Compact Coupler for Medium-Voltage Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medium-voltage couplers are expensive to manufacture, complex in design, and difficult to integrate into compact load switching systems due to their large size and mechanical issues such as thermal expansion, which increases installation costs and affects signal quality.
Innovation Solution
A compact coupler design that allows direct attachment to equipment carrying mains voltage, eliminating the need for additional holding devices and expensive connection means, using a housing with electrodes and a dielectric to form a coupling capacitance, and incorporating a symmetrical configuration with adapters for versatile installation, along with a lightweight and mechanically stable structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hand-manufactured couplers are used, then manufacturing precision and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is divided into modular components: a first part with a first connection element and a second part with a second connection element. These parts can be manufactured separately using standardized processes and then assembled, enabling machine manufacturing while maintaining reliability. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for both manufacturing efficiency and functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed with universal applicability to various energy supply network configurations. The first and second connection elements can interface with different types of network equipment (busbars, cables, switchgear) through standardized attachment mechanisms, reducing the need for custom hand-manufactured couplers for each application while maintaining reliable electrical connection.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional couplers with additional holding devices are used, then mechanical stability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is merged into the connection elements themselves rather than being a separate component. The first and second connection elements are designed to directly provide mechanical attachment and electrical connection in a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate holding devices while maintaining mechanical stability through the inherent design of the connection elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection elements are designed to be self-sufficient, providing both mechanical attachment and electrical connection functions without requiring additional supporting components. The first and second connection elements inherently possess the structural integrity and attachment capabilities needed to secure the coupler to energy supply network equipment, making the system self-contained and simplifying the overall design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cable strands are used for connection, then adaptability to different network configurations is improved, but signal quality deteriorates and mechanical stability worsens due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic cable strand connection method is extracted and replaced with rigid connection elements designed for direct attachment to energy supply network equipment. The first and second connection elements provide direct mechanical and electrical contact without relying on flexible cable strands, thereby eliminating the signal degradation and thermal expansion issues while maintaining adaptability through standardized attachment interfaces.
4Ease of operation
If couplers are installed outside switchgear, then ease of installation is improved, but installation cost increases due to spatial requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler is designed to nest within or attach directly to compact load switching systems and switchgear equipment. The first and second connection elements enable the coupler to be integrated into the existing spatial footprint of the switchgear, allowing installation within the confined spaces of compact systems rather than requiring external mounting, thereby reducing installation costs while maintaining ease of installation through modular assembly.
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 solution results in a cost-effective, compact coupler that can be installed in cramped spaces, reducing manufacturing and installation costs while maintaining mechanical stability and improving signal quality, enabling integration into compact systems like transformer rooms and load switchgear.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling capacitance (12) couples high-frequency signal components from the medium-voltage network to the coupling network, while the supply voltage is decoupled or at least significantly reduced.
Implementation Method 2
a measurement signal is decoupled from the energy supply network, which is representative of a variable to be measured within the energy supply network
Implementation Method 3
a first electrode (13), a second electrode (14) and a dielectric (15), with the dielectric (15) being arranged between the first electrode (13) and the second electrode (14)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A coupler for connecting measuring and/or communication equipment to a power supply network, in particular a medium-voltage network, is disclosed. The coupler comprises: a housing (11), a first electrode arranged inside the housing (11), a second electrode arranged inside the housing (11), a dielectric arranged between the first and second electrodes and inside the housing (11), wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the dielectric form a coupling capacitance (12), and a coupling network (17) connected to the second electrode and configured for connecting measuring and/or communication equipment. A fastening element (14, 15) is provided on the side of the first electrode facing away from the dielectric and on the side of the second electrode facing away from the dielectric.The fastening element (14) on the first electrode is designed for connecting and securing the coupler (1) to a mains-voltage device of the power supply network. The fastening element (15) on the second electrode is designed for connecting the coupling network (17). A coupler module is also described, which can be supplemented by a coupling network to form a previously described coupler. Several coupler modules and a coupling network constitute a coupler system, also described here.