Lightning Arrester Separation Mechanism for Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for conducting withstand voltage tests on gas-insulation switchgear, either by removing the surge arrester or using a disconnector, either prolong the work time or increase costs.

Innovation Solution

A surge arrester design incorporating a grounded enclosure, nonlinear resistor, shield, and isolating device that allows for electrical disconnection between the high-voltage side terminal and electrode without disturbing the insulation gas, enabling efficient testing and protection while reducing costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the surge arrester is removed from the gas-insulation switchgear for withstand voltage testing, then the testing can be performed, but the work time is prolonged due to removal and reinstallation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidwork time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The surge arrester is divided into separable components: a movable rod that can be electrically disconnected from the high-voltage side terminal, while the main body remains installed. This allows the switchgear to be tested without completely removing the surge arrester, reducing work time while maintaining testing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A disconnector mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the surge arrester and the switchgear. This mediator enables electrical disconnection for testing purposes while allowing quick reconnection, avoiding the time-consuming process of complete removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If a disconnector is provided in the gas-insulation switchgear to achieve electrical disconnection, then the surge arrester can remain installed, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework timeVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The disconnector function is merged with the existing surge arrester structure rather than being implemented as a separate switchgear component. The movable rod and its connection mechanism are integrated into the surge arrester design, leveraging existing structural elements to reduce overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable rod serves multiple functions: it acts as both the electrical connection element and the disconnector mechanism. By making this single component perform both roles, the need for additional dedicated disconnector hardware is eliminated, reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the surge arrester is electrically disconnected from the gas-insulation switchgear, then the withstand voltage test can be performed, but handling insulation gas becomes necessary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accuracyVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical disconnection function is extracted from the main body of the surge arrester and implemented through the movable rod mechanism. This allows the rod to be independently disconnected without requiring the entire surge arrester to be removed from the gas-insulation switchgear, avoiding the complex operation of handling insulation gas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 work time required for withstand voltage tests and lowers the overall cost by allowing electrical disconnection without handling insulation gas, enhancing the reliability and cost-effectiveness of the surge arrester's operation.

Implementation Method 1

a nonlinear resistor 20 having a first electrode 21 on the upper end side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNonlinear resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3514899B1Lightning arrester
Publication Date: 2023.07.26 KK TOSHIBA
  • EP3514899B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3514899B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3514899B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a lightning arrester capable of shortening the work time required when performing a withstand voltage test, and allowing the costs to be reduced. In this lightning arrester, a separation mechanism comprises a guiding conductor and a mobile rod, and switches a gap between a high-voltage side terminal portion and a high-voltage side electrode into an electrically connected state or disconnected state. The high-voltage side terminal portion has a recessed portion formed at an other-end side. The guiding conductor is electrically connected to the high-voltage side electrode inside the grounding tank, and has a guiding conductor through-hole formed in such a manner as to face the recessed portion on the high-voltage side terminal portion. The mobile rod is inserted in the guiding conductor through-hole, and is movable between one end side and the other-end side. When the disconnected state is to be reached, the separation mechanism moves the mobile rod to the other-end side, thereby bringing the gap between the mobile rod and the high-voltage side terminal portion into a separated state.