Arrester with Pressurizing Chambers for Arc Quenching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-chamber arresters for lightning protection in high-voltage power lines experience prolonged follow currents due to industrial frequency arcs, which cannot be extinguished until the current crosses zero, leading to extended downtime and increased risk of re-ignition.
Innovation Solution
The arrester design incorporates pressurizing chambers connected to discharge chambers, generating high gas pressure to extinguish discharge arcs before the industrial frequency current reaches zero, utilizing metal elements to reinforce the structure and optimize gas flow for efficient arc quenching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multi-chamber arrester design is used for lightning protection, then the arrester structure becomes simple and reliable, but the follow current duration becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pressurizing chambers connected to discharge chambers that generate high gas pressure during lightning overvoltage. This pneumatic mechanism creates strong gas flows that actively blow out discharge arcs, enabling arc extinction independent of the industrial frequency current zero-crossing. The pressurizing chambers convert gas pressure dynamics into arc quenching action, resolving the contradiction by providing a mechanical-pneumatic solution to the electrical arc extinction problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the gas in the discharge chambers by introducing pressurizing chambers that dramatically increase gas pressure during operation. This parameter change (from atmospheric pressure to high pressure) alters the gas density and flow characteristics, creating sufficiently strong gas flows to extinguish arcs immediately after lightning discharge, thereby reducing follow current duration while maintaining reliability.
2Stress or pressure
If discharge chambers with small volumes are used, then high gas pressure is created to blow out arcs, but the arc extinction occurs only at current zero crossing
Solution Approach 1:
The pressurizing chambers are pre-configured and connected to the discharge chambers before operation. During lightning overvoltage, they immediately generate high gas pressure as a preliminary action that creates strong gas flows to blow out arcs before the follow current can re-establish. This preliminary pneumatic action prevents the arc from sustaining through the current zero-crossing period, eliminating the time loss associated with wait for natural current zero.
3Reliability
If arc extinction is delayed until current zero crossing, then the industrial frequency determines the timing, but the downtime and re-ignition risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pneumatic action through pressurizing chambers that generate high gas pressure flows to actively extinguish arcs. This pneumatic mechanism provides controlled, immediate arc extinction independent of the passive electrical zero-crossing timing, thereby reducing downtime and preventing re-ignition while enhancing protection reliability through active arc management.
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
The solution effectively reduces the duration of follow currents to zero by quenching arcs immediately after the lightning overvoltage pulse, preventing re-ignition and enhancing the arrester's reliability and lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing chambers connected to the outlets of the discharge chambers through the discharge gaps between the electrodes... generating high gas pressure to extinguish discharge arcs
Implementation Method 2
when the channel expands, high gas pressure is created and the channels of spark discharges between the electrodes move to the surface of the insulating body and then are blown outward into the surrounding air under the influence of the high gas pressure. Due to the arising blast and the elongation of the channels between the electrodes, the discharge arcs are cooled, the total resistance of all discharge arcs increases
Data Source
AI summary
An arrester for lightning protection of electrical equipment or power transmission lines is disclosed. The arrester comprises an insulating body made of a dielectric and five or more electrodes mechanically connected to the insulating body and arranged to allow the formation of an electric discharge between adjacent electrodes under the influence of lightning overvoltage. The electrodes are located inside the insulating body and separated from its surface by a layer of insulation. Adjacent electrodes exit into discharge chambers having outlets to the surface of the insulating body. At least a part of the discharge chambers is provided with pressurizing chambers located near the electrodes and connected to the discharge chambers through the discharge gaps between adjacent electrodes. Thanks to the invention, the discharge arc is extinguished after the passage of the lightning overvoltage pulse before the follow current having the industrial frequency passes through zero, mainly immediately after the lightning overvoltage pulse.