Arc Containment Device Shock Shield Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arc containment technologies are inefficient in minimizing size and cost while effectively withstanding high pressures and shock waves generated by arc flashes, as they require large volumes to manage the immense energy released during such events.
Innovation Solution
The proposed arc containment device incorporates a shock shield with apertures for gas escape and an inner enclosure aligned with these apertures, surrounded by an outer enclosure that directs gas outside, providing an electrical insulation base for the arc source and using a plasma gun to mitigate arc faults, thereby containing shock waves and high pressures within a compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional arc containment devices are designed to withstand high pressures and shock waves, then safety and reliability are improved, but device volume and cost increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The containment device is divided into multiple functional segments: an inner enclosure containing the arc source, a shock shield with apertures positioned between the arc source and outer enclosure, and an outer enclosure. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of arc flash management, enabling compact overall design while maintaining containment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock shield acts as an intermediary component between the arc source and the outer enclosure. It partially transmits and diffuses shock waves through its apertures while protecting the outer enclosure from direct exposure to the full force of the arc flash, enabling smaller enclosure dimensions.
2Reliability
If traditional arc containment devices are designed to withstand high pressures and shock waves, then safety and reliability are improved, but device cost increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the containment system into modular segments (inner enclosure, shock shield, outer enclosure) allows for simplified manufacturing of each component and potential assembly from standard materials, reducing overall device cost while maintaining containment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock shield provides localized protection where it is most needed - between the arc source and the outer enclosure - rather than requiring the entire enclosure to be designed for maximum pressure withstand. This allows use of less expensive materials and simpler construction for the outer enclosure.
3Stress or pressure
If gas is contained during arc flash events, then pressure buildup increases, but if gas is vented, then shock wave containment is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shock shield features apertures at specific locations that allow selective gas escape while maintaining shock wave containment in other areas. This localized venting approach manages pressure buildup without compromising overall shock wave containment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The shock shield with its apertures serves as an intermediary that mediates between pressure management and shock wave containment. It allows controlled gas escape to prevent excessive pressure buildup while its structure and aperture positioning maintain shock wave containment within the enclosure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design reduces the volume and cost of arc containment devices by diffusing shock waves and managing high pressures, allowing for a more compact and cost-effective solution compared to traditional non-vented devices, while maintaining the ability to withstand arc flash energies.
Implementation Method 1
Shock waves are generated due to instantaneous heating of the gas or vaporized components around the arc. Pressures created by the shock wave may also be quite high, on the order of hundreds of bar
Implementation Method 2
EP 1833130 discloses an arc containment device according to the preamble of claim 1 comprising an arc source configured to create an arc flash and a plasma gun configured and disposed to inject plasma in proximity of the arc source
Implementation Method 3
An arc flash may be defined as a condition associated with the release of energy caused by an electric arc. This release of energy is in the form of light and heat
Data Source
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AI summary
An arc containment device is presented. The arc containment device includes a shock shield further having a multiple apertures for escape of gas, the shock shield configured to surround an arc source. The device further comprises an inner enclosure having a multiple openings generally aligned with the multiple apertures, the inner enclosure configured to provide an electrical insulation base for the arc source. An outer enclosure disposed is provided around the inner enclosure, the outer enclosure configured to direct the gas to the environment outside the device.