Modular Bus Configuration for Compact Gas-Insulated Switchgear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas-insulated switchgear designs face challenges in achieving a smaller footprint and easier, less expensive installation due to spatial constraints and complex feeder bus arrangements, particularly in medium-voltage applications.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a housing with vertically stacked gas-insulated circuit interrupter assemblies and bus assemblies, interconnected via sealed connectors, allowing for compact and modular configurations that support parallel bus connections and flexible arrangements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional GIS units are arranged in a row to provide medium-voltage power distribution, then power distribution capability is achieved, but footprint size increases and installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidfootprint size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a horizontal row arrangement of GIS units to a vertical stacking configuration where circuit interrupters are arranged one above another. This dimensional change allows multiple circuit interrupters to occupy a smaller horizontal footprint while maintaining power distribution capability, directly resolving the contradiction between distribution capability and footprint size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The bus structure is divided into modular segments (first bus assembly, second bus assembly, third bus assembly) that can be independently configured and connected. This segmentation allows flexible arrangement of circuit interrupters in vertical stacks while maintaining electrical connectivity, enabling compact footprint without sacrificing distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional GIS units are arranged in a row, then power distribution is achieved, but installation difficulty and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower distribution capabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switchgear is divided into modular units with standardized sealed connectors. Each module can be pre-assembled and tested independently, then quickly connected to form the complete vertical stack. This modular segmentation significantly reduces installation complexity and cost while maintaining full power distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealed connectors are designed with universal compatibility across different bus assemblies and circuit interrupter modules. This universal interface allows any module to be connected to any other module in various configurations, simplifying installation procedures and reducing the need for custom fabrication while achieving required power distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If feeder bus arrangements are constrained in conventional GIS, then compact arrangement is limited, but installation becomes more difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompact arrangementVSAvoidinstallation cost and difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bus assembly configuration is made dynamic and flexible through modular design. The first, second, and third bus assemblies can be arranged in different spatial configurations and connected via sealed connