Electrical enclosure and universally mountable electrical assembly

Abstract

A system includes an enclosure (140) that includes a tank (150), a first compartment (160) including a first interior region, a second compartment (170) including a second interior region, and an electrical assembly (110) in an interior of the tank (150). The electrical assembly (110) is electrically connected to an electrical conductor (191) of each of one or more bushings (190) in the second interior region. The system also includes a control apparatus (130) in the first interior region. The control apparatus (130) is coupled to the electrical assembly (110), and the first and second compartments (160, 170) are on opposite sides of the tank (150). The electrical apparatus (110) may be a voltage regulator (210).

Description

[0001] ELECTRICAL ENCLOSURE AND UNIVERSALLY MOUNTABLE ELECTRICAL ASSEMBLY

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] This disclosure relates to a pad-mounted electrical enclosure and a universally mountable electrical assembly.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Electrical assemblies may be used in high-voltage applications. A voltage regulator is an example of an electrical assembly. Voltage regulators are used to monitor and control a voltage level in an electrical power distribution network. A voltage regulator includes a main winding and an electromagnetic circuit that delivers current from the main winding to an electric load. The electromagnetic circuit includes electrical contacts, and the main winding includes a plurality of taps. The output voltage of the voltage regulator is determined by which of the plurality of taps are in contact with the electrical contacts.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] In one aspect, a system includes a padmount voltage regulator enclosure that includes: a tank including sidewalls and a bottom wall; and a bushing housing on one of the sidewalls, the bushing housing defining an interior bushing housing region that is in fluid communication with an interior of the tank. The system also includes dead-front bushings that extend through the bushing housing. The system also includes a universally mountable voltage regulator that includes a source (S) terminal, a load (L) terminal, and a source-load (SL) terminal. The universally mountable voltage regulator is configured for placement in: (a) the interior of the tank with each of the S terminal, the L terminal, and the SL terminal electrically connected to one of the dead-front bushings and (b) an overhead voltage regulator container that includes external live-front bushings.

[0008] Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

[0009] The one of the sidewalls may be a second one of the sidewalls, the padmount voltage regulator enclosure also may include a first compartment attached to a first one of the sidewalls; a second compartment may be attached to the second one of the sidewalls, and the bushing housing may extend into an interior of the second compartment. The system also may include a control system for the universally mountable voltage regulator, and the control system may be in the interior of the first compartment. The first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls may be opposite sides of the tank. The first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls may be adjacent sides of the tank. The first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls may be substantially parallel to each other.

[0010] In some implementations, the padmount voltage regulator enclosure also includes a first door configured to move between a closed position and an open position and a second door configured to move between a closed position and an open position. In these implementations, an interior of the first compartment is enclosed when the first door is in the closed position and the interior of the first compartment is accessible when the first door is in the open position, and an interior of the second compartment is enclosed when the second door is in the closed position and the interior of the second compartment is accessible when the second door is in the open position. The first door and the second door may be on different sides of the padmount voltage regulator enclosure. The first door and the second door may be on opposite sides of the padmount voltage regulator enclosure. The first door and the second door may be on opposite ends of the padmount voltage regulator enclosure. The first door and the second door may be on the same side of the padmount voltage regulator enclosure.

[0011] The bushing housing holds each of the dead-front bushings may be at an angle relative to horizontal.

[0012] In another aspect, a step voltage regulator includes: a source (S) terminal; a load (L) terminal; a source-load (SL) terminal; electrically conductive taps; and a tap selector configured to place an electrically conductive contact on one of the electrically conductive taps to regulate a voltage at the load (L) terminal. The step voltage regulator is configured for placement in: (a) a tank of a pad-mounted enclosure with each of the S terminal, the L terminal, and the S-L terminal electrically connected to a dead-front bushing that extends into another compartment of the pad-mounted enclosure; and (b) a tank of an overhead mountable enclosure with each of the S terminal, the L terminal, and the S-L terminal electrically connected to a live-front bushing that extends from an exterior of the overhead mountable enclosure.

[0013] In another aspect, a pad-mounted dead-front voltage regulator enclosure includes: a tank including sidewalls and a bottom wall; a bushing housing on one of the sidewalls, the bushing housing defining an interior bushing housing region, the bushing housing region being in fluid communication with an interior of the tank; and dead-front bushings that extend through the bushing housing. The tank is configured to receive an overhead voltage regulator, the overhead voltage regulator including a source (S) terminal, a load (L) terminal, and a source-load (SL) terminal, each of which is configured to be electrically connected to one of the dead-front bushings.

[0014] Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

[0015] The bushing housing may be on a second one of the side walls, and the pad-mounted dead-front voltage regulator enclosure also may include a first compartment attached to a first one of the sidewalls, and a second compartment attached to the second one of the sidewalls. The first one of the side walls and the second one of the sidewalls may be opposite sides of the tank. The first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls may be adjacent sides of the tank.

[0016] In another aspect, a method includes: placing an overhead electrical assembly in a tank of a pad-mounted electrical enclosure; and electrically connecting the overhead electrical assembly to a dead-front bushing that extends into a separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure.

[0017] Implementations may include one or more of the following features.

[0018] Placing an overhead electrical assembly in a tank of a pad-mounted electrical enclosure may include placing an overhead step voltage regulator in the tank of the padmounted electrical enclosure; and electrically connecting the overhead electrical assembly to a dead-front bushing that extends into a separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure may include: electrically connecting a source (S) terminal of the overhead step voltage regulator to a first dead-front bushing that extends into a separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure; electrically connecting a load (S) terminal of the overhead step voltage regulator to a second dead-front bushing that extends into the separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure; and electrically connecting a sourceload (S-L) terminal of the overhead step voltage regulator to a third dead-front bushing that extends into the separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure.

[0019] In another aspect, a system includes an enclosure that includes a tank; a first compartment including a first interior region; a second compartment including a second interior region; and an electrical assembly in an interior of the tank. The electrical assembly is electrically connected to an electrical conductor of each of one or more bushings in the second interior region. The system also includes a control apparatus in the first interior region. The control apparatus is coupled to the electrical assembly, and the first and second compartments are on opposite sides of the tank.

[0020] Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The system also may include a first door configured to move between a closed position and an open position, and a second door configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The control apparatus may be mounted on an inner side of the first door.

