support 214 is rigidly attached to a conductor cover 212. The arc source electrodes 218 are spaced apart to define an electrode gap 250 between them. Each electrical conductor (not shown) 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 the electrodes 218.

[0027] An arc initiation device, such as a plasma generation device 216, is arranged near the gap. For example, the plasma generation device 216 can be arranged centrally with respect to the arc source electrodes 218 and is configured to ionize all or part of the space in the gap. In one embodiment, the plasma generation device 216 injects plasma as an arc initiation technique to generate a secondary arc fault in response to a signal indicating a primary arc flashover in the electrical system connected to the arc attenuation system 130. In operation, the arc source electrodes 218 generate an arc, such as a secondary arc, for use in energy dissipation in conjunction with a primary arc flashover detected in a circuit, thereby generating exhaust gases, heat, and pressure in the arc attenuation system 130.Erosion of the electrodes 218 during the generation of the arc produces charged particles that can come into contact with the shock shield 206.

[0028] The cover 202 comprises an upper region 220, a lip and / or flat surface 222, and a side 246 extending between the upper region 220 and the lip 222. The lip 222 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 region 220 and the side 246 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. As shown in Fig. 3 The cover 202 also has openings 248, also referred to as vent holes 248, to vent arc discharges caused by the arc event in the arc confinement device 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent holes 248 are located on side 226 of the cover 202. In other embodiments, the vent holes 248 are located on the upper area 220 of the cover 202. Some embodiments contain more or fewer vent holes 248 and / or differently arranged vent holes 248. In the illustrated embodiment, the arc discharges can leave the device 118 directly through the vent holes 248. In other embodiments, the discharge vent holes 248 can be captured and discharged by a chimney (not shown) connected to the cover 202.

[0029] According to the presentation in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The shock shield 206 is dimensioned to cover the electrodes 218 and is arranged above the electrodes 218 in the isolation chamber 247. The shock shield 206 comprises an upper section 224 and a side 226, which essentially define an enclosure chamber 249 in the isolation chamber 247. The electrode arrangements 213 can be arranged essentially in the enclosure chamber 249 such that the secondary arc source generated by the plasma generation device 216 and electrodes 218 is either enclosed or partially enclosed by the shock shield 206 in 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 in the enclosure chamber 249. Several exhaust vent openings 257 are formed in the upper section 224.The side 226 of the shock shield 206 has several structural features 258, such as bubbles, depressions, deviations, etc., to diffuse reflections from the shock wave generated by an arc flash event and / or to reduce a shock wave generated by an arc flash event within the containment chamber 249.

[0030] An isolation arrangement 207 is positioned between the cover 202 and the shock shield 206. In the exemplary implementation, the isolation arrangement is connected to both the cover 202 and the shock shield 206. In other implementations, the isolation arrangement may be connected to only one of the cover 202 and the shock shield 206. The isolation arrangement 207 prevents direct contact and an electrical connection between the cover 202 and the shock shield 206. This prevents charged particles generated during the secondary arc event in the confinement chamber from coming into contact with the cover 202. The isolation arrangement 207 includes an alignment post 208 ( Fig. 2 and Fig. 4), which is located in the center of the cover 202 and connected to the shock shield 206. An insulator disc 230 is attached to the center of the upper region 220 by several fastening mechanisms 232. The insulator disc 230 is made of an electrically insulating material and includes an opening 234 dimensioned to receive the alignment post 228, thus enabling a sliding connection between the shock shield 206 and the cover 202. The shock shield 206 thus operates in such a way that it moves relative to the cover 202 in response to pressure changes generated by an electric arc in the confinement chamber. A flexible component 236 surrounds the alignment post 228 and pushes the shock shield 206 in a direction away from the upper region 220 of the cover 202. In the exemplary embodiment, the flexible component 236 is a spring 236.In further embodiments, the flexible component 236 can be any other suitable flexible component. In the event that an opposing and stronger force is exerted on the shock shield 206 and the associated spring 236, the shock shield 206 and the attached alignment post 228 slide parallel to the alignment post such that the alignment post 228 remains within the opening 234, while the shock shield 206 moves away from the conductor base 210 and towards the cover 202.

