Switchgear duct
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024144383
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-10-31
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-26
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-26
Smart Images
Figure 2025041540000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] This application relates to switch gear having a duct or chimney for venting gas from an arc ignition region where an arc is formed. In particular, this application relates to switch gear having a duct or chimney that includes at least two ducting portions. [Background technology]
[0002] In a developed switchgear market, switchgear dimensions are expected to be compact to meet customer requirements. Switchgear products are also expected to meet IEC compliance for IAC (Internal Arc Classification) ratings. IAC test is one of the major tests for switchgear products, and the performance is highly dependent on the compactness of the switchgear and how the arc is quenched inside the switchgear.
[0003] IAC ratings are defined in IEC 62271-200 (the latest version of IEC 62271-200 at the time of filing has a publication date of May 27, 2021, ed. 3.0) and IEC 62271-202 (the latest version of IEC 62271-202 at the time of filing has a publication date of June 22, 2022, ed. 3). The ratings serve to define the internal arc performance of medium or high voltage switchgear. IAC "A" means that it is rated for switchgear installations in rooms, enclosed electrical service locations, accessible to authorized personnel. IAC "B" is rated for public safety and is more stringent than the "A" rating. The protected access to the switchgear by the operator is classified as "F" front, "L" side, and "R" rear. That is, AF switchgear is only front protection for the user. A-FL switchgear is front and side (side) protection for the user. The A-FLR is all-side (front, side and rear) switchgear protection for the user. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] It is desirable to provide compact switchgear that can meet IAC A / B-FLR ratings according to the above-mentioned IEC 62271-202 standard. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] Disclosed herein is a switchgear duct (also referred to herein as a chimney) having at least two duct sections. The system includes the switchgear, and in response to or during an arcing event, gas is generated within the switchgear. In other words, the switchgear is configured to withstand an arcing event and generated hot gas, and for a given arcing event, hot gas is generated at a particular point / area where an arc is formed (arc ignition area). The system further includes a duct having at least a first portion and a second portion, and the duct further includes an inlet for receiving the generated gas into the duct, the inlet being formed in the first portion of the duct, and an outlet for discharging the generated gas from the duct, the duct being formed in the second portion of the duct. A pathway is formed between the inlet and the outlet to allow the generated gas to flow into the duct, and a minimum angle between the pathways in two of the at least two conduit portions is 180 degrees.
[0006] In other words, two of the duct sections are arranged such that the respective flow paths in the two sections extend at 180 degrees from one another (i.e., extend in generally opposite directions). The respective duct sections may be parallel to one another, but the overall gas flow is in opposite directions through their respective sections. In certain implementations having only two conduit sections, there is 180 degrees between the paths in the first section and the paths in the second section.
[0007] This configuration can facilitate the provision of compact switchgear with effective cooling and exhaust of gases generated during an arcing event.
[0008] Optionally, one or both of the first and second portions of the duct include at least one 180 degree turn, and optionally the internal paths of both the first and second portions of the duct include at least two 180 degree turns. This configuration can further facilitate providing compact switchgear with effective cooling and exhaust of gases generated during an arcing event.
[0009] In some examples, the first and second portions of the duct include a duct disposed along a (single) surface of the switchgear, the duct including a first side and a second side separated by an interior segment, the first side corresponding to the first portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second portion of the duct, a path entering the lateral duct at the first side of the interior segment and exiting at the second side of the interior segment, and the path making a 180 degree turn (changing direction) between the first side of the interior segment and the second side of the interior segment.
[0010] In some instances, the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion are adjacent to one another, ie, there are no other conduit portions between the first conduit portion and the second conduit portion.
[0011] The first conduit portion and the second conduit portion may be formed as parts of a single component or may be formed as two separate components.
[0012] In some other examples, the duct further includes at least three conduit sections. The duct includes a third section, the third section being disposed between the first section and the second section. In some implementations, there is at least a 90 degree bend between a path in the first section and a path in the third section, and there is at least a 90 degree bend between a path in the third section and a path in the second section, to provide a minimum angle between paths in two of the at least three conduit sections of 180 degrees. Any suitable angle may be provided between the respective duct sections to facilitate a minimum angle of 180 degrees between two of the at least three conduit sections.
[0013] A switchgear duct (also referred to herein as a chimney) having at least three duct sections is also disclosed. In particular, a system including a switchgear is disclosed, in which gas is generated within the switchgear during an arcing event. The system also includes a duct having a first portion, a third portion, and a second portion, the third portion being disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The duct further includes an inlet for receiving the generated gas into the duct, the inlet being formed in the first portion of the duct, an outlet for discharging the generated gas from the duct, the outlet being formed in the second portion of the duct, and a passageway formed between the inlet and the outlet for flowing the generated gas through the duct. There is a minimum angle between the passageways within two of the at least three conduit sections of 180 degrees.
[0014] Optionally, there is at least a 90 degree bend between the passages in the first section and the passages in the third section, and there is at least a 90 degree bend between the passages in the third section and the passages in the second section. In other examples, any suitable angle may be provided between the respective duct sections to facilitate a minimum angle of 180 degrees between two of the at least three conduit sections.