[0021] The system also may include a bushing mounting housing in the second interior region, and at least one of the one or more bushings may be mounted in the bushing mounting housing. An interior of the bushing mounting housing may be in fluid communication with the interior of the tank. The enclosure may be a pad-mounted enclosure and each of the one or more bushings is a dead-front bushing. The bushing mounting housing may hold the one or more bushings at an angle relative to horizontal.

[0022] Implementations of any of the techniques described herein may include an electrical enclosure, a voltage regulator, a system, an electrical assembly, or a process. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0023] DRAWING DESCRIPTION

[0024] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example of a system that includes an electrical assembly in an electrical enclosure.

[0025] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an example of a pad-mounted dead-front bushing voltage regulator system that includes an electrical enclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a voltage regulator that may be inside the electrical enclosure of FIG. 2A.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective exterior view of an example of a pad-mountable electrical enclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4A is a perspective exterior view of a tank of the enclosure of FIG. 3.

[0029] FIG. 4B is a top exterior view of the tank of FIG. 4A.

[0030] FIG. 4C is a side exterior view of the tank of FIG. 4A.

[0031] FIG. 5A is a top exterior view of the tank of FIG. 4A with a bushing housing.

[0032] FIG. 5B is a side exterior view of the tank of FIG. 4A with the bushing housing.

[0033] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a compartment of the enclosure of FIG. 3.

[0034] FIG. 6B is a top view of the compartment of FIG. 6A.

[0035] FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the compartment of FIG. 6A.

[0036] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of another compartment of the enclosure of FIG. 3. FIG. 7B is a top view of the compartment of FIG. 7A.

[0037] FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the compartment of FIG. 7A.

[0038] FIGS. 8A and 8B are front elevation and top exterior views, respectively, of an assembled electrical enclosure.

[0039] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another electrical enclosure.

[0040] FIGS. 10A-10D show various views of another electrical enclosure.

[0041] FIG. 11 is a partial side view of an interior of one implementation of a high-voltage compartment of the electrical enclosure of FIGS. 10A-10D.

[0042] FIG. 12 is a partial side view of an interior of another implementation of a high- voltage compartment of the electrical enclosure of FIGS. 10A-10D.

[0043] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system 105. The system 100 includes an electrical assembly 110 in an electrical enclosure 140. The electrical enclosure 140 includes a tank 150, a first cabinet or first compartment 160, and a second cabinet or second compartment 170. The electrical assembly 110 is in the tank 150. The first compartment 160 and the second compartment 170 are individually accessible even though the tank 150 and the compartments 160, 170 are part of the electrical enclosure 140.

[0045] The electrical assembly 110 is any device, system, or apparatus that can be used in an alternating current (AC) electrical power system. The electrical assembly 110 may be operated at a relatively high voltage (for example, a voltage of 1 kilovolt (kV) or higher). The electrical assembly 110 may be, for example, a voltage regulator, a transformer, switchgear, or a power correction device (for example, a capacitor bank).

[0046] The electrical assembly 110 is controlled by a control apparatus 130, which is in the first compartment 160. The control apparatus 130 controls some or all of the operation of the electrical assembly 110. The control apparatus 130 is coupled to the electrical assembly 110 through a control connection 134. The control connection 134 carries commands and signals between the control apparatus 130 and the electrical assembly 110. The control connection 134 is a physical connection, such as, for example, a cable or wire, that extends from the first compartment 160 into the tank 150 and connects to an interface on the electrical assembly 110.

[0047] A bushing 190 extends into the second compartment 170. The bushing 190 includes a conductor 191 electrically connected to the electrical assembly 110. The bushing 190 may be a live-front bushing or a dead-front bushing. Although only one bushing 190 is shown in FIG. 1, the electrical assembly 110 may include more than one bushing.

[0048] As discussed in more detail below, the configuration of the electrical enclosure 140 promotes safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the electrical assembly 110. For example, the control apparatus 130 operates at a relatively low voltage. However, the electrical assembly 110 and the bushing 190 may operate at a relatively high voltage. By placing the control apparatus 130 in the first compartment 160 and the bushing 190 in the second compartment 170, the electrical enclosure 140 separates the access point for high- voltage components (the compartment 170) from the access point for low-voltage components (the compartment 160). This separation allows access to the high-voltage components to be limited to properly certified personnel without unduly restricting the low- voltage components. Moreover, separating the access point to high-voltage components from the access point for low-voltage components reduces arc flash hazard.

[0049] As discussed above, the electrical enclosure 140 may be used with different kinds of electrical assemblies, including voltage regulators. FIG. 2A is a block diagram of a padmounted dead-front bushing voltage regulator system 205 that includes an electrical enclosure 240. The electrical enclosure 240 is an example of the electrical enclosure 140. FIG. 2B is a block diagram of a voltage regulator 210 (or electrical assembly 210) that is inside the electrical enclosure 240.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2A, the pad-mounted dead-front bushing voltage regulator system 205 includes the electrical assembly 210 and the electrical enclosure 240. In this example, the electrical assembly 210 is a step-voltage regulator and is referred to as the voltage regulator 210. The voltage regulator 210 is in a tank 250 of the electrical enclosure 240. The electrical enclosure 240 also includes a first cabinet or first compartment 260 and a second cabinet or second compartment 270. The tank 250 is between the first compartment 260 and the second compartment 270. The first compartment 260 and the second compartment 270 are individually accessible even though the tank 250 and the compartments 260, 270 are part of the electrical enclosure 240.

[0051] The voltage regulator 210 is controlled by a control apparatus 230, which is in the first compartment 260 and is coupled to the voltage regulator 210 through a control connection 234. The control connection 234 carries commands and signals between the control apparatus 230 and the voltage regulator 210. The control connection 234 is a physical connection, such as, for example, a cable or wire. The control apparatus 230 operates at a relatively low voltage. Instrumentation such as, for example, gauges, also may be in the first compartment 260.

[0052] Dead-front bushings 280, 285, and 290, each of which includes a respective conductor 282, 287, 292, extend into the second compartment 270. The conductor 282 is electrically connected to a source (S) terminal of the voltage regulator 210, the conductor 287 is electrically connected to a source-load (SL) terminal of the voltage regulator 210, and the conductor 292 is electrically connected to a load (L) terminal of the voltage regulator 210. The source (S) terminal of the voltage regulator 210 is configured to be electrically connected to a source, the load (L) terminal is configured to be electrically connected to a load, and the source-load (SL) terminal is a neutral or common point between the S terminal and the L terminal. The voltage regulator 210 controls the voltage level at the L terminal to be within a desired or acceptable voltage range despite changes in voltage and / or current at the S terminal. The voltage regulator 210 is a high voltage device and the voltage at the S, L, and / or SL terminals may exceed 1 kilovolt (kV), 5 kV, or 35 kV. In some implementations, the voltage at the S, L, and / or SL terminals ranges between 2 kV and 35 kV during operation of the voltage regulator 210.