[0031] The insulator disc 230 houses the alignment post 228 and the spring 236 and serves as a guide for the movement of the shock shield during an arc flash event. The insulator disc 230 prevents contact between the shock shield 206 and the conductor cover 212. An earth flashover current is eliminated by preventing contact between the shock shield 206 and the cover 202. Additionally, the arc flash suppression system 130 is attached to the upper portion of a movable mounting platform 237 using insulators 239. In operation, the arc flash suppression system 130 can be mounted in an equipment cabinet or (not shown) a frame. The movable mounting platform 237 allows the arc flash suppression system 237 to move relative to the frame on which it is mounted.In an installed / operating position relative to the frame, the arc suppression system 130 may be at least partially enclosed and inaccessible. The movable mounting platform 237 allows the arc suppression system 130 to be moved out of the frame into a position that provides access to the arc suppression system 130 without removing it from the frame. The movable mounting platform 237 is at ground potential. Insulators 239 are selected to meet the dielectric requirements of the system. This arrangement interrupts the ground path from the arc suppression 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 attenuation system 130, the grounding path of the device 130 can be avoided and / or controlled, and persons coming into contact with the mounting platform 237 during an arc flashover event are protected from the high current of the arc. The mounting mechanism on the insulators 239 and the mechanism 230 of the insulator disc can prevent any occurrence of a ground flashover fault during an arc flashover.

[0032] 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 in). 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 of any desired value.The groove 204 is designed to receive a lower section 244 of the side surface 226 of the shock shield in such a way that exhaust gases cannot escape when the shock shield 206 is biased in the direction towards the top of the cover 220. If the pressure generated by the exhaust gases within the shock shield 206 is sufficient to cause the shock shield 206 to slide parallel to the alignment post in one direction towards the conductor cover 212, the side of the shock shield 226 remains in the groove 204 in such a way that exhaust gases cannot escape between the lower section 224 of the side surface 226 and the groove 204.When the shock shield 206 slides towards the conductor cover 212 in such a way that the upper region 224 of the shock shield touches the upper region 220 of the cover (which is grounded), the arc enclosed by the shock shield 206 travels through the upper region 224 of the shock shield and to ground. This configuration traps energy from the arc within the shock shield 206 and the containment device 130.

[0033] During operation, the (in Fig. (1 shown) control unit 122 uses the current signals and the signals from the additional sensor 134 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 216 (shown) for emitting a cloud of ablative plasma. In particular, the plasma generation device 216 emits the plasma into the (in Fig. 2 shown) gap 284, which is between the arc source electrodes 218 (shown in Fig. 2) is defined. The plasma reduces the impedance between the tips of electrodes 218 to allow the formation of a secondary arc discharge. The secondary arc discharge releases energy, which includes metal fragments, heat, pressure, light and / or sound.

[0034] The secondary arc flashover can generate a current due to charge deposition from exhaust gases. The exhaust gases are contained or partially contained by the shock shield 206, which causes them to move in one direction towards the conductor cover 212 due to the accumulation of gases. The charged particles from the plasma and the metal fragments are deposited on the shock shield 206. The deposited charges can cause a potential increase in the shock shield 206. The movement of the conductive shock shield causes it to contact the cover 202, creating an electrical connection that allows the potential captured by the shock shield to cause a current to flow through the cover 202, unless prevented. The insulating washer 230 in the cover 202 prevents direct contact between the shock shield 206 and the cover 202.

