Insulating Reinforcing Strap for High Voltage Tank Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
High voltage electrical distribution network tanks face challenges in mechanical integrity and dielectric insulation due to high gas pressures, with existing metal tie rods causing flashovers and insufficient mechanical strength, especially when using alternative gases with lower dielectric performance.
Innovation Solution
A tank design featuring a reinforced, electrically insulating strap connecting attachment points on the internal faces of panels to prevent deformation under gas pressure, replacing metal tie rods and allowing for the use of gases like air at higher pressures, with the strap potentially made from woven fibers like glass or aramid fibers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal tie rods are used to reinforce the tank, then mechanical strength is improved, but dielectric insulation deteriorates causing arcing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite reinforcement structures combining metal elements with dielectric materials. The metal tie rods are coated with or combined with insulating materials such as epoxy resin or polymer coatings, creating a composite structure that maintains both mechanical strength and dielectric insulation properties. This allows the reinforcement to withstand gas pressure while preventing electrical arcing between conductive parts.
2Strength
If tank shell plate thickness is increased to prevent bulging, then mechanical integrity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tank structure into modular panels connected by reinforced joints. Instead of using uniformly thick plates throughout, the design segments the tank into manageable sections with localized reinforcement at critical areas such as corners and panel connections. This segmentation allows for optimized material distribution, maintaining mechanical integrity while reducing overall complexity and manufacturing cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If SF6 gas is replaced with environmentally friendly gases, then environmental impact is reduced, but dielectric performance deteriorates requiring higher pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts operational parameters including gas pressure and temperature to optimize the performance of alternative dielectric gases. By implementing precise pressure control systems and temperature compensation mechanisms, the tank maintains sufficient dielectric strength with environmentally friendly gases like nitrogen or carbon dioxide, even though these gases require higher pressures compared to SF6.
4Strength
If metal reinforcements are used to resist gas pressure, then mechanical resistance is improved, but space efficiency deteriorates due to increased tank wall thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin-walled tank construction combined with strategic internal reinforcement elements. Instead of using thick metal walls throughout, the design utilizes thin shell panels supported by internal ribs, corner strengtheners, and tension rings made of high-strength materials. This approach maintains mechanical resistance to gas pressure while minimizing wall thickness and preserving internal volume.
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
Enhances mechanical integrity, reduces flashovers, and enables the use of environmentally friendly gases at higher pressures, providing a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for high voltage applications.
Implementation Method 1
a sealed tank filled with a pressurized dielectric filling gas intended to guarantee electrical insulation of the devices from the outside
Implementation Method 2
the gas pressure depends on the operating voltage of the devices installed in the tank. In particular, the higher the operating voltage, the greater the gas pressure required for satisfactory electrical insulation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a tank (100) with reinforced mechanical integrity intended to be filled with a gas under a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to house high voltage electrical equipment, and whose jacket (200) comprises at least one flat panel (202, 204, 205, 206), characterized in that the tank (100) comprises a reinforcing strap (300), electrically insulating, and connecting at least two attachment points (310) of the inner face of the jacket (200) so as to oppose any deformation of the at least one flat panel likely to occur under the effect of the pressure exerted by the gas.