Earthing Switch Disconnector with Insulating Tube for Particle Trapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-voltage earthing switches are bulky, expensive, and prone to particle displacement due to electrical wear, which reduces dielectric strength, and require complex insulating cone supports and gas insulation.

Innovation Solution

An earthing switch device with a single insulating tube supporting and guiding the high-voltage conductor, incorporating inlet and outlet valves, sliding seals, and a nozzle-type gas channeling device to trap particles and reduce arcing times, achieving compactness and enhanced dielectric strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional insulating cone supports are used to support the high voltage conductor, then the conductor can be supported and isolated, but the device becomes bulky, expensive, and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulating strengthVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the insulating tube, conductor support, and particle trapping functions into a single integrated structure. The insulating tube serves both as the support structure for the high voltage conductor and as the containment vessel for trapping wear particles, eliminating the need for separate insulating cones and particle collection systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating tube performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the conductor, maintains gas insulation, and traps particles generated by electrical wear. This multi-functional design reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If traditional earthing switches are designed with separate insulating supports, then the conductor can be properly isolated, but the device becomes bulky and gas-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveisolation reliabilityVSAvoiddevice volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The high voltage conductor is nested within the insulating tube, which itself is contained within the gas-insulated chamber. This nested arrangement allows the device to maintain reliable isolation while minimizing the overall volume and gas requirements compared to traditional designs with external insulating supports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If the disconnector operates frequently to make and break induced currents, then the network can be reconfigured, but electrical arcs erode metal parts and displace particles that reduce dielectric strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation speedVSAvoiddielectric strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of particle generation during arcing into a beneficial containment system. The insulating tube captures and traps the particles generated by electrical wear, preventing them from contaminating the gas insulation and maintaining dielectric strength despite frequent operating cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating tube acts as an intermediary barrier between the arcing contacts and the gas insulation medium. It intercepts particles generated during switching operations and prevents them from reaching and degrading the gas insulation, thereby protecting the dielectric strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 more compact, cost-effective earthing switch with reduced arcing times and improved dielectric strength, capable of handling high voltages like 1100kV, by trapping particles and optimizing gas flow, thus ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

trapping all the particles generated by electrical wear and mechanics during the operation of this device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 2

filled with an insulating gas under pressure with high dielectric strength, such as sulfur hexafluoride or another gas mixture

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric strength: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

an electric arc erodes the metal parts of this disconnector when it is opened and closed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc erosion: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentEP2628221B1Earthing switch disconnector and high-voltage electrical signal box comprising such a device
Publication Date: 2014.11.05 ALSTOM TECH LTD
  • EP2628221B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2628221B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2628221B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an earthing switch disconnector arranged inside a gas-insulated high-voltage signal box, comprising an earthed metal envelope (20) and a high-voltage conductor (21) arranged coaxially to the inside of said envelope, in addition to an insulating tube (22) arranged between the envelope (20) and the conductor (21), perpendicularly to said two components, supporting the conductor and guiding an earthing conductive mobile part (24) of said conductor (21).