[0035] According to the presentation in Fig.Section 6 includes a method 300 for arranging a circuit protection device 130, the fastening 302 of at least one pair of electrode assemblies to a conductor base, each electrode assembly having an electrode mounted thereon. A plasma generating device is mounted on a conductor cover. An enclosure shield and a cover are connected together with an insulating arrangement between the enclosure shield and the cover, 302 such that the enclosure shield is able to move towards and away from the conductor cover without making electrical contact with the cover. In some implementations, the insulating arrangement includes an insulating disk and a spring mechanism. The method includes connecting, 306, the cover to the conductor base such that at least one pair of electrode assemblies is arranged in the enclosure chamber.At least one pair of electrode arrangements is electrically connected to the conductor pair, 308. The method includes the arrangement, 310, of the conductor base on the insulators and the fastening of the insulators on a movable mounting platform to make the attenuation device movable and / or adjustable.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

Claims

[1] Circuit protection device (130) for use in a circuit having at least one pair of conductors, wherein the circuit protection device (130) is configured to generate an arc, 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; a conductor base (210) designed to support the electrode arrangements (213) on it; a cover (202) which is connected to the conductor base (210) and defines 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) movably connected to the cover (202) in the isolation chamber (247), wherein the enclosure shield (206) defines an enclosure chamber (249) configured to enclose charged particles generated by the arc, and wherein the enclosure shield (206) operates such that it moves relative to the cover (202) in response to a pressure change generated by the arc in the enclosure chamber (249); and an insulation arrangement (207) connected to at least one cover (202) and to the enclosure shield (206), wherein the insulation arrangement (207) is configured to prevent the cover (202) from touching the enclosure shield (206). [2] Circuit protection device (130) according to claim 1, further comprising: a movable mounting platform (237); several insulators (239) inserted between the movable mounting platform (237) and the conductor base (210). [3] Circuit protection device (130) according to claim 1, wherein the conductor base (210) has an annular groove (204) which is configured to accommodate a lower section of the enclosure shield (206). [4] Circuit protection device (130) according to claim 1, wherein the insulation arrangement (207) has an insulator disk (230) connected to the cover (202), wherein the insulator disk (230) operates such that it prevents direct contact between the enclosure shield (206) and the cover (202) when the enclosure shield (206) moves with respect to the cover (202). [5] Circuit protection device (130) according to claim 1, wherein the insulation arrangement (207) further comprises a flexible component (236) inserted between the insulator disk (230) and the enclosure shield (206) and adapted to pre-tension the enclosure shield (206) away from the cover (202). [6] Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) for use in a circuit containing a 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), a plasma generation device (216) and a pair of electrode arrangements (213), each having an electrode (218) attached thereto, the method comprising the steps: Attaching the pair of electrode arrangements (213) to the conductor base (210); Connecting the enclosure shield (206) to the cover (208) by means of an insulating arrangement (207) between the enclosure shield (206) and the cover (202) such that the enclosure shield (206) is movable towards and away from an upper area of ​​the cover (202); Connecting the cover (202) to the conductor base (210) such that the pair of electrode arrangements (213) is arranged in the enclosure chamber (249); and electrically connecting the pair of electrode arrangements (213) to the pair of conductors. [7] Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) according to claim 6, further comprising the step of connecting the conductor base (210) to a mounting platform (237) by means of several insulators (239) which operate such that they maintain an electrical connection between the conductor base (210) and the mounting platform (237). [8] Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) according to claim 6, wherein the connection of the enclosure shield (206) to the cover (202) by means of an insulation arrangement (207) between the enclosure shield (206) and the cover (202) comprises the step of connecting the enclosure shield (206) to the cover (202) by means of an insulation arrangement (207) with an insulator which is configured to maintain electrical insulation between the cover (202) and the enclosure shield (206). [9] Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) according to claim 6, wherein the connection of the enclosure shield (206) with the cover (202) with an insulation arrangement (207) between the enclosure shield (206) and the cover (202) comprises the step of connecting the enclosure shield (206) with the cover (202) by means of an insulation arrangement (207) having an insulating disk (230). [10] Method for arranging a circuit protection device (130) according to claim 6, wherein the connection of the enclosure shield (206) with the cover (202) with an insulation arrangement (207) between the enclosure shield (206) and the cover (202) includes a spring (236) to pre-tension the enclosure shield (206) to the conductor base (210).

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