Circuit Breaker Particle Trap for Insulator Flashover Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage circuit breakers face issues with particle generation and dust accumulation during mechanical switching, which can lead to insulation deterioration and flash-overs due to the inability of existing technologies to effectively trap and prevent particles from reaching critical insulation areas.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a particle trap integrated into the insulator flange of the circuit breaker, positioned radially outward from the central axis, which collects and securely traps particles using a pocket design shielded from electric fields, preventing them from escaping due to gravity and mechanical movement, while also serving as a coupling mechanism to contact supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If particles are collected in a groove at the insulator flange, then particle collection is achieved, but particles can escape during internal movement or vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The particle trap is designed as a nested structure where the trap is formed within the insulator flange itself. The flange creates a pocket-like structure with radial and axial extensions that form a contained space for particles, nesting the particle collection function within the structural component of the flange.
Solution Approach 2:
The particle trap acts as an intermediary structure between the insulator and the particles. It provides a dedicated containment space that mediates between the particles generated during operation and the insulator surface, preventing direct contact and potential flash-overs while collecting particles in a controlled environment.
2Reliability
If the particle trap is positioned radially outward from the insulator, then particles are securely trapped, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator flange is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the insulator, enables coupling to contact supports, and simultaneously creates the particle trap structure. The radial and axial extensions of the flange form the particle containment space, integrating particle collection into an existing structural component rather than adding a separate device.
3Reliability
If the particle trap entrance is at the axial end of the insulator, then particles can enter the trap, but the trap must be accessible for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The particle trap is designed as a segmented structure with a defined entrance region at the axial end and a containment pocket region. The flange structure is divided into functional zones: the radial extension forms the trap walls, the axial extension creates the entrance, and the pocket provides the collection space. This segmentation allows particles to enter through the axial entrance while being contained in the pocket region.
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 solution effectively prevents particle accumulation on insulator surfaces, reducing the risk of insulation deterioration and flash-overs, thereby enhancing the reliability and performance of the circuit breaker by ensuring a clean insulation environment.
Implementation Method 1
The particle trap may be located at a lowermost portion of the insulator flange, wherein the lowermost portion is lowermost in regard of gravity in an installation position of the circuit breaker. Thereby, the particles can enter the particle trap due to gravity and are prevented by gravity from leaving the particle trap.
Implementation Method 2
The pocket may be shielded from an electric field by a metal shield being located between the pocket and the insulator. Thereby, the particles are prevented from being drawn out of the particle trap by an electric field.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A high-voltage circuit breaker (1) comprises a first main contact (2) and a second main contact (3) extending along a central longitudinal axis (A) and being at least partially enclosed by an insulator (5), wherein the insulator (5) has an inner surface (18) facing the central longitudinal axis (A) and being arranged at a first distance (d1) from the central longitudinal axis (A), and further comprises at least one particle trap (8, 9) for trapping particles generated during operation of the circuit breaker, wherein the particle trap (8, 9) has an inner surface (19) facing the central longitudinal axis (A) and being arranged at a second distance (d2) from the central longitudinal axis (A), the second distance (d2) being larger than the first distance (d1).