[0015] This configuration can facilitate the provision of compact switchgear with effective cooling and exhaust of gases generated during an arcing event.
[0016] Optionally, the internal pathways of at least two of the first, second and third portions of the duct include at least one 180 degree turn.Optionally, the internal pathways of at least two of the first, second and third portions of the duct include at least two 180 degree turns.
[0017] As described herein, in use (under normal operating conditions), the switchgear includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, two side surfaces extending between the front and rear surfaces, a top surface, and a base surface opposite the top surface.
[0018] In some example implementations, a first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, a third portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, and a second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side surfaces.
[0019] In other exemplary implementations, the duct further includes a fourth portion disposed between the third portion and the second portion of the duct. Optionally, the first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, the third portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, and the second and fourth portions of the duct include a lateral duct disposed along one of the sides. Optionally, the lateral duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponding to the fourth portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second portion of the duct. Optionally, the pathway enters the lateral duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at the second side of the interior section, and the pathway turns 180 degrees between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section.
[0020] In other exemplary implementations, the first portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear face, and the third and second portions of the duct include lateral ducts disposed along one of the sides. Optionally, the lateral duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponding to the third portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second portion of the duct. Optionally, the pathway enters the lateral duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at the second side of the interior section, and the pathway makes a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section.
[0021] In other exemplary implementations, the first and third portions of the duct include an aft duct disposed along the rear face, and the second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the sides. Optionally, the aft duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponding to the first portion of the duct, and the second side corresponding to the third portion of the duct. Optionally, the inlet is on the first side of the interior section, and the pathway exits the aft duct on the second side of the interior section, and the pathway turns 180 degrees between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section.
[0022] In other exemplary implementations, the first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, and the third and second portions of the duct include an aft duct disposed along the rear surface. Optionally, the aft duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponding to the third portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second portion of the duct. Optionally, the pathway enters the aft duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at the second side of the interior section, and the pathway turns 180 degrees between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section.
[0023] In some examples, there is at least a 180 degree turn between the path in the third portion and the path in the second portion.
[0024] In other exemplary implementations, the first portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, the third portion of the duct includes an upper duct disposed along the top surface, and the second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side surfaces.
[0025] Optionally, one or more arc absorbers are disposed within the duct. Optionally, each of the one or more arc absorbers comprises a ceramic arc absorber and / or a stack of perforated metal sheets.
[0026] Optionally, each stack of perforated metal sheets comprises a stack of metal sheets with round holes, or a stack of metal sheets with square holes, or a stack comprising alternating layers of metal sheets with round holes and metal sheets with square holes.
[0027] In some examples, one or more of the first portion, the third portion, and the second portion of the duct are formed as separate components. In some examples, two or more of the first portion, the third portion, and the second portion of the duct are integrally formed.
[0028] In some particular implementations, the switchgear is IAC AB FLR 25kA / 1s rated switchgear.
[0029] The detailed description will refer to the following figures, in which like reference numbers refer to like structure and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]
[0030] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example implementation of a system including switchgear as described herein. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example implementation of a system including switchgear as described herein. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example implementation of a system including switchgear as described herein. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example implementation of a system including switchgear as described herein. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of an exemplary switchgear portion. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary switchgear. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates an exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates an exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 4C] 1 illustrates an exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 4D]1 illustrates an exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 5A] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 5B] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 5C] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 6A] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 6B] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 6C] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 7A] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 7B] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 7C] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 8A] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 8B] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 8C] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 9A] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 9B] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 9C] 4 illustrates another exemplary duct configuration. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates an exemplary arc absorber for use with the ducts described herein. [Figure 10B] 1 illustrates an exemplary arc absorber for use with the ducts described herein. [Figure 10C] 1 illustrates an exemplary arc absorber for use with the ducts described herein. [Figure 10D] 1 illustrates an exemplary arc absorber for use with the ducts described herein. [Figure 11] 1 illustrates an exemplary system. [Figure 12]2 illustrates another exemplary system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] The existing switch gear is Eaton XIRIA 630A 20kA / 1s A-FL (indoor solution) switch gear, which can pass the 20kA / 1s IAC test specified in IEC 62271-200 (the current edition of IEC 62271-200 at the time of filing has a publication date of May 27, 2021, edition 3.0).
[0032] In case of an internal arc or arcing event, within the switchgear, hot gases are generated in the arc ignition area (area of arc initiation / formation / ignition) and pass through a duct / chimney (XIRIA 630A uses a single rear chimney). These gases are finally sent to the atmosphere after passing through a series of ceramic arc absorbers inside the chimney. While the gases pass through the chimney, there is a drop in gas pressure and temperature, which helps to pass the IAC test. However, it is desirable to provide a switchgear that can meet the above mentioned IEC 62271-202 standard IAC 25kA / 1s A / B-FLR rating and thus is suitable for outdoor applications.
