Inhibitor Module for High Voltage Shielding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high voltage equipment designs face challenges in optimizing resistance and capacitance while maintaining reliability, particularly in compacting valve halls without compromising the withstand voltage and increasing the size of resistor components.

Innovation Solution

An inhibitor module arrangement comprising a first string of resistors and a second string of capacitors, physically separated and electrically connected in parallel, provides improved optimization of resistance and capacitance, enhancing the withstand voltage of high voltage equipment without increasing the size of the resistor, and offering mechanical support for shield elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single resistor is used to inhibit electrical breakdown, then the withstand voltage is improved, but the resistor size increases and optimization becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewithstand voltageVSAvoidresistor optimization complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single resistor is segmented into multiple resistors arranged in series strings. Each string contains multiple resistors that can be independently optimized, allowing the overall resistance value to be achieved without requiring a single large resistor. This segmentation enables better control over voltage distribution and simplifies the optimization process for each individual resistor component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Capacitors are introduced as intermediary elements connected in parallel with the resistor strings. These capacitors work together with the resistors to inhibit electrical breakdown, sharing the protective function. This intermediary element allows the resistors to be optimized for their specific role while the capacitors handle other aspects of breakdown prevention, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If air insulation is used for high voltage equipment, then simplicity is maintained, but valve hall dimensions must be large to ensure safety

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation system simplicityVSAvoidvalve hall volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Shielding arrangements are introduced as intermediary structures between the high voltage equipment and the valve hall walls. These shields create controlled electric field distributions that prevent breakdown, allowing the equipment to be placed closer to the walls while maintaining safety. This intermediary shielding system replaces the need for large air insulation distances, significantly reducing valve hall volume while keeping the insulation concept relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If shield elements are directly connected to high voltage equipment, then connection simplicity is maintained, but electrical breakdown risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection structure simplicityVSAvoidbreakdown resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inhibitor modules are introduced as intermediary connection elements between the shield elements and the high voltage equipment. These modules contain resistor strings and capacitor strings that provide controlled electrical connection, preventing direct contact between the shield and high voltage terminals. This intermediary connection structure maintains relative simplicity while dramatically improving breakdown resistance through the inhibiting action of the resistor-capacitor networks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Volume of stationary object

If land space is minimized for compact substations, then cost and environmental impact are reduced, but safety and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesubstation volumeVSAvoidhigh voltage safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple intermediary elements are deployed: inhibitor modules with resistor-capacitor networks for electrical breakdown prevention, and shielding arrangements for electric field control. These intermediaries enable compact spacing between high voltage equipment and surrounding structures while maintaining safety margins. The combined action of these intermediary systems allows substation volume to be minimized without compromising high voltage safety or reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical parameters of the connection between shield elements and high voltage equipment are changed by introducing resistor and capacitor elements. This parameter change transforms the direct conductive connection into a controlled impedance connection with breakdown-inhibiting characteristics. The modified electrical parameters enable safer, closer spacing of equipment, allowing compact substation design while maintaining or improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 increases the withstand voltage of high voltage equipment, allowing for a more compact design without compromising reliability, reducing the distance between equipment and neighboring objects, and efficiently using surrounding space, while providing mechanical support for shield elements.

Implementation Method 1

The use of a resistor that is inhibiting electrical breakdown increases the withstand voltage of the valve

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the first string comprises at least one resistor, the second string comprises at least one capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 3

Shields or screens have the function of smoothening out the electrical field around the equipment. Thereby, shields reduce the risk of corona discharges as well as the risk of electrical breakdown of the equipment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Field: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP3858121B1Inhibitor module and shielding arrangements for high voltage equipment
Publication Date: 2023.01.11 HITACHI ENERGY LTD
  • EP3858121B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The invention is concerned with an inhibitor module arrangement, a shielding arrangement comprising an inhibitor module and a converter station comprising a converter and a shielding arrangement. The inhibitor module arrangement comprises a first string, a second string, and at least one first inhibitor module (30), where the first string comprises resistors (R1), the second string comprises capacitors (C1, C2, C3), the first string is physically separated from and electrically connected in parallel with the second string and the at least one first inhibitor module (30) comprises a first electrical connection terminal (32) at a first end for connection to a piece of high voltage equipment, a second electric connection terminal (34) at a second end for connection to a first shield element for this piece and a closed interior comprising at least one of the strings electrically connected between the first and the second electrical connection terminals (32, 34).