Flexible Insulating Curtain for Compact Switchgear Arc Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing switchgear designs for underwater vessels are bulky and heavy due to the requirement for large arc clearance spaces, which limits their compactness and accessibility for maintenance, especially under the stringent conditions of marine technology.
Innovation Solution
A free space module with electrically insulating, pressure- and arc-resistant curtains attached to side parts, allowing for reduced arc clearance and easier maintenance by minimizing gas reflection and providing a flexible partition for accommodating switching gases produced during arc interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed switchgear design with rigid insulating plates is used, then arc clearance is ensured, but the volume and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies flexible insulating curtains made of heat-resistant fibrous material instead of rigid insulating plates. These curtains can be moved or folded back when needed, allowing the switchgear to have a compact closed design during operation while enabling easy access for maintenance by simply moving the curtains, eliminating the need for large access openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating curtains are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing them to be positioned in different states: extended to provide arc clearance during operation, and moved back to allow access during maintenance. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between maintaining arc clearance and enabling easy access.
2Reliability
If rigid insulating plates are used for arc clearance, then arc containment is achieved, but maintenance access becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible insulating curtains can be easily moved or folded back to provide wide access for maintenance personnel and tools, while still maintaining arc containment when extended during operation. This resolves the contradiction between arc containment and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable nature of the curtains allows them to adapt between two functional states: providing arc containment during operation and providing access during maintenance, eliminating the need for fixed rigid structures that would compromise either function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If large arc clearance space is provided, then switching gas reflection is reduced, but the switchgear becomes bulkier and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible curtains provide effective arc containment and reduce switching gas reflection through their insulating properties, while their flexibility allows them to be positioned optimally without requiring excessive space, thus reducing overall switchgear volume and weight compared to rigid plate designs.
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 enables a compact, lightweight switchgear design with reduced space requirements and improved accessibility for maintenance, enhancing operational safety and reliability in underwater environments.
Implementation Method 1
a curtain (4) made of electrically insulating, pressure- and arc-resistant material is attached to a cover part (3) connecting them
Implementation Method 2
a curtain (4) made of electrically insulating, pressure- and arc-resistant material is attached to a cover part (3) connecting them
Implementation Method 3
through which a reflection of switching gases conducted through the curtain (4) is reducible compared to a reflection from a rigid medium
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a gap module for receiving switching gases caused by the discharge of an arc, to a switching system, and to a submarine. The aim of the invention is to provide a compact switching system comprising an arc gap, said system being advantageously usable in submarines in particular. This is achieved in that a gap module (1) is provided for receiving switching gases caused by the discharge of at least one arc, comprising at least two opposing lateral parts (2) and a cover part (3) which connects said lateral parts and on which a projection (4) made of an electrically insulating material that is pressure- and arc-resistant is fixed. A reflection of switching gases conducted onto the projection can be reduced by the projection in comparison to a reflection of a rigid medium.