[0033] The IAC test is different for "A" and "B" ratings. XIRIA 630A-FL rated switchgear has a height of over 2m and cotton indicators must be placed 300mm from the sides and front of the switchgear during the test according to the IEC standard. In contrast, compact B-FLR rated switchgear must have a maximum height of 1.8m and therefore the cotton indicators must be placed 100mm from the front and sides of the switchgear as well as 100mm above the switchgear. If the cotton indicators burn due to hot gases, the switchgear will not pass the test. In this regard, the cotton indicators facilitate the measurement of the heat of the exhausted gases.
[0034] As described below with reference to Figures 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D, a highly optimized design and architecture of a chimney or duct having at least two ducting portions can help pass these IEC conformance tests while facilitating the provision of a compact switchgear. In the following description, the switchgear is an IAC AB FLR 25kA / 1s rated switchgear, but it will be understood that the duct (or chimney) configuration described may be applicable to any type of switchgear.
[0035] FIG. 1A illustrates a first example of a system 100 including a switch gear 101. The switch gear 101 includes operational components including one or more circuit breakers or switches (not shown) within the switch gear, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The switch gear 101 also includes an arc ignition compartment 102 within the body of the switch gear. The switch gear is configured such that any arc formation (any arc event) occurs within the arc ignition compartment. In other words, the arc ignition area, where the arc is formed and gases are generated, is within the arc ignition compartment 102. The arc ignition compartment 102 (shown only diagrammatically for illustrative purposes) can include all switching devices, circuit breakers, etc., and can be separated from the cable compartment, for example. During the opening of the circuit breaker / switch in response to a short circuit between phases, a neutral or ground arc occurs within the switch gear. This arcing is also referred to as an arc event.
[0036] Hot gases are generated in the arc ignition region within the arc ignition compartment 102 during an arcing event. The gases are channeled through a duct 104 in the switchgear. The duct 104 is designed to reduce the temperature and pressure of the generated gases so that they can be safely exhausted to the switchgear's environment (either the atmosphere or an external enclosure around the switchgear).
[0037] The duct 104 includes at least three portions, including a first portion 104a, a second portion 104c, and a third portion 104b. The third portion is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. An inlet 106 is formed in the first portion 104a of the duct, the inlet configured to receive gas generated in the arc ignition compartment 102 into the duct 104. An outlet 108 is formed in the second portion 104c of the duct to exhaust the generated gas from the duct. A path is formed between the inlet and the outlet to allow the generated gas to flow through the duct, the gas flow being indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 1A. Although not shown, it will be understood that each conduit portion includes one or more openings, holes, or holes to allow gas to flow along the path as well as between the different conduit portions.
[0038] There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the first and second portions 104a and 104c of the duct. There is a 90 degree turn between the path in the first portion 104a and the path in the third portion 104b of the duct. There is a 90 degree turn between the path in the third portion 104b and the path in the second portion 104c of the duct (although any other angle can be used). In this way, the path length of the gas can be increased by making effective use of the space around the switch gear. In this example, the conduit portions are arranged at the bottom, rear and top of the switch gear 101, but this arrangement is for illustrative purposes only and other arrangements are possible as discussed below.
[0039] In this example, each of the first, second, and third portions of the duct are formed as separate components, although in other configurations, two or more of the duct portions may be formed integrally (i.e., as a single component that includes a 90 degree turn). In other words, the duct 104 can be formed from any suitable number of duct pieces / components.
[0040] 1B illustrates a second example of a system 100 including a switchgear 101. The switchgear 101 includes operational components including one or more circuit breakers or switches (not described here) within the switchgear as will be understood by those skilled in the art. The switchgear 101 also includes an arc ignition section 102 within the body of the switchgear. During opening of the circuit breaker / switch in response to a short circuit between phases, arcing of the neutral or ground occurs within the switchgear. This arcing is also referred to as an arc event.
[0041] Hot gases are generated in the arc ignition compartment 102 (at the arc ignition region) during an arc event. The gases are channeled through a duct 104 in the switchgear. The duct 104 is designed to reduce the temperature and pressure of the generated gases so that they can be safely exhausted into the switchgear environment.
[0042] The duct 104 includes at least three portions, the at least three portions including a first portion 104a, a second portion 104c, and a third portion 104b, the third portion being disposed, arranged, or otherwise provided between the first and second portions of the duct.
[0043] An inlet 106 is formed in a first portion 104a of the duct for receiving gases generated in the arc ignition compartment 102 into the duct 104. An outlet 108 is formed in a second portion 104c of the duct for exhausting the generated gases from the duct. A pathway is formed between the inlet and outlet for flowing the generated gases through the duct, the gas flow being indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 1B. Although not shown, it will be understood that each conduit portion includes one or more openings, holes or holes to allow gases to flow along the pathways as well as between the different conduit portions.
[0044] There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the third portion 104b and the second portion 104c of the duct. There is a 90 degree bend between the path in the first portion 104a of the duct and the path in the third portion 104b of the duct. There is a 90 degree bend between the path in the third portion 104b of the duct and the path in the second portion 104c of the duct. In this case, there is a 180 degree bend between the path in the third portion 104b and the path in the second portion 104c of the duct. However, any other angle can be used. In this way, the path length of the gas can be increased by making effective use of the space around the switch gear. In this example, the conduit portion is located at the bottom and rear of the switch gear 101, but this arrangement is for illustrative purposes only and other arrangements are possible as discussed below.
[0045] In this example, each of the first, second and third portions of the duct can be formed as separate components, as shown in FIG. 1B, or two or more of the duct portions can be integrally formed. For example, the second and third conduit portions 104c, 104b can be integrally formed (i.e., as a single component that includes a 180 degree turn). Such an integrally formed component having two conduit portions can also be referred to as a "duct component."
[0046] Referring to the exemplary system 100 in FIG. 1C , which shows an implementation in which the second and third conduit portions are integrally formed, the two conduit portions can be considered a single duct including an internal division 110 represented by a dotted line. A first side 112a of the internal division 110 corresponds to the third portion 104b of the duct, and a second side 112b corresponds to the second portion 104c of the duct. In this example, the outlet 108 is disposed on the second side 112b of the internal division 110, and the inlet is disposed in the first duct portion 104a. In other configurations (not shown), the first and third conduit portions 104a, 104b can be integrally formed, in which case the inlet can be formed or disposed on a first side of the division corresponding to the first portion 104a of the duct, and the outlet can be formed in the second portion 104c of the duct.
[0047] 1D illustrates another example of a system 100 including a switchgear 101. The switchgear 101 includes operational components including one or more circuit breakers or switches (not described here) within the switchgear as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The switchgear 101 also includes an arc ignition section 102 within the body of the switchgear. During opening of the circuit breaker / switch in response to a short circuit between phases, arcing of the neutral or ground occurs within the switchgear. This arcing is also referred to as an arc event.
[0048] Hot gases are generated within the arc ignition compartment 102 during an arcing event. The gases are channeled through the switchgear's ducts 104. The ducts 104 are designed to reduce the temperature and pressure of the generated gases so that they can be safely vented to the switchgear's environment (either the atmosphere or an external enclosure around the switchgear).
[0049] The duct 104 includes at least two portions, including a first portion 104a and a second portion 104c. An inlet 106 is formed in the first portion 104a of the duct, the inlet configured to receive gas generated in the arc ignition compartment 102 into the duct 104. An outlet 108 is formed in the second portion 104c of the duct to exhaust the generated gas from the duct. A passage is formed between the inlet and the outlet to flow the generated gas through the duct, the gas flow being indicated by dashed arrows in FIG. 1D. In this example, the first portion and the second portion are adjacent to each other. Although not shown, it will be understood that each of the first and second conduit portions includes one or more openings, holes, or holes to allow gas to flow along the path and between the different conduit portions.
[0050] There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the first and second portions 104a, 104c of the duct. There is a 180 degree turn between the path in the first portion 104a of the duct and the path in the second portion 104c of the duct. In this manner, the path length of the gas can be increased by making better use of the space around the switch gear. In this example, the conduit portions are arranged along a single surface of the switch gear 101, however, this arrangement is for illustrative purposes only and other arrangements are possible as discussed below.
[0051] In each of Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, the duct portion is considered to be aligned with or positioned relative to the switchgear 101. Optionally, a sheet metal enclosure (not shown) can be positioned around the switchgear 101 (and optionally at least partially around the duct 104) to enclose the switchgear (and optionally both the duct and the switchgear). The outlet can vent into the enclosure, which can contain hot gases inside for a period of time and then release the gases to the atmosphere such that the maximum possible temperature and pressure drop is achieved. In other examples, the outlet vents directly to the atmosphere.
[0052] As mentioned above, by providing the duct with at least two conduit sections and a minimum angle of 180 degrees between two of the at least two conduit sections, the gas path length can be increased in a space efficient manner, and thus a compact switchgear system may be provided with an increased IAC rating.
[0053] With reference to FIG. 2, a specific exemplary implementation of one of the sections 104n of the duct 104 is described, showing the path of gas through the duct section 104n (gas flow represented by dashed lines). To increase the gas path length, one or more of the sections 104n can include an internal path for case flow that includes at least one 180 degree turn in the duct section 104n. In this example, it can be seen that the path includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the duct section 104n. By splitting the gas flow in this manner and turning, the path length can be increased to reduce the temperature and pressure of the gas in the more compact duct section. These 180 degree turns can also be referred to as zigzag paths. The flow pattern can be described as including a straight inlet path with a zigzag outlet path. Zigzags, or 180 degree turns, can help increase the gas flow path length so the generated gas cools more quickly without increasing the overall size of the duct itself.
