Elastomer Cable Joint Sleeve for HVDC Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cable joints for high-voltage direct current (DC) applications face challenges in managing transient processes and are unsuitable for connecting cables of varying diameters and electrical properties, with AC cable joints being insufficient for DC applications.
Innovation Solution
A splice closure with a connecting body made of elastomer, featuring layered control inserts of conductive materials and insulating layers, which allows for capacitive and resistive field control during transient and steady-state processes, respectively, and can be manufactured using 3D printing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex high-voltage electrodes are used to control the electric field, then field control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric field control function is segmented into multiple discrete control inserts arranged in layers, where each insert contributes to the overall field distribution. This segmentation replaces the need for a single complex high-voltage electrode system with multiple simpler, modular components that can be independently positioned and configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the control approach from voltage-based control (traditional high-voltage electrodes) to capacitance-based control through carefully designed control inserts with specific geometries and positions. By adjusting the physical parameters of these inserts (shape, size, arrangement), the electric field distribution is controlled without requiring complex voltage regulation systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If AC cable joint designs are used for DC applications, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but electrical performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adapts the design by changing the electrical parameters relevant to DC operation. The control inserts are specifically designed to address transient processes and voltage pulses characteristic of DC systems, rather than using AC-optimized designs. This allows DC-specific electrical performance requirements to be met while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing approach.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed-diameter cable joints are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting body is designed with elastic properties, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different cable diameters. This elasticity enables the same joint design to accommodate a range of cable sizes while maintaining proper electrical and mechanical connections, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-diameter designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of elastomeric materials combines the benefits of precision manufacturing (through moldable properties) with adaptability (through elastic deformation). The composite structure allows the joint to be manufactured with high precision while simultaneously accommodating dimensional variations in connected cables.
4Stability of the object's composition
If traditional rigid connector bodies are used, then structural stability is improved, but ease of assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting body utilizes an elastomeric shell that provides flexibility during assembly, allowing the joint to be easily positioned and connected to cables of varying dimensions. Once assembled, the elastic material maintains structural stability through its inherent material properties, combining ease of assembly with structural integrity.
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 simplifies assembly, enhances electrical properties, and enables connection of cables with different diameters and electrical properties by providing precise field distribution and eliminating the need for complex high-voltage electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
The control inserts are designed such that capacitive field control can be generated during transient processes, whereby the capacitances between the individual control inserts are effective during transient processes, resulting in a field distribution according to a capacitive voltage divider.
Implementation Method 2
The connecting body is made of an elastomer, in particular a silicone elastomer. By using a connector body made of an elastomer, particularly a silicone elastomer, a flexible, elastically deformable connector sleeve can be created.
Implementation Method 3
The control inserts are layered and arranged with insulation from each other. The conductive layers are separated from each other by insulating layers.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention relates to a coupling sleeve (2) for connecting cable ends (3) of high-voltage DC cables (4) by means of a connection body (6) comprising control inserts (5) for controlling the electric field, wherein the connection body (6) is made of an elastomer, particularly a silicone elastomer. The invention further relates to a cable system (1), particularly for high-voltage DC applications, comprising two cables (4) and a coupling sleeve (2), as well as to a method for producing a coupling sleeve (2), and to a method for connecting two cable ends (3) of two DC cables (4) by means of a coupling sleeve (2).