High-Voltage Test Circuit with AC DC Impulse Branches

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-voltage test systems require separate setups for AC, DC, and surge voltage tests, leading to space and cost inefficiencies, as well as increased effort in transporting and setting up test specimens, especially for gas-insulated products which demand specific configurations for each type of test.

Innovation Solution

A circuit arrangement with an AC voltage source and two branches, allowing for simultaneous AC and DC voltage testing without moving the test object, and incorporating surge voltage generator stages with storage capacitors and spark gaps to enable impulse voltage tests, all integrated into a single, space-saving high-voltage test system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate test rigs are used for AC, DC, and impulse voltage tests, then each test type can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the space requirement and investment cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest qualityVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines AC voltage testing, DC voltage testing, and impulse voltage testing capabilities into a single integrated test rig. The test system uses a unified structure with configurable circuit branches that can be switched to provide different voltage test types, eliminating the need for separate dedicated test rigs for each voltage test category.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test rig is designed as a universal platform that can perform multiple functions: AC voltage testing through a direct connection branch, DC voltage testing through a rectification branch, and impulse voltage testing through a Marx generator branch. This multi-functional design allows a single rig to replace multiple specialized rigs.

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

2Reliability

If separate test rigs are used for different voltage tests, then each test can be optimized for its specific requirements, but the investment cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test rig is divided into distinct functional circuit branches: an AC voltage connection branch for AC testing, a DC voltage connection branch with rectification circuitry for DC testing, and an impulse voltage connection branch with Marx generator for impulse testing. Each branch is segmented and can be independently configured or activated based on the test requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test rig incorporates dynamic switching mechanisms that allow the circuit configuration to change based on the required test type. Switches and configurable connections enable the system to dynamically reconfigure its circuit topology to match the specific test requirements without requiring multiple static rigs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple test rigs are used, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but the effort to transport and set up test specimens increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting completenessVSAvoidsetup time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging AC, DC, and impulse voltage testing capabilities into a single test rig with a unified test object connection interface, the patent eliminates the need to physically move or reconfigure test specimens between multiple rigs. The test object remains connected to the same rig throughout all test types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If gas-insulated products are flanged directly to test rigs for AC voltage tests, then space for insulation distances is reduced, but this requires modifying test rigs with air feedthroughs for DC and impulse tests

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation spaceVSAvoidrig configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test rig is designed with a universal connection interface that accommodates gas-insulated products for all test types (AC, DC, and impulse). The integrated design includes all necessary circuit branches and switching mechanisms within a single rig configuration, eliminating the need to modify the rig structure or add air feedthroughs when transitioning between test types.

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

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

Enables efficient and cost-effective performance of AC, DC, and impulse voltage tests on a single system, reducing the need for multiple setups and allowing for flexible adaptation of voltages, thereby streamlining high-voltage testing processes and accommodating various test types, including those for gas-insulated products.

Implementation Method 1

a second circuit branch (7) that can be electrically connected to the AC voltage source (3) via a second switch (S1_2), wherein an AC voltage can be applied to the test object (9) by means of a first circuit branch (5), and a DC voltage can be applied to the test object (9) by means of the second circuit branch (7) that rectifies an AC voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification:

Implementation Method 2

at least one impulse voltage generator stage for generating a high-voltage pulse that can be applied to a test object, wherein the impulse voltage generator stage has a storage capacitor and a spark gap for discharging the storage capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Discharge: Electrostatic Discharge

Data Source

PatentEP3224630B1Circuit assembly for high-voltage tests and high-voltage testing system
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3224630B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a circuit assembly (1) for high-voltage tests. The circuit assembly (1) comprises an alternating voltage source (3) and at least two circuit branches (5, 7), each of which can be electrically connected to the alternating voltage source (3). An alternating voltage can be applied to a test object (9) by means of a first circuit branch (5), and a direct voltage can be applied to the test object (9) by means of a second circuit branch (7), which rectifies an alternating voltage.