[0053] Each dead-front bushing 280, 285, 290 includes a respective electrically insulating housing 281, 286, 291 that encloses the respective conductor 282, 287, 292. The electrically insulating housings 281, 286, 291 may be made of any electrically insulating material, such as, for example, epoxy, ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, and / or a nylon resin. The conductors 282, 287, 292 are encased or enclosed in the housings 281, 286, 291. The exteriors or the dead-front bushings 280, 285, 290 do not carry electrical current and are not at system potential.

[0054] The dead-front bushings 280, 285, 290 are in contrast to live-front bushings, which have an exposed conductor that may be at system potential and may carry live currents. For safety reasons, electrical devices that use live-front bushings are mounted in inaccessible areas, such as at (or near) the top of utility poles and / or in controlled-accessed substations. Pad-mounted voltage regulators are mounted on a pad of concrete or a similar material that is at ground level. Although pad-mounted voltage regulators may be placed in secured areas, some pad-mounted voltage regulators are used in areas that are accessible to the general public. Moreover, pad-mounted voltage regulators are typically on or near the ground and can be reached without extra equipment such as ladders. Thus, for safety and other considerations, pad-mounted voltage regulators do not include live-front bushings. Traditionally, this has resulted in voltage regulators of a first size and shape being used in overhead and substation containers and voltage regulators of a second size and shape being used in pad-mounted enclosures, with the footprint of the pad-mounted voltage regulator being larger than the overhead regulators but the overhead voltage regulators being taller and narrower than the pad-mounted voltage regulators. Furthermore, the bushings on an overhead or substation voltage regulator extend from the top side of the enclosure whereas the bushings 280, 285, 290 extend from a side of the enclosure 240. Although traditional overhead and pad-mounted voltage regulators share some common components and functionality, their overall design is different, necessitating the production of two or more distinct voltage regulator designs that are not shared between the various types of containers and enclosures.

[0055] On the other hand, the configuration of the electrical enclosure 240 promotes safe and efficient operation, manufacture, and maintenance of the voltage regulator 210. For example, the electrical enclosure 240 allows an over-head and / or substation voltage regulator that is typically connected to live-front bushings to be used in a dead-front pad-mounted configuration. The electrical enclosure 240 provides a dead-front wrapper or structure that receives a voltage regulator that is typically used with live-front bushings. In this way, the electrical enclosure allows the voltage regulator 210 to be a retrofittable voltage regulator that can be placed in a container of an overhead-mounted or substation-restricted voltage regulator that has cover-mounted live-front bushings or in the dead-front pad-mounted enclosure 240. This allows a single voltage regulator design to be used in various distinct regulator products (for example, overhead, substation, and pad-mounted), reduces part and component proliferation, reduces overall costs, and standardizes the manufacturing process.

[0056] Additionally, the electrical enclosure 240 promotes safe use and maintenance. For example, by placing the control apparatus 230 (which operates at a low voltage) in the first compartment 260 and the bushings 280, 285, 290 (which are connected to the voltage regulator 210) in the second compartment 270, the electrical enclosure 240 separates the access point for high-voltage components from the access point for low-voltage components. This separation allows access to the high-voltage components to be limited to properly certified personnel without unduly restricting access to the first compartment 260. Moreover, separating the access point to high-voltage components from the access point for low-voltage components reduces arc flash hazard.

[0057] Before discussing various examples of the electrical enclosure 240, an example of a voltage regulator is provided. FIG. 2B is a block diagram of an example of an implementation of the voltage regulator 210. In the example of FIG. 2B, the dash-dot lines indicate the control connection 234, and solid lines indicate a path through which current flows between a source 202 and a load 203. The voltage regulator 210 monitors and controls the voltage level on a conductive path 207 and / or a conductive path 206 such that the voltage delivered to the load 203 is maintained within a desired or acceptable voltage range despite changes in the load 203 and / or changes in the voltage supplied by the source 202.

[0058] The voltage regulator 210 may be used to regulate voltages that are greater than 1 kilovolt (kV) or greater than 5 kV. In this way, the voltage regulator 210 is a high-voltage device. The source 202 is any type of source of electricity including, for example, a generator, a power plant, a renewable energy resource, a battery, or an electric vehicle. The load 203 is any type of electrical load. For example, the load 203 may be a motor or a lighting system.

[0059] The source 202, the load 203, and the voltage regulator 210 may be part of an electrical power distribution network 201. The electrical power distribution network 201 may be, for example, an electrical grid, an electrical system, or a multi-phase electrical network that provides electricity to industrial, commercial, municipal, and / or residential customers. The electrical power distribution network 201 may have an operating voltage of, for example, at least 1 kilovolt (kV), 12 kV, up to 34.5 kV, up to 38 kV, or 69 kV or higher, and may operate at a system frequency of, for example, 50 or 60 Hertz (Hz).

[0060] The electrical power distribution network 201 includes devices, systems, and components that transfer, distribute, generate, use, and / or absorb electricity. For example, the distribution network 201 may include, without limitation, generators, power plants, electrical substations, transformers, renewable energy sources, distributed energy resources (DERs), transmission lines, reclosers and switchgear, fuses, surge arresters, combinations of such devices, and any other device used to transfer or distribute electricity. A DER is an electricity -producing resource and / or a controllable load. Examples of DER include, for example, solar-based energy sources such as, for example, solar panels and solar arrays; wind-based energy sources, such as, for example, wind turbines and windmills; combined heat and power plants; rechargeable sources (such as batteries); natural gas-fueled generators; electric vehicles; and controllable loads, such as, for example, some heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) systems and electric water heaters.

[0061] The voltage regulator 210 includes a monitoring module 212, a tap selector 213, a main winding 220, and at least two taps 225 electrically connected to the main winding 220. The monitoring module 212 may be any type of device capable of measuring or determining the voltage on the electrically conductive path 207. For example, the monitoring module 212 may be a voltage sensor. The tap selector 213 may include, for example, motors, mechanical linkages, and / or electronic circuitry that is capable of connecting the load 203 to the source 202 through any of the taps 225. The voltage regulator 210 also includes an electromagnetic circuit 214. Together, the taps 225, the main winding 220, the tap selector 213, and the electromagnetic circuit 214 form a voltage regulation operation module 217 for the voltage regulator 210.