[0054] Optionally, the pathway within one or more of the at least two conduit sections includes at least one 180 degree turn, optionally at least two 180 degree turns (as shown in FIG. 2). This configuration can help to further reduce gas pressure and temperature as the gas is flowed through the duct. When there are at least three conduit pieces, optionally, the pathway within at least two of the first, third, and second portions of the duct 104 includes at least one 180 degree turn. In some implementations, the pathway within at least two of the first, third, and second portions of the duct includes at least two 180 degree turns (as shown in FIG. 2). FIG. 2 shows how an exemplary 90 degree bend between each of the three respective conduit sections can be achieved to facilitate an overall progress change of at least 180 degrees between the first and second sections (gas entering section 104n proceeds in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction gas exits section 104n). The ducts 104 described herein can be formed from sheet metal, or any other suitable material. Optionally, the duct section 104n can include one or more arc absorbers within the duct, as further described with reference to FIG. 10. The location of the arc absorbers is indicated by the rectangles 250 shown within the duct.
[0055] A specific illustrative example of the duct 104 will now be described with reference to the geometry and orientation of Figure 3. It will be understood that the gas flow paths shown are merely exemplary and that any suitable paths may be used.
[0056] In FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of an exemplary switchgear 101 is shown. In normal installed operation of the switchgear, one skilled in the art will understand that the switchgear 101 can be considered to include a front surface 320, a rear surface 322 (actual surface not shown) opposite the front surface, two side surfaces 324, 326 (actual surface not shown for 326) each extending between the front and rear surfaces, a top surface 328, and a base surface 330 (actual surface not shown) opposite the top surface. Access to the switchgear can be via the front and / or top surface or any other surface, depending on the particular configuration of the switchgear. The IAC A / B-FLR rating means that a user is protected from ventilated gases at each of the front 320, side surfaces 324, 326, rear surface 322, and top surface 328 of the switchgear.
[0057] 3 and 4A-4D, in a first exemplary implementation, there are three ducting portions. A first portion 104a of the duct includes a rear duct disposed along the rear face 322 of the switch gear 101, a third portion 104b of the duct includes an upper duct disposed along the top face 328, and a second portion 104c of the duct includes a side duct disposed along one of the sides 324 / 326. Gas flow through the duct portions is shown by dashed lines. There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the first duct portion 104a and the second duct portion 104c. The gas path length is increased by using the space beside the switch gear 101.
[0058] FIG. 4A shows a first duct section, or rear duct 104a. The path within the first section of the duct includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the duct section. FIG. 4B shows an example of a third section of the duct 104b that includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the duct section. FIG. 4C shows an alternative example of a third section of the duct, where the parallel path arrangement of FIG. 4C can reduce back pressure in the rear duct compared to the serpentine path of FIG. 4B while efficiently cooling the gas. FIG. 4D shows a second duct section, or side duct 104c. The path within the second section of the duct also includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the duct section. An outlet is configured to exhaust the gas from the bottom of the side duct.
[0059] 4A-4D is compact and by disposing the duct across three mutually perpendicular surfaces, the size of the switchgear system is not significantly increased in any one dimension. However, this arrangement does not allow access to the top side 328 of the switchgear 101 due to the presence of the third duct section. Therefore, other arrangements that facilitate such access are also contemplated.
[0060] 3 and 5A-5C, in the second exemplary implementation, there are three conduit sections. The first section 10a4 of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface 330, the third section 104b of the duct includes a rear duct disposed along the rear surface 322, and the second section 104c of the duct includes a side duct disposed along one of the sides 324 / 326. Gas flow through the duct sections is shown by dashed lines. There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the second duct section 104c and the third duct section 104b. The gas path length is increased by using the space beside the switch gear 101.
[0061] FIG. 5A shows a side view of the base duct 104a and the rear duct 104b. FIG. 5B shows a front view of the rear duct (the third part of the duct 104b), which includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the duct section. FIG. 5C shows the second duct section, or the side duct 104c. The path in the second part of the duct also includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the duct section. The outlet is configured to exhaust the gas from the bottom of the side duct. The arrangement of FIGS. 5A-5C is compact and by placing the ducts across three mutually perpendicular surfaces, the size of the switchgear system is not significantly increased in any one dimension. Moreover, this arrangement allows access to the top side 328 of the switchgear 101.
[0062] With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 6A-6C, in the third exemplary implementation, there are four ventilation sections. The duct further includes a fourth section disposed between the second section 104c and the third section 104b of the duct. In this implementation, the first section of the duct includes a base duct disposed along a base surface (not shown). The third section 104b of the duct includes a rear duct disposed along the rear surface 322, as shown in FIG. 6A, and the second section 104c and the fourth section 104d of the duct include a side duct disposed along one of the side surfaces 324 / 326. There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the fourth duct section 104d and the second duct section 104c.
[0063] In particular, the side duct includes a first side 112a and a second side 112b separated by an internal section (not shown). The first side 112a corresponds to the fourth portion 104d of the duct as shown in FIG. 6B, and the second side 112b corresponds to the second portion 104c of the duct as shown in FIG. 6C. The path enters the side duct at the first side of the internal section and exits at the second side of the internal section, with the path turning 180 degrees between the first side of the internal section and the second side of the internal section. The fourth duct section 104d corresponds to the "first passage" through the side duct, and the second duct section 104c corresponds to the "second passage" through the side duct.
[0064] The path within each of the second 104c, third 104b, and fourth 104d portions of the duct includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the respective duct section. The outlet is configured to exhaust the gas from the top of the side duct on the second side 112b (i.e., after passing through the side duct twice).
[0065] 3 and 7A-7C, in the fourth exemplary implementation, there are three conduit sections. The first section 104a of the duct includes a rear duct disposed along the rear face 322 as shown in FIG. 7A, and the third section 104b and the second section 104c of the duct include lateral ducts disposed along one of the side faces 324 / 326. There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the third duct section 104b and the second duct section 104c.
[0066] The side duct includes a first side 112a and a second side 112b separated by an internal section (not shown). The first side 112a corresponds to the third portion 104b of the duct as shown in FIG. 7B, and the second side 112b corresponds to the second portion 104c of the duct as shown in FIG. 7C. The path enters the side duct at the first side of the internal section and exits at the second side of the internal section, with the path turning 180 degrees between the first side of the internal section and the second side of the internal section. The third duct section 104b corresponds to the "first passage" through the side duct, and the second duct section 104c corresponds to the "second passage" through the side duct.
[0067] The path within each of the first 104a, third 104b, and second 104c portions of the duct includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the respective duct portion. The outlet is configured to exhaust the gas from the top of the side duct on the second side 112b (i.e., after passing through the side duct twice). By eliminating / avoiding the use of a base duct or upper duct, this configuration can facilitate a switchgear system with a reduced height.
[0068] With reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8A-8C, in the fifth exemplary implementation 5, there are three duct sections. The first and third duct sections 104a, 104b include a rear duct disposed along the rear face 322, and the second duct section 104c includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side faces 324 / 326, as shown in FIG. 8C. There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the first duct section 104a and the third duct section 104b. The rear duct includes a first side 112a and a second side 112b separated by an internal section (not shown). The first side 112a corresponds to the first duct section 104a, as shown in FIG. 8A, and the second side 112b corresponds to the third duct section 104b, as shown in FIG. 8B.
[0069] The inlet is at the first side 112a of the inner section, the pathway exits the rear duct at the second side of the inner section, and the pathway turns 180 degrees between the first side of the inner section and the second side of the inner section. Since the side duct and the rear duct are arranged in planes perpendicular to each other, it can also be seen that there is a 90 degree turn between the second and third portions of the duct. The outlet is configured to exhaust gas from the top of the side duct. By eliminating / avoiding the use of a base duct or an upper duct, this configuration can facilitate a switchgear system with a reduced umbrella. Moreover, the lateral dimensions of the system can be reduced compared to the configuration of Figures 7A-7C.
[0070] In a sixth exemplary configuration (not shown), there are three conduit sections. The first section of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, and the second and third sections of the duct include an aft duct disposed along the rear surface. The aft duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponding to the third section of the duct, and the second side corresponding to the second section of the duct. The pathway enters the aft duct at the first side of the interior section (the third duct section) and the exit is at the second side of the interior section (the second duct section), and the pathway turns 180 degrees between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section. By eliminating / avoiding the use of side ducts, this duct configuration can reduce the lateral dimensions of the switchgear system compared to the configurations of Figures 8A-8C.
[0071] 3 and 9A-9C, in the seventh exemplary implementation, there are two conduit sections. The duct includes a first section 104a and a second section 104c. There is a minimum angle of 180 degrees between the first duct section 104a and the second duct section 104c. The arc ignition section is discharged directly into the duct (i.e., there is no base section or base duct).
[0072] The duct is disposed along the rear surface 322 of the switchgear, as shown sideways in the view of FIG. 9A, although the duct may be disposed along any (single) surface of the switchgear as desired. For example, the duct can be disposed along a side of the switchgear. In this example, the first and second portions are adjacent to one another and there are no intervening portions.
[0073] The duct (rear duct, side duct, etc.) includes a first side 112a and a second side 112b separated by an interior section (110). The first side 112a corresponds to the first portion 104a of the duct as shown in the front cross-sectional view of FIG. 9B, and the second side 112b corresponds to the second portion 104c of the duct as shown in the front cross-sectional view of FIG. 9C. A path enters the duct at the first side of the interior section and exits at the second side of the interior section, and the path makes a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section. The first duct section 104a corresponds to a "first passage" through the duct, and the second duct section 104c corresponds to a "second passage" through the duct.
[0074] The path within (inner to) each of the first and second portions 104a, 104c of the duct includes two 180 degree turns on either side of the respective duct portion (see Figures 9B, 9C). The outlet is configured to exhaust gas from the top of the duct at the second side 112b (i.e., after passing through the side duct twice). By eliminating / avoiding the use of a base duct or upper duct, this configuration can facilitate a switchgear system with a reduced height.
[0075] The ducts 104 described herein can be formed from sheet metal or any other suitable material. Any of the duct arrangements and / or duct sections described above can include one or more arc absorbers within the duct. The arc absorbers can be represented by rectangles 250 shown within the duct, as shown in duct section 104n of FIG. 2, each of which includes small perforations or holes that allow gas flow through the small perforations or holes. The arc absorbers act to filter or cool the gas, including filtering or trapping any burning particles within the gas flow, and trapping the burning particles prevents the particles from being emitted or exhausted out of the switchgear duct or chimney and into the environment (either the atmosphere or an enclosure surrounding the switchgear and duct).
[0076] Each arc absorber may include a ceramic arc absorber as shown in Figure 10A, and / or a stack of perforated metal sheets or wire mesh. The stack of perforated metal sheets may include one or more of a stack of metal sheets with round holes as shown in Figure 10B, a stack of metal sheets with square holes as shown in Figure 10C, or a stack including alternating layers of metal sheets with round holes and metal sheets with square holes as shown in Figure 10D. In other words, the configuration of Figure 10D includes layers of metal sheets with circular holes (round holes, square holes, round holes, square holes, etc.) alternating with layers of metal sheets with square holes.
[0077] These different arc absorbers may be provided in any suitable combination and at any suitable location within the duct section 104n. Different sizes and / or types of arc absorbers may be combined within a single duct section as desired.
[0078] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary system 100 including a switch gear 101, a first duct portion 104a, a third duct portion 104b, a second duct portion 104c (the second duct portion includes an outlet 108), and an enclosure 1060. In this specific example, the enclosure encloses a base duct (first portion 104a), and the rear and side ducts (third portion 104b and second portion 104b, 104c) are attached to the outside of the enclosure. The outlet is configured to exhaust gas into the enclosure 1060. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any other suitable configuration of ducts, switch gears and enclosures can be provided.
[0079] FIG. 12 shows another exemplary system 100 including a switch gear 101, a first duct portion 104a and a second duct portion 104c (the second duct portion includes an outlet 108), and an enclosure 1060. In this specific example, the enclosure encloses the switch gear and the rear duct (first and second portions 104a, 104c), and a base 1200 or base plinth is attached to the outside of the enclosure 1060. The outlet can be configured to exhaust gas into the enclosure 1060 or into the environment. In this specific example, the gas is exhausted into the environment via the outlet 108 and through a vent or opening 1070 in the enclosure 1060. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, any other suitable configuration of ducts, switch gears, and enclosures can be provided.
[0080] The configurations described herein may be combined in any suitable arrangement or combination.
[0081] The following numbered examples are also disclosed:
[0082] Example 1: A system including a switchgear and a duct having at least a first portion and a second portion, wherein gas is generated within the switchgear during an arcing event, the duct further including an inlet for receiving the generated gas into the duct, the inlet formed in the first portion of the duct, an outlet for discharging the generated gas from the duct, the outlet formed in the second portion of the duct, and a pathway formed between the inlet and the outlet for flowing the generated gas through the duct, wherein a minimum angle between the pathways in any two of the at least two conduit portions is 180 degrees.
[0083] Example 2: The system of Example 1, wherein the first and second portions of the duct include a duct disposed along a surface of the switchgear, the duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior segment, the first side corresponds to the first portion of the duct and the second side corresponds to the second portion of the duct, the pathway enters the lateral duct at the first side of the interior segment and exits at the second side of the interior segment, and the pathway makes a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior segment and the second side of the interior segment.
[0084] Example 3: The system of Example 1, wherein the duct further includes a third portion, the third portion being disposed between the first portion and the second portion, and optionally, there is at least a 90 degree bend between the path in the first portion and the path in the third portion, and there is at least a 90 degree bend between the path in the third portion and the path in the second portion.
[0085] Example 4: The system of Example 3, wherein the path within at least two of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the duct optionally includes at least one 180 degree turn, and the path within at least two of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion of the duct optionally includes at least two 180 degree turns.
[0086] Example 5: The system of Example 3 or Example 4, wherein the switchgear includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, two side surfaces each extending between the front surface and the rear surface, a top surface, and a base surface opposite the top surface.
[0087] Example 6: The system of Example 5, wherein the first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, the third portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, and the second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side surfaces.
[0088] Example 7: The system of Example 5, wherein the duct further includes a fourth portion disposed between the second and third portions of the duct, the first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, the third portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, the second and fourth portions of the duct include a lateral duct disposed along one of the side surfaces, the lateral duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponds to the fourth portion of the duct and the second side corresponds to the second portion of the duct, the pathway enters the lateral duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at the second side of the interior section, and the pathway makes a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section.
[0089] Example 8: The system of Example 5, wherein the first portion of the duct includes a rear duct disposed along the rear surface, and the third portion and the second portion of the duct include a lateral duct disposed along one of the side surfaces, the lateral duct separated by an interior section and including a first side and a second side, the first side corresponding to the third portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second portion of the duct, the pathway enters the lateral duct at the first side of the interior section and exits at the second side of the interior section, and the pathway makes a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section.
[0090] Example 9: The system of Example 5, wherein the first and third portions of the duct include a rear duct disposed along the rear face, and the second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side faces, the rear duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponds to the first portion of the duct and the second side corresponds to the third portion of the duct, the inlet is on the first side of the interior section, the pathway exits the rear duct at the second side of the interior section, and the pathway turns 180 degrees between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section.
[0091] Example 10: The system of Example 5, wherein the first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, the third portion and the second portion of the duct include an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, the aft duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponds to the third portion of the duct and the second side corresponds to the second side of the duct, the pathway enters the aft duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at the second side of the interior section, and the pathway turns 180 degrees between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section.
[0092] Example 11: The system of Example 5, wherein the first portion of the duct includes a rear duct disposed along the rear surface, the third portion of the duct includes an upper duct disposed along the top surface, and the second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side surfaces.
[0093] Example 12: The system of any of Examples 1 to 11, wherein one or more arc absorbers are disposed within the duct.
[0094] Example 13: The system of example 12, wherein each of the one or more arc absorbers comprises a stack of ceramic arc absorbers and / or perforated metal sheets.
[0095] Example 14: The system of Example 13, wherein each stack of perforated metal sheets includes a stack of metal sheets with round holes, a stack of metal sheets with square holes, or a stack including alternating layers of metal sheets with round holes and metal sheets with square holes.
[0096] Example 15: The system of any of Examples 1 to 14, wherein one or more of the first portion, the third portion, and the second portion of the duct are formed as separate components, and / or two or more of the first portion, the third portion, and the second portion of the duct are integrally formed.
Claims
1. Switchgear and a duct having at least a first portion and a second portion; gas is generated within the switchgear during an arcing event; The duct is an inlet for receiving the generated gas into the duct, the inlet being formed in the first portion of the duct; an outlet for discharging the produced gas from the duct, the outlet being formed in the second portion of the duct; a passageway formed between the inlet and the outlet for flowing the generated gas through the duct; a minimum angle between the paths in any two of the at least two conduit sections is 180 degrees; the first portion and the second portion of the duct include a duct disposed along a surface of the switch gear, the duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponding to the first portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second portion of the duct; the pathway enters the lateral duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at the second side of the interior section, the pathway making a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section. system.
2. the duct further includes a third portion, the third portion being disposed between the first portion and the second portion; Optionally, there is at least a 90 degree turn between the path in the first portion and the path in the third portion, and there is at least a 90 degree turn between the path in the third portion and the path in the second portion. The system of claim 1 .
3. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the path within at least two of the first, second and third portions of the duct optionally includes at least one 180 degree turn, and wherein the path within at least two of the first, second and third portions of the duct optionally includes at least two 180 degree turns.
4. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the switchgear includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, two side surfaces each extending between the front surface and the rear surface, a top surface, and a base surface opposite the top surface.
5. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, the third portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, and the second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side surfaces.
6. the duct further includes a fourth portion disposed between the second and third portions of the duct; the first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, the third portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, and the second and fourth portions of the duct include lateral ducts disposed along one of the side surfaces; the lateral duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponding to the fourth portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second portion of the duct; the pathway enters the lateral duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at the second side of the interior section, the pathway making a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section. The system of claim 4.
7. the first portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear face, and the third portion and the second portion of the duct include lateral ducts disposed along one of the side faces; the lateral duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an interior section, the first side corresponding to the third portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second portion of the duct; the pathway enters the lateral duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at the second side of the interior section, the pathway making a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section. The system of claim 4.
8. the first and third portions of the duct include an aft duct disposed along the rear face, and the second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side faces; the aft duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an internal section, the first side corresponding to the first portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the third portion of the duct; the inlet is on the first side of the interior section and the pathway exits the rear duct on the second side of the interior section, the pathway making a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section. The system of claim 4.
9. the first portion of the duct includes a base duct disposed along the base surface, and the third portion and the second portion of the duct include an aft duct disposed along the rear surface; the aft duct includes a first side and a second side separated by an internal section, the first side corresponding to the third portion of the duct and the second side corresponding to the second side of the duct; the pathway enters the rear duct at the first side of the interior section and the exit is at a second side of the interior section, the pathway making a 180 degree turn between the first side of the interior section and the second side of the interior section. The system of claim 4.
10. 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first portion of the duct includes an aft duct disposed along the rear surface, the third portion of the duct includes an upper duct disposed along the top surface, and the second portion of the duct includes a lateral duct disposed along one of the side surfaces.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein one or more arc absorbers are disposed within the duct.
12. The system of claim 11 , wherein each of the one or more arc absorbers comprises a stack of ceramic arc absorbers and / or perforated metal sheets.
13. Each stack of said perforated metal sheets comprises: A stack of metal sheets with round holes, A stack of metal sheets with square holes, or a stack including alternating layers of metal sheets with round holes and metal sheets with square holes; The system of claim 12.
14. one or more of the first, third and second portions of the duct are formed as separate components; and / or two or more of the first portion, the third portion and the second portion of the duct are integrally formed; The system of claim 1 .