Circuit Breaker Racking System with Remote Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing manual and motor-operated circuit breaker racking systems in electrical substations are inefficient and pose risks due to uncontained electrical arcs during the racking process, requiring an automated system to enhance safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A semi-autonomous or autonomous circuit breaker racking system that includes a support structure with arms and a lift arrangement using rails and rollers, equipped with proximity sensors, cameras, and wireless communication, allowing for remote operation and navigation to avoid collisions, and integrating with existing substation infrastructure without requiring custom programming or changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual or motor-operated mechanisms are used to rack circuit breakers, then the racking operation can be performed, but operators are exposed to uncontained electrical arcs and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical racking operations with an automated robotic system that uses sensors, cameras, and programmable logic to autonomously perform circuit breaker racking. This substitution eliminates operator exposure to electrical arcs while maintaining efficient racking speeds through automated positioning and actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system is equipped with onboard sensors, cameras, and navigation capabilities that allow it to autonomously locate circuit breakers, navigate to them, and perform racking operations without continuous human intervention. The system self-manages the entire racking process from identification to completion, improving both safety and efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If circuit breakers are manually moved with caster wheels, then operators can reposition breakers, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pushing and repositioning of circuit breakers with an automated robotic system that uses programmed navigation paths, sensors for obstacle detection, and automated lifting mechanisms. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for maintenance operations while improving ease of repositioning through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system uses pre-programmed floorplans and maps of the substation layout to navigate directly to target circuit breakers without manual guidance. This preliminary programming of navigation paths eliminates the need for operators to manually search for and locate breakers, significantly reducing maintenance time.
3Productivity
If automated robotic systems are introduced for circuit breaker racking, then operator safety is improved and efficiency increases, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various circuit breaker types and racking operations using a single platform. The system can perform multiple tasks including navigation, positioning, lifting, and racking operations, which reduces the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifies overall system deployment despite the advanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses wireless communication infrastructure and existing substation networks as intermediaries to enable the robotic system to communicate with control systems and receive navigation data. This approach avoids the need for complex hardwired connections and reduces system complexity by leveraging existing communication infrastructure.
4Measurement precision
If custom programming and infrastructure changes are required for automated racking, then precise control is achieved, but implementation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic system uses pre-programmed floorplans and digital maps of the substation layout that are created beforehand. These preliminary digital representations allow the system to navigate and position accurately without requiring physical modifications to the substation infrastructure, simplifying implementation while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies (floorplans and maps) of the physical substation layout to guide navigation and positioning operations. This copying approach allows precise positioning based on virtual representations without requiring physical changes to the actual infrastructure, reducing implementation complexity while maintaining accuracy.
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 system enables safe, efficient, and remote operation of circuit breaker installation and removal, reducing operator exposure to arc flashes and streamlining maintenance processes by providing real-time feedback and video recording capabilities, allowing for faster troubleshooting and integration with existing substation layouts.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second rails may each include a respective ramped portion, and the lift arrangement may further include a first roller positioned to contact the ramped portion of the first rail and a second roller positioned to contact the ramped portion of the second rail. The drive system may be operable to move the first and second rollers horizontally to raise the first and second rails.
Data Source
AI summary
A circuit breaker racking system and method may include a movable A-frame operable to attach to and release a circuit breaker, and move it forward and rearward along two space-apart arms. Rails associated with each of the arms may be movable upward and downward to lift and release the circuit breaker from a floor or platform. A drive screw assembly on the circuit breaker racking system may be actuated to pull a circuit breaker forward out of a cabinet or to push the circuit breaker back into the cabinet by engaging with a screw mounted to a wall of the cabinet. The circuit breaker racking system may be manually operated and moved about a control room, or may be remotely moved and actuated by an operator outside of the control room.