[0062] The tap selector 213 is configured to move an electrical contact 224 and place the electrical contact 224 on a particular one of the taps 225. When one or more of the electrical contacts 224 is connected to one or more of the taps 225, the electromagnetic circuit 214 electrically connects the main winding 220 to the electrical load 203. The taps 225 are separated from each other on the main winding 220, and the output voltage of the voltage regulator 210 depends on the location of the selected tap on the main winding 220. Thus, by controlling which of the taps 225 is connected to the contact or contacts that carry the load current, the output voltage to the load 203 is also controlled. In this way, the voltage delivered to the electrical load 203 may be kept within the acceptable or desired range even if the voltage delivered from the power source 202 changes.

[0063] The electromagnetic circuit 214 includes current paths 215. The current paths 215 include any electrically conductive path that is able to conduct current from the contacts 224 to the load 203. The current paths 215 may be any type of electrical cable, conductor, or wire. The electromagnetic circuit 214 also includes windings 215a and 215b, which are wrapped around a magnetic core 216 and are also electrically connected to one of the contacts 224. The magnetic core 216 may be an un-gapped or gapped magnetic core.

[0064] The voltage regulator 210 also includes a sensor 218 that measures voltage and current in various portions of the electromagnetic circuit 214 and / or to the electrical load 203. The sensor 218 may be located anywhere along the current paths 215. In some implementations, the electromagnetic circuit 214 includes more than one sensor 218. The sensor 218 provides data to a control apparatus 230 via the control connection 234.

[0065] The control apparatus 230 may be implemented as an electronic controller that includes one or more electronic processors 231 and an electronic storage 232 coupled to the one or more electronic processors 231. The control apparatus 230 also includes an input / output (I / O) interface 233. The control apparatus 230 operates at voltages and current levels that are typical for electronic controllers and computer equipment. For example, the control apparatus 230 may include a 5 or 12 volt (V) direct current (DC) power supply that is supplied by a 110V or 220V AC source. Thus, the voltage of the control apparatus 230 is much less than the voltage of the voltage regulator 210.

[0066] The one or more electronic processors 231 may be any type of electronic processor and may or may not include a general purpose central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microcontroller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), Complex Programmable Uogic Device (CPUD), and / or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The electronic storage 232 may be any type of electronic memory that is capable of storing data and instructions in the form of computer programs or software, and the electronic storage 232 may include volatile and / or non-volatile components. The electronic storage 232 and the one or more processors 231 are coupled such that the processor 231 is able to access or read data from and write data to the electronic storage 232.

[0067] The I / O interface 233 may be any interface that allows a human operator and / or an autonomous process to interact with the control apparatus 230. The I / O interface 233 may include, for example, a display (such as a liquid crystal display (UCD)), a keyboard, audio input and / or output (such as speakers and / or a microphone), visual output (such as lights, light emitting diodes (UED)) that are in addition to or instead of the display, serial or parallel port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection, and / or any type of network interface, such as, for example, Ethernet. The I / O interface 233 also may allow communication without physical contact through, for example, an IEEE 802. 11, Bluetooth, or a near-field communication (NFC) connection. The control apparatus 230 may be, for example, operated, configured, modified, or updated through the I / O interface 233.

[0068] The I / O interface 233 also may allow the control apparatus 230 to communicate with systems external to and remote from the voltage regulator 210. For example, the I / O interface 233 may include a communications interface that allows communication between the control apparatus 230 and a remote station (not shown), or between the control apparatus 230 and a separate electrical assembly using, for example, the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) protocol or another services protocol, such as Secure Shell (SSH) or the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). The remote station may be any type of station through which an operator is able to communicate with the control apparatus 230 without making physical contact with the control apparatus 230. For example, the remote station may be a computer-based work station, a smart phone, tablet, or a laptop computer that connects to the control apparatus 230 via a services protocol, or a remote control that connects to the control apparatus 230 via a radio-frequency signal. The control apparatus 230 may communicate information such as the determined tap position through the I / O interface 233 to the remote station or to a separate electrical assembly.

[0069] FIGS. 3, 4A-4C, 5A, 5B, 6A-6C, 7A-7C, 8A, and 8B relate to a pad-mounted electrical enclosure 340. FIG. 3 is a perspective exterior view of the pad-mountable electrical enclosure 340. The electrical enclosure 340 is an example of an electrical enclosure that may be used with the voltage regulator 210 (FIG. 2A). The electrical enclosure 340 is placed on the ground. For example, the electrical enclosure 340 may be mounted on a pad, concrete slab, or other sturdy structure that is resting on the surface of the ground and / or built into the ground.

[0070] The electrical enclosure 340 includes a tank 350, a first cabinet or first compartment 360, and a second cabinet or second compartment 370. The electrical enclosure 340 extends in the X direction from a first end 341 to a second end 342. The first compartment 360 is at the first end 341, and the second compartment 370 is at the second end 342. The tank 350 is between the first compartment 360 and the second compartment 370.

[0071] The tank 350 and the compartments 360, 370 are attached such that the electrical enclosure 340 is a single unit. For example, the first compartment 360 and the second compartment 370 may be bolted onto the tank 350. The tank 350 has a greater extent in the X direction than the compartment 360 or the compartment 370. The tank 350 has substantially the same extent as the compartments 360 and 370 in the Z and Y directions. The compartments 360 and 370 are substantially the same size (and have substantially the same extent in the X, Y, and Z directions).

[0072] The extent of the tank 350 along the Z direction is greater than in legacy pad-mounted voltage regulator enclosures. For example, the extent of the tank 350 in the Z direction may be between 75 inches and 104 inches (between 190.5 cm and 264.2 cm). The extent of the tank 350 along the Z direction is comparable to the height or vertical extent of an overhead or substation voltage regulator container. Traditional or legacy pad-mounted voltage regulators are generally unable to accommodate a voltage regulator that is intended for placement in an overhead or substation voltage regulator container. On the other hand, the tank 350 accommodates the voltage regulator 210, which also may be placed in a traditional overhead container with cover-mounted live-front bushings, without changing the design or arrangement of the components of the voltage regulator 210. This allows a single voltage regulator design to be used in more than one regulator product, reduces part and component proliferation, and standardizes the manufacturing process. FIG. 4A is a perspective exterior view of the tank 350. The tank 350 is a six-sided parallelepiped. FIG. 4B is a top exterior view of the tank 350. FIG. 4C is a side exterior view of the tank 350.

