Bushing Electrode Shielding for High-Voltage Dielectric Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage devices require large diameters, high-pressure switching gases, and thick materials to maintain dielectric strength, which are costly and environmentally harmful, especially when using alternative gases like clean air.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating electrodes at free and ground potentials in bushings to enhance dielectric strength, allowing for smaller diameters, lower gas pressures, and use of climate-friendly gases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large diameters, high-pressure switching gases, and thick materials are used to maintain dielectric strength, then dielectric strength is improved, but cost and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary electric field shielding structure (grounded electrode system) between the live conductor and the encapsulation housing. This shielding structure acts as a mediator that redistributes and neutralizes electric field concentrations, thereby enhancing dielectric strength without requiring larger dimensions, higher gas pressures, or thicker materials. The shielding structure comprises multiple grounded electrodes arranged in specific patterns that create equipotential surfaces, effectively reducing electric field stress at critical locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical field distribution parameters by introducing grounded electrodes at specific positions and potentials. By adjusting the potential distribution through these electrodes, the electric field intensity and direction are modified to reduce stress concentrations. This parameter change approach allows maintaining adequate dielectric strength with reduced physical dimensions and lower gas pressures, thereby reducing material usage and environmental impact.
2Reliability
If SF6 gas is used to ensure sufficient dielectric strength, then dielectric strength is improved, but climate harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The grounded electrode shielding structure serves as an intermediary that compensates for the lower dielectric strength of climate-friendly gases. By creating equipotential surfaces and reducing electric field concentrations, the shielding structure enables the use of alternative gases without sacrificing dielectric performance. This allows replacement of SF6 with environmentally friendly gases while maintaining adequate insulation levels through field control rather than relying solely on gas properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the electric field distribution parameters through the electrode system, which compensates for the inferior dielectric properties of alternative gases. By optimizing electrode positions, shapes, and potentials, the electric field intensity is reduced to levels that alternative gases can withstand, thereby enabling SF6 replacement without compromising insulation reliability.
3Reliability
If high pressures of switching gases are used to increase dielectric strength, then dielectric strength is improved, but material costs and wall thickness requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounded electrode shielding structure acts as an intermediary that reduces electric field stress on the gas insulation and housing walls. By redistributing the electric field more uniformly and reducing peak field intensities, the shielding allows operation at lower gas pressures while maintaining dielectric strength. This consequently reduces the required wall thickness of the encapsulation housing and insulators, lowering material costs and manufacturing complexity.
4Reliability
If large diameters of openings are used to ensure sufficient dielectric strength, then dielectric strength is improved, but insulator costs and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grounded electrode shielding structure serves as an intermediary around the openings that controls electric field distribution. By placing electrodes strategically near the openings where field concentrations occur, the shielding reduces electric field intensity without requiring larger opening diameters. This allows maintaining adequate dielectric strength with smaller, more cost-effective insulator dimensions.
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
Achieves high dielectric strength with cost-effective and material-efficient designs, enabling the use of clean air and reducing the risk of electrical flashovers and short-circuits.
Implementation Method 1
The insulating gas insulates, for example, the switching unit and the live conductors in the interior of the high-voltage device in relation to the grounded encapsulation housing
Implementation Method 2
Electrical fields or field spikes in the area of the openings are changed or reduced, i.e., shielded by grounded electrodes, in particular circular, hollow cylindrical metal electrodes arranged in the interior of the insulator
Data Source
AI summary
A high-voltage device has an encapsulation housing and at least one bushing for at least one conductor, through which a current flows, into the encapsulation housing and/or out of the encapsulation housing. At least one electrode at free potential is surrounded by the bushing. The at least one electrode at free potential increases the dielectric strength in the high-voltage device, especially in the region of the bushing.