Distribution Panel Arc Pressure Relief Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
In distribution panels, arc accidents in the power transformer chamber can cause the PT door to be forcibly opened at high speed, posing a risk to nearby individuals.
Innovation Solution
The distribution panel incorporates inner covers on the rear surface of the vertical partition wall, which rotate to open multiple openings between the power transformer chamber and the cable chamber, allowing the arc to spread and reduce pressure in the power transformer chamber, minimizing the risk of the PT door being forcibly opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the PT chamber is sealed to prevent arc spread, then safety is improved, but arc pressure cannot be relieved causing the PT door to be forcibly opened at high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is segmented by providing multiple openings (upper opening and lower opening) instead of a single sealed structure. The upper cover and lower cover can independently rotate to open these openings, allowing controlled arc pressure relief while maintaining chamber segmentation for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The covers are made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic response to arc pressure. When arc pressure increases, the covers automatically rotate to open openings, enabling pressure relief. This dynamic mechanism prevents excessive pressure buildup that would force the PT door open at high speed.
2Stress or pressure
If openings are provided in the partition wall to allow arc spread, then arc pressure is reduced, but the arc may directly damage the bushing
Solution Approach 1:
The openings are strategically positioned at specific locations (upper opening above the bushing, lower opening below the bushing) rather than directly in front of it. This local quality differentiation allows arc spread and pressure relief while the bushing position remains protected from direct arc exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper cover and lower cover act as intermediary elements between the arc and the bushing. When these covers rotate open, they control the arc path and allow pressure relief while the bushing's position and the cover structure itself provide protection from direct arc damage.
3Stress or pressure
If the opening area is increased to maximize arc spread, then arc pressure relief is improved, but interference with the bus bar in the rear cable chamber increases
Solution Approach 1:
The openings are positioned at specific locations (upper and lower portions of the partition wall) that maximize arc spread area while avoiding the region where the bus bar is located in the rear cable chamber. This selective positioning allows large opening area for pressure relief without bus bar interference.
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 design minimizes the risk of accidents by maximizing the area for arc passage to the rear cable chamber, reducing pressure in the power transformer chamber and preventing damage to the bushing and bus bar, while maintaining the reliability of the lower cover.
Implementation Method 1
an arc accident may occur in the PT chamber in which the PT is accommodated
Data Source
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AI summary
A distribution panel includes a cabinet having a space formed therein and an inner partition positioned within the cabinet and partitioning a front power transformer (PT) chamber and a rear cable chamber, wherein the inner partition includes: a partition body, on which a bushing is disposed in a penetrating manner, having openings allowing an arc to pass therethrough; and an inner cover rotatably coupled to the partition body to open and close the opening, and rotated by an arc pressure when an arc accident occurs in the front PT chamber, to open the opening. Since an arc from the front PT chamber is spread to the rear cable chamber, pressure of the front PT chamber may be lowered, and a phenomenon in which a PT door is forcibly opened at a high speed is minimized, minimizing an accident.