Embossed Parallel Busbar Structure for Switchgear Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional busbars for low, medium, and high voltage applications face challenges such as inefficiencies in heat dissipation due to the skin effect, bulkiness, and complexity in assembly, particularly with the need for additional spacers to maintain distance between conductive elements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates bar elements with raised sections or embossments that serve as intrinsic spacers, allowing for increased cooling via convective and radiative means while simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for additional spacers and reducing weight through efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If additional spacers are used to maintain distance between parallel bars, then the distance between bars is maintained, but the assembly complexity increases and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spacer function with the bar structure itself by integrating raised sections directly into the bar elements. This merging eliminates the need for separate spacer components, thereby maintaining the required distance between parallel bars while reducing assembly complexity and overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised sections on the bar elements serve multiple functions: they maintain the required distance between parallel bars, provide structural support, and facilitate heat dissipation. This multi-functionality replaces the single-purpose spacer components, simplifying the overall assembly.
2Length of stationary object
If additional spacers are used to maintain distance between parallel bars, then the distance between bars is maintained, but the weight of the busbar assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spacer function into the bar structure itself through integrated raised sections. This eliminates the need for additional spacer materials, thereby maintaining the required distance between bars while reducing the overall weight of the busbar assembly.
3Power
If single bars of large cross-section are used, then current carrying capacity is sufficient, but the surface area for heat dissipation is limited and the bars become bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the busbar into multiple parallel bars instead of using a single large cross-section bar. This segmentation increases the total surface area available for heat dissipation through convection and radiation, while maintaining the required current carrying capacity through the combined cross-section of multiple bars.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges multiple bars in a parallel configuration, utilizing the spatial dimension more effectively. This arrangement increases the exposed surface area for heat dissipation compared to a single bar of equivalent current capacity, addressing the thermal management requirement.
4Power
If two parallel bars are used for high-current applications, then current carrying capacity increases, but the assembly complexity increases due to the need for spacers and connecting means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the spacer function into the bar structure itself through integrated raised sections. This eliminates the need for separate spacer components, thereby maintaining the required distance between parallel bars while reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The raised sections serve multiple functions including maintaining distance, providing structural support, and facilitating connection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the assembly of parallel bars for high-current applications.
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 enhances heat dissipation and reduces assembly complexity, achieving improved cooling efficiency and weight reduction in busbars for switchgear applications.
Implementation Method 1
This generated heat is dissipated out of the system by convection, radiation and conduction
Implementation Method 2
This generated heat is dissipated out of the system by convection, radiation and conduction
Implementation Method 3
With respect to alternating current flow, the skin effect pushes the current density to the surface of these bars
Implementation Method 4
The flowing current generates heat due to resistivity of the used material (e.g. cooper and aluminium)
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a busbar for a low voltage, medium voltage, or high voltage switchgear, the busbar comprising: - a plurality of bar elements (10), wherein the plurality of bar elements comprises: - a first bar element; and - a second bar element; wherein the first bar element comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; wherein the first bar element comprises at least one raised section or embossment (20) protruding out from the first surface; wherein the second bar element comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and wherein the first bar element is connected to the second bar element, wherein the first surface of the first bar element faces towards the first surface of the second bar element.