[0073] The tank 350 includes a top 351; walls 352, 353, 354, and 355; and a bottom 359. Together, the top 351; the bottom 359; and the walls 352, 353, 354, 355 define an interior space 357. The walls 352, 353, 354, 355 extend between the top 351 and the bottom 359. The walls 352 and 355 are parallel to each other and extend generally in the X-Z plane. The walls 353 and 354 are parallel to each other and extend generally in the Y-Z plane. The top 351 extends generally in the X-Y plane.

[0074] The top 351 is removable and is attached to the walls 352, 353, 354, and / or 355 with fasteners 398. The fasteners 398 may be, for example, bolts, screws, flanges, and / or tabs. Although only four fasteners 398 are shown, more or fewer fasteners may be used to secure the top 351 to the walls 352, 353, 354, 355. In some implementations, the top 351 is a bolted steel cover. The top includes a removable cover 336 that allows access to the interior space 357 without removing the top 351. For example, the removable cover 336 may be used to provide access to a terminal strip of the voltage regulator in the interior space 357.

[0075] The walls 352, 353, 354, 355; the top 351; and the bottom 359 are made of a durable, solid material such as, for example, steel or a rugged polymer. In implementations in which the walls are made of steel, the steel may be 7-gauge. The walls 352, 353, 354, 355; and the bottom 359 are attached to each other in any manner that creates a fluid-tight and leak-proof space. For example, the walls 352, 353, 354, 355 and the bottom 359 may be welded together. In some implementations, the tank 350 is an extruded or molded unit.

[0076] The wall 354 includes fittings (not shown) for valves and gauges. The wall 353 includes openings or passageways 335a, 335b, 335c that pass through the wall 353 in the X direction. The openings 335a, 335b, 335c are shown as dashed lines in FIGS. 4B and 4C. Referring also to FIG. 5 A, which is a top exterior view of the tank 350 with a bushing housing 389 attached to the wall 353, each passageway 335a, 335b, 335c allows one of the conductors 282, 287, 292 to pass between the tank 350 and into an interior 383 of the bushing housing 389.

[0077] The bushing housing 389 is a three-dimensional structure that is made of a solid and rugged material, such as steel. In some implementations, the bushing housing 389 is made of the same material as the wall 353. The bushing housing 389 includes a front wall 384 that is angled relative to the X direction. The front wall 384 includes openings 348 (only one is shown in FIG. 5B, which is a side view of the tank 350) that hold dead-front bushings. The bushing housing 389 is attached to the wall 353 over the openings 335a, 335b, 335c. The bushing housing 389 and a portion of the wall 353 define the interior 383 of the bushing housing 389. The interior 383 is in in fluid communication with the interior space 357 of the tank 350 via the openings 335a, 335b, 335c. The bushing housing 389 is attached to the wall 353 by welding or another manner that creates a fluid-tight seal between the bushing housing 389 and the wall 353. The interior 383 and the interior space 357 form a single leak-proof space that can contain an electrically insulating fluid such as oil.

[0078] Other implementations of the bushing housing 389 are possible. For example, the front wall 384 may extend in the Z direction instead of being angled. In another example, the bushing housing 389 may be positioned closer to the bottom 359. FIGS. 11 and 12 show additional examples of a bushing housing.

[0079] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the first cabinet or first compartment 360. FIG. 6B is a top view of the first cabinet or first compartment 360. FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the first compartment 360. The first compartment 360 includes a top 361 that extends in the X-Y plane; walls 362, 364, 365; and a flange 366. The walls 362 and 365 extend in the X-Z plane and the wall 364 extends in the Y -Z plane. The first compartment 360 includes an open back region 363 and is open at a bottom end 319. The flange 366 is used to attach the first compartment 360 to a pad and / or to the tank 350. The walls 362 and 365 extend between the top 361 and the bottom end 319. The wall 364 extends between the bottom end 319 and a door 368, which extends in the Y-Z plane between the wall 364 and the top 361. Other configurations are possible.

[0080] The walls 362, 364, 365; the top 361; and the flange 366 are made of a durable, solid material such as, for example, steel or a rugged polymer. The walls 362, 364, 365; the top 361; and the flange 366 are attached to each other by, for example, mechanical fasteners (for example, bolts), welding, soldering, or bonding via an adhesive. The door 368 is movable between a closed position and an open position. FIGS. 6A-6C show the door 368 in the closed position. The door 368 includes a handle 369. When force is applied to the handle 369, the door 368 moves along an arc Al.

[0081] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of the second cabinet or second compartment 370. FIG. 7B is a top view of the second cabinet or second compartment 370. FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the second cabinet or second compartment 370. The second compartment 370 is similar to the first compartment 360. The second compartment 370 includes a top 371 that extends in the X-Y plane. The first compartment 370 also includes walls 372, 373, 375 that extend between the top 371 and a bottom end 311. The first compartment 370 is open at a botom end 311 and includes an open back region 374. The walls 372 and 375 extend in the X-Z plane between the top 371 and the botom end 311. The wall 373 extends in the Y -Z plane between the botom end 311 and a door 378. Other configurations are possible.

[0082] The walls 372, 373, 375; the top 371; and the botom flange 376 are made of a durable, solid material such as, for example, steel or a rugged polymer. The walls 372, 373, 375 and the top 371 are atached to each other by, for example, mechanical fasteners (for example, bolts) welding, soldering, or bonding via an adhesive. The door 378 is movable between a closed position and an open position. FIGS. 7A, 7B, and 7C show the door 378 in the closed position. The door 378 includes a handle 379. When force is applied to the handle 379, the door 378 moves along an arc A2.

[0083] FIGS. 8A and 8B are front elevation and top exterior views, respectively, of the assembled electrical enclosure 340. To assemble the electrical enclosure 340, the first compartment 360 is atached to the wall 354 of the tank 350 with the open back region 363 facing the wall 354. The second compartment 370 is atached to the tank 350 with the open back region 374 facing the wall 353. The first and second compartments 360, 370 may be attached to the tank 350 in any manner that provides a secure and robust atachment. For example, the flange 366 and the flange 376 may be cleated or bolted to opposite sides of the tank 350. Other implementations are possible. For example, the first compartment 360 and the second compartment 370 may be welded to opposite sides of the tank 350.

[0084] In operational use of the electrical enclosure 340, a high-voltage electrical assembly, such as the voltage regulator 210, is placed in the interior 357 of the tank 350. Low-voltage equipment, such as the control apparatus 230 and measurement and monitoring instrumentation, is placed in the interior 367 of the low-voltage compartment 360. When the door 368 is in the open position, an interior 367 of the first compartment 360 is accessible. Although the interior 367 is open at the botom of the first compartment 360, the botom of the first compartment 360 rests on a concrete pad or other solid structure. Thus, when the door 368 is in the closed position, the interior 367 is not accessible.

[0085] Dead-front bushings are installed in the bushing housing 389. The dead-front bushings provide connection points to the high-voltage terminals of the voltage regulator that is in the interior 357. When the door 378 is in the open position, an interior 377 of the first compartment 370 is accessible by a technician or other person. When the door 378 is in the closed position, the interior 377 is not accessible by a technician or other person. Although the interior 377 is not accessible when the door 378 is in the closed position, the botom of the second compartment 370 is open to the area below the electrical enclosure 340. This allows electrical cables (including cables to are entirely or partially underground) to come up through the bottom of the second compartment 370 and be connected to the dead-front bushings in the bushing housing 389.

[0086] As shown in FIGS. 3, 8A, and 8B, the first compartment 360 and the second compartment 370 are on opposite sides of the tank 350. The interior 367 of the first compartment 360 is accessible via the door 368, and the interior 377 of the second compartment 370 is accessible via the door 378. Thus, the interiors 367 and 377 are separated from each other and are individually accessible. Separating the low voltage components in the first compartment 360 from the dead-front bushings in the second compartment 370 increases the safety and usability of the electrical enclosure 340 as compared to a design in which the low-voltage and the connection points to high-voltage components are in the same compartment or are on the same side of the electrical enclosure. For example, by having the compartments 360 and 370 on different sides of the tank 350, the second compartment 370 may be more easily placed in a cage or in a restricted access area of a facility while the first compartment 360 is placed in a different area of the same facility. Additionally, having the compartments 360 and 370 on different sides of the tank 350 increases the distance between the low-voltage components in the first compartment 360 and the connection points in the second compartment 370, thereby reducing the risk of flashover and other electrical effects.

[0087] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another electrical enclosure 940. The electrical enclosure 940 is another example of an electrical enclosure that may be used with the voltage regulator 210 (FIGS. 2A and 2B). The electrical enclosure 940 may be mounted to a pad, concrete slab, or other sturdy structure that is resting on the surface of the ground and / or built into the ground.

[0088] The electrical enclosure includes the tank 350, the first compartment 360, and the second compartment 370. The electrical enclosure 940 is similar to the electrical enclosure 340. However, in the electrical enclosure 940, the second compartment 370 is attached to the tank 350 with the open back 374 of the second compartment 370 facing the wall 352 of the tank 350 instead of the wall 353. Additionally, the bushing housing 389 (not shown) is attached to the wall 352 instead of the wall 353, and the conductor openings 335a, 335b, 335c pass through the wall 352 instead of the wall 353. The first compartment 360 is attached to the tank 350 with the open back region 363 of the first compartment 360 facing the wall 354 of the tank 350. The electrical enclosure 940 extends from a first end 941 to a second end 942 along an L-shaped path in the X-Y plane. Like the electrical enclosures 140, 240, and 340, the electrical enclosure 940 promotes safe and efficient use of a voltage regulator or other electrical assembly. The configuration of the electrical enclosure 940 places the first compartment 360 and the second compartment 370 on different sides of the tank 350, thereby separating the low-voltage components in the first compartment 360 from the dead-front bushings (which are connection points to high- voltage terminals in the interior 357 of the tank 350) in the second compartment 370. Like the electrical enclosure 340, the configuration of the electrical enclosure 940 allows the first compartment 360 to be positioned in a more accessible portion of a facility while the tank 350 and the second compartment 370 can be positioned in a restricted access area of the same facility.

[0089] Other implementations and configurations are possible. For example, the second compartment 370 may be attached to the tank 350 as shown in FIG. 9, but the first compartment 360 may be attached to the tank 350 with the open back region 363 facing the wall 355 instead of the wall 354. Furthermore, the doors 368 and 378 may be positioned on the respective compartments 360, 370 in other arrangements. For example, the door 368 may be positioned on the same side as the wall 362. Additionally, the electrical enclosures 340 and 940 may include additional components. For example, the tank 350 may include fins or other heat-dissipating elements on an exterior of the wall 355.

[0090] FIGS. 10A-10D relate to an electrical enclosure 1040. The electrical enclosure 1040 includes atank 1050 that encloses a step voltage regulator 1010. The electrical enclosure 1040 may be mounted to a pad, concrete slab, or other sturdy structure that is resting on the surface of the ground and / or built into the ground. The step voltage regulator 1010 is a universally mountable voltage regulator that may be placed in the electrical enclosure 1040 and used in a dead-front, pad-mounted configuration, or the voltage regulator 1010 can be placed in an overhead or substation container that has live-front bushings.

[0091] FIG. 10A is a top view of the electrical enclosure 1040. The electrical enclosure 1040 extends along the X direction from a first end 1041 to a second end 1042. The electrical enclosure 1040 includes the tank 1050, a low-voltage cabinet or compartment 1060, and a high-voltage cabinet or compartment 1070. The high-voltage compartment 1070 is a deadfront compartment that includes connection points to the high-voltage terminals of the voltage regulator that is in the tank 1050. The low-voltage compartment 1060 is attached to a wall 1054 of the tank 1050. The high-voltage compartment 1070 is attached to a wall 1053 of the tank 1050. The tank 1050 is between the low -voltage compartment 1060 and the high- voltage compartment 1070. The low-voltage compartment 1060 is at the first end 1041, and the high-voltage compartment 1070 is at the second end 1042. FIG. 10B shows the first end 1041, and FIG. 10C shows the second end 1042. FIG. 10D is a front elevation view of the electrical enclosure 1040.

[0092] The tank 1050 is a leak-proof and fluidly sealed enclosure that houses the voltage regulator 1010 and dielectric fluid that insulates the voltage regulator 1010. The tank 1050 includes a bottom 1059 that is permanently attached to walls 1052, 1053, 1054, 1055 by, for example, welding. The walls 1052, 1053, 1054, 1055 extend from the bottom 1059 in the Z direction to a top end 1097. A cover 1051 is removably attached to the top end 1097 of the tank 1050. For example, the cover 1051 may be bolted to the top end 1097. The cover 1051 includes a terminal access point 1036, which allows access to an interior 1057 of the tank 1050.

[0093] The electrical enclosure 1040 also includes thermal management devices 1039 that are attached to an exterior side of the wall 1055 of the tank 1050. The thermal management device 1039 are on the exterior of the tank 1050 and assist in the thermal management of the voltage regulator 1010. The thermal management device 1039 may be, for example, heat sinks, fins, or radiator cooling banks. In some implementations, the thermal management device 1039 includes active components (for example, fans and / or circulating fluid) in addition to passive components.

[0094] The electrical enclosure 1040 also includes bushing housings 1089 1 and 1089_2 mounted on an exterior side of the wall 1053 of the tank 1050. Although both bushing housings 1089 1 and 1089_2 are shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, the electrical enclosure 1040 can be configured to include the bushing housing 1089 1 or the bushing housing 1089_2, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. The bushing housings 1089 1 and bushing housings 1089 2 extend into an interior 1077 of the high-voltage compartment 1070. The bushing housing 1089 1 holds three dead-front bushings 1090a, 1090b, 1090c, each of which provides a deadfront electrical connection point to one of the S, L, and SL terminals of the voltage regulator 1010. The bushing housing 1089_2 holds three dead-front bushings 1080a, 1080b, 1080c, each of which provides a dead-front electrical connection point to one of the S, L, and SL terminals of the voltage regulator 1010.

[0095] The low-voltage compartment 1060 includes a door 1068 that is moveable between a closed position and an open position. When the door 1068 is in the open position, an interior 1067 of the low-voltage compartment 1060 is accessible. When the door 1068 is in the closed position, the interior 1067 is inaccessible. The control apparatus 230 is mounted to a control mounting assembly 1038 on an interior side of the door 1068. The control mounting assembly 1038 may be a metal bracket that is welded to the interior side of the door 1068. The control mounting assembly 1038 holds the control apparatus 230 to the interior side of the door 1068. A tap position indicator 1099 is also in the interior 1067. The tap position indicator 1099 may be read manually by moving the door 1068 to the open position.

[0096] The high-voltage compartment 1070 includes a door 1078 that is moveable between a closed position and an open position. When the door 1078 is in the open position, the interior 1077 of the high-voltage compartment 1070 is accessible. When the door 1078 is in the closed position, the interior 1077 is inaccessible.

[0097] FIG. 11 is a partial side view of the interior 1077 of the high-voltage compartment 1070 and the interior 1057 of the tank 1050 in an implementation in which the electrical enclosure 1040 includes the bushing housing 1089 1. In FIG. 11, the electrical enclosure 1040 is mounted on a structure 1047. The structure 1047 is a ground-mounted platform, such as a concrete pad. The bushing housing 1089 1 holds three dead-front bushings 1090a, 1090b, 1090c but only the bushing 1090c is shown in FIG. 11. The bushing 1090c includes an insulating body 1092c and an electrical conductor 1091c. The insulating body 1092c isolates the conductor 1091c from the interior 1077 such that the portion of the bushing 1090c that extends into the interior 1077 is electrically isolated from the conductor 1091c. The conductor 1091c extends through an opening 1035 (shown in dashed line) and into the interior 1057 of the tank 1050, and the conductor 1091c is electrically connected to one of the S, L, and SL terminals of the voltage regulator 1010.

[0098] The bushing housing 1089 1 is attached to an exterior side 1053b of the wall 1053 over the opening 1035. The bushing housing 1089 1 is attached to the side 1053b of the wall 1053 in a manner that creates a fluid-tight seal between the bushing housing 1089 1 and the wall 1035. The interior 1057 of the tank 1050 and the interior of the bushing housing 1089 1 are in fluid communication via the opening 1035. The dielectric fluid that is in the interior 1057 also enters the interior of the bushing housing 1089 1 and provides insulation for the electrical conductor 1091c.

[0099] The bushing mounting housing 1089 1 holds the dead-front bushings 1090a, 1090b, 1090c at a distance labeled 1046 above the structure 1047 and at an angle 1044 relative to the X direction. The angle 1044 may be, for example, 30° (degrees) or between 15° and 55°. The distance 1046 may be between 60 and 80 inches (about 152cm to 203cm). The placement of the bushing mounting housing 1089 1 makes it easier for a human operator to attach cable connectors to the bushings 1090a, 1090b, 1090c. For example, as compared to a design in which the bushings are not angled relative to the X direction but are at a distance similar to the distance 1046 above the platform, the orienting the bushings 1090a, 1090b, 1090c at the angle 1044 allows the operator to apply more direct force to a cable (for example, an elbow connector) that connects to one of the bushings 1090a, 1090b, 1090c. Furthermore, the distance 1046 allows most operators to stand up while attaching a cable to one of the bushings 1090a, 1090b, 1090c.

[0100] FIG. 12 is a partial side view of the interior 1077 of the high-voltage compartment 1070 and the interior 1057 of the tank 1050 in an implementation in which the electrical enclosure 1040 includes the bushing housing 1089_2 instead of the bushing housing 1089 1 and the conductor openings 1035 is closer to the structure 1047.

[0101] The bushing housing 1089_2 holds three dead-front bushings 1080a, 1080b, 1080c but only the bushing 1080c is shown in FIG. 12. The bushing 1080c includes an insulating body 1082c and an electrical conductor 1081c. The insulating body 1082c isolates the conductor 1081c from the interior 1077 such that the portion of the bushing 1080c that extends into the interior 1077 is electrically isolated from the conductor 1081c. The conductor 1081c extends through an opening 1035 (shown in dashed line) and into the interior 1057 of the tank 1050, and the conductor 1091c is electrically connected to one of the S, L, and SL terminals of the voltage regulator 1010.

[0102] The bushing housing 1089_2 is attached to an exterior side 1053b of the wall 1053 over the opening 1035. The bushing housing 1089_2 is attached to the side 1053b of the wall 1053 in a manner that creates a fluid-tight seal between the bushing housing 1089_2 and the wall 1035. The interior 1057 of the tank 1050 and the interior of the bushing housing 1089_2 are in fluid communication via the opening 1035. The dielectric fluid that is in the interior 1057 also enters the interior of the bushing housing 1089_2 and provides insulation for the electrical conductor 1081c.

[0103] The bushings 1080a, 1080b, 1080c are mounted in the bushing housing 1089_2 and extend in the X direction into the interior 1077 and at a distance 1045 above the structure 1047. The distance 1045 may be, for example, about 45 inches (in) or 114 centimeters (cm). These and other implementations are within the scope of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system comprising: a padmount voltage regulator enclosure comprising: a tank comprising sidewalls and a bottom wall; and a bushing housing on one of the side walls, the bushing housing defining an interior bushing housing region that is in fluid communication with an interior of the tank; dead-front bushings that extend through the bushing housing; and a universally mountable voltage regulator comprising: a source (S) terminal, a load (L) terminal, and a source-load (SL) terminal, wherein the universally mountable voltage regulator is configured for placement in: (a) the interior of the tank with each of the S terminal, the L terminal, and the SL terminal electrically connected to one of the dead-front bushings and (b) an overhead voltage regulator container that comprises external live-front bushings.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one of the sidewalls comprises a second one of the sidewalls, and the padmount voltage regulator enclosure further comprises: a first compartment attached to a first one of the side walls; and a second compartment attached to the second one of the sidewalls, wherein the bushing housing extends into an interior of the second compartment.

3. The system of claim 2, further comprising a control system for the universally mountable voltage regulator, and wherein the control system is in the interior of the first compartment.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls are opposite sides of the tank.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls are adjacent sides of the tank.

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls are substantially parallel to each other.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the bushing housing holds each of the dead-front bushings at an angle relative to horizontal.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the padmount voltage regulator enclosure further comprises: a first door configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein an interior of the first compartment is enclosed when the first door is in the closed position and the interior of the first compartment is accessible when the first door is in the open position; and a second door configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein an interior of the second compartment is enclosed when the second door is in the closed position and the interior of the second compartment is accessible when the second door is in the open position.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the first door and the second door are on different sides of the padmount voltage regulator enclosure.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the first door and the second door are on opposite sides of the padmount voltage regulator enclosure.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the first door and the second door are on opposite ends of the padmount voltage regulator enclosure.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the first door and the second door are on the same side of the padmount voltage regulator enclosure.

13. A step voltage regulator comprising: a source (S) terminal; a load (L) terminal; a source-load (SL) terminal; electrically conductive taps; anda tap selector configured to place an electrically conductive contact on one of the electrically conductive taps to regulate a voltage at the load (L) terminal; wherein the step voltage regulator is configured for placement in: (a) a tank of a pad-mounted enclosure with each of the S terminal, the L terminal, and the S-L terminal electrically connected to a dead-front bushing that extends into another compartment of the pad-mounted enclosure; and (b) a tank of an overhead mountable enclosure with each of the S terminal, the L terminal, and the S-L terminal electrically connected to a live-front bushing that extends from an exterior of the overhead mountable enclosure.

14. A pad -mounted dead-front voltage regulator enclosure comprising: a tank comprising sidewalls and a bottom wall; a bushing housing on one of the side walls, the bushing housing defining an interior bushing housing region, the bushing housing region being in fluid communication with an interior of the tank; and dead-front bushings that extend through the bushing housing, wherein the tank is configured to receive an overhead voltage regulator, the overhead voltage regulator comprising a source (S) terminal, a load (L) terminal, and a source-load (SL) terminal, each of which is configured to be electrically connected to one of the dead-front bushings.

15. The pad-mounted dead-front voltage regulator enclosure of claim 14, wherein the bushing housing is on a second one of the sidewalls, and the pad-mounted dead-front voltage regulator enclosure further comprises: a first compartment attached to a first one of the side walls; and a second compartment attached to the second one of the sidewalls.

16. The pad-mounted dead-front voltage regulator enclosure of claim 15, wherein the first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls are opposite sides of the tank.

17. The pad-mounted dead-front voltage regulator enclosure of claim 16, wherein the first one of the sidewalls and the second one of the sidewalls are adjacent sides of the tank.

18. A method comprising : placing an overhead electrical assembly in a tank of a pad-mounted electrical enclosure; andelectrically connecting the overhead electrical assembly to a dead-front bushing that extends into a separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein placing an overhead electrical assembly in a tank of a pad-mounted electrical enclosure comprises placing an overhead step voltage regulator in the tank of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure; and wherein electrically connecting the overhead electrical assembly to a dead-front bushing that extends into a separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure comprises: electrically connecting a source (S) terminal of the overhead step voltage regulator to a first dead-front bushing that extends into a separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure; electrically connecting a load (S) terminal of the overhead step voltage regulator to a second dead-front bushing that extends into the separate compartment of the pad-mounted electrical enclosure; and electrically connecting a source-load (S-L) terminal of the overhead step voltage regulator to a third dead-front bushing that extends into the separate compartment of the padmounted electrical enclosure.

20. A system comprising: an enclosure comprising: a tank; a first compartment comprising a first interior region; a second compartment comprising a second interior region; and an electrical assembly in an interior of the tank, wherein the electrical assembly is electrically connected to an electrical conductor of each of one or more bushings in the second interior region; and a control apparatus in the first interior region, wherein the control apparatus is coupled to the electrical assembly, and the first and second compartments are on opposite sides of the tank.

21. The system of claim 20, further comprising: a first door configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein the first interior region is enclosed when the first door is in theclosed position and the first interior region is accessible when the first door is in the open position; and a second door configured to move between a closed position and an open position, wherein the second interior region is enclosed when the first door is in the closed position and the second interior region is accessible when the second door is in the open position.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the control apparatus is mounted on an inner side of the first door, and the inner side of the first door faces into the first interior region when the first door is in the closed position.

23. The system of claim 20, further comprising a bushing mounting housing in the second interior region, and wherein at least one of the one or more bushings is mounted in the bushing mounting housing.

24. The system of claim 23, wherein an interior of the bushing mounting housing is in fluid communication with the interior of the tank.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the enclosure is a pad-mounted enclosure and each of the one or more bushings is a dead-front bushing.

26. The system of claim 25, wherein the bushing mounting housing holds the one or more bushings at an angle relative to horizontal.

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