Fluoroketone Insulation Gas Material Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fluoroketones used in dielectric insulation gases for high voltage applications face issues of reduced insulation and arc extinction performance over prolonged operation times, potentially leading to premature maintenance and component degradation, contrary to the assumption of their non-reactive nature.

Innovation Solution

The use of components made from materials that remain unaltered for extended periods when exposed to fluoroketone-containing insulation gases, with surfaces devoid of nucleophilic groups to prevent decomposition reactions, and the inclusion of specific fluoroketones like 1,1,1,3,4,4,4-heptafluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)butan-2-one, which reduces the formation of corrosive and toxic decomposition products.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluoroketone-containing insulation gas is used, then insulation capability and arc extinction capability are improved, but insulation performance and component functionality deteriorate over prolonged operation times

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation capabilityVSAvoidoperation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the insulation gas by specifying precise proportions of fluoroketone (0.1-10% by volume) combined with other dielectric gases (CO2, N2, SF6, etc.). This optimized parameter combination maintains high insulation capability while reducing the formation of decomposition products that would otherwise degrade performance over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite insulation gas medium by combining fluoroketone with other dielectric gases. This composite approach allows the system to benefit from the high dielectric strength of fluoroketone while the other gases provide stability and reduce reactivity, thereby extending operational duration without performance degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If fluoroketone-containing insulation gas is used, then dielectric strength is improved, but component functionality deteriorates due to decomposition reactions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedielectric strengthVSAvoiddecomposition reactions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces other dielectric gases (CO2, N2, SF6, CF4, C2F6) as intermediary substances that act as buffers between the fluoroketone and the apparatus components. These intermediary gases reduce the direct contact and reactive interaction between fluoroketone decomposition products and component surfaces, thereby preventing degradation while maintaining dielectric strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a more inert operational environment by combining fluoroketone with gases known for their chemical stability and low reactivity. This inert atmosphere reduces the likelihood and extent of decomposition reactions, minimizing harmful effects on components while preserving the high dielectric properties needed for effective insulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

3Reliability

If fluoroketone is used in insulation gas, then arc extinction capability is improved, but maintenance frequency increases due to performance reduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearc extinction capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance interval
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of fluoroketone in the insulation gas mixture (0.1-10% by volume). This parameter optimization ensures sufficient arc extinction capability is achieved while minimizing the formation of decomposition products that would require frequent maintenance. The balanced composition extends maintenance intervals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite gas mixture that combines the arc extinction benefits of fluoroketone with the stability of other dielectric gases. This composite approach maintains effective arc interruption performance while the stabilizing gases reduce degradation, thereby extending the time between maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If fluoroketone-containing insulation gas is used, then insulation performance is improved, but component material compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation performanceVSAvoidmaterial compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a chemically inert operational atmosphere by combining fluoroketone with stable dielectric gases. This inert environment reduces the reactivity towards polymeric sealing components and other materials, improving material compatibility while maintaining the high insulation performance required for effective operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 approach maintains the insulation and arc extinction performance of the dielectric gas, extends the service lifetime of components, and reduces maintenance needs while ensuring safety by minimizing hazardous decomposition products.

Implementation Method 1

Dielectric insulation media in liquid or gaseous state are conventionally applied for the insulation of an electrically conductive part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric insulation: Dielectric

Implementation Method 2

For interrupting the current in e.g. high voltage switchgears, the insulating gas further functions as an arc extinction gas

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArc extinction: Electric Arc

Data Source

PatentUS10825576B2Apparatus for the generation, the distribution and/or the usage of electrical energy and component for such an apparatus
Publication Date: 2020.11.03 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • US10825576B2 patent drawing
  • US10825576B2 patent drawing
  • US10825576B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to an apparatus for the generation, the distribution and/or the usage of electrical energy. The apparatus comprises a housing enclosing an insulating space and an electrically conductive part arranged in the insulating space, said insulating space containing a dielectric insulation medium, at least a portion of which being in the form of an insulation gas comprising an organofluorine compound. According to the invention, at least some of the components of the apparatus that are directly exposed to the insulation gas are made of a material which remains unaltered during exposure to the insulation gas for a period of more than 1 year at operational conditions and/or have a surface, at least a portion of which is devoid of any nucleophilic group reactive towards the organofluorine compound and/or reactive towards any degradation product thereof at operational conditions.