Rigid Bus Duct Shielding Layout for Lower EMI and Voltage Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigid bus ducts are expensive and time-consuming to install and replace, with high resistance joints and large footprint requirements due to seismic considerations, and there is a need for improved power distribution systems in multi-story buildings.
Innovation Solution
A rigid bus duct system comprising a pair of side rails, support members, and insulated conductors arranged in high current phase groups and a neutral group, with shielding structures between phase groups, and a sealed connection system using flexible sealing boots to reduce weight and minimize losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rigid bus ducts with blade-type connections and bolts are used, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bus duct system is divided into modular sections that can be pre-assembled and tested separately, then quickly connected on-site. Each module contains integrated connection points and support structures, allowing parallel preparation and reducing on-site assembly time while maintaining connection reliability through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Connection components, support members, and conductor arrangements are pre-configured and pre-positioned during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures proper alignment and connection integrity while eliminating time-consuming field adjustments and installations.
2Reliability
If traditional rigid bus ducts with blade-type connections are used, then secure electrical connection is achieved, but joint resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
A conductive intermediary material or coating is applied at the connection interface between bus duct sections. This intermediary layer improves electrical contact quality, reduces contact resistance, and prevents oxidation while maintaining the mechanical strength of the blade-type connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection geometry and material properties are optimized to reduce resistance. This includes modifying blade thickness, contact surface area, and material conductivity to achieve lower joint resistance while maintaining secure mechanical connection.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid bus ducts are installed with longer lateral sides perpendicular to structural walls for seismic considerations, then seismic stability is improved, but footprint area increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The bus duct design transitions from a two-dimensional planar footprint to a three-dimensional spatial configuration. By utilizing vertical stacking, diagonal routing, and multi-level support structures, the system achieves seismic stability through spatial distribution rather than horizontal footprint, significantly reducing the area occupied on each floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus duct sections are designed with asymmetric orientations and configurations that optimize seismic performance while minimizing footprint. By strategically positioning conductors and support members at different angles and heights, the system achieves structural stability without requiring uniform perpendicular alignment that would maximize footprint area.
4Power
If traditional bus duct configurations are used, then power distribution is achieved, but thermal efficiency decreases and electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the bus duct system are designed with locally optimized properties for thermal management. High-current carriers are positioned with increased spacing or thermal isolation in regions requiring heat dissipation, while low-current sections use compact configurations. This local differentiation maintains power distribution efficiency while minimizing overall thermal losses.
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 provides increased thermal efficiency, reduced electromagnetic interference, and up to 25% less voltage drop compared to traditional bus ducts, allowing for longer runs and improved power distribution in high-rise buildings.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of shielding structures connected between the support members and positioned with at least one shielding structure located between the insulated conductors of each high current phase group
Implementation Method 2
each insulated conductor comprises a hollow tube
Implementation Method 3
The system provides increased thermal efficiency
Implementation Method 4
Each boot comprises a body constructed from a flexible material and having a closed first end and an open second end, with an opening through the closed end for each insulated conductor such that the open end of one boot of each pair is stretchable over the open end of the other boot of each pair to form a seal
Data Source
AI summary
A rigid bus duct comprising a pair of side rails extending in a longitudinal direction, a plurality of support members extending between the side rails in a transverse direction, and a plurality of insulated conductors extending longitudinally, and held in a fixed relationship to one another by the plurality of support members. The plurality of insulated conductors are arranged in groups including a plurality of high current phase groups and a neutral group, and a plurality of shielding structures connected between the support members and positioned with at least one shielding structure located between the insulated conductors of each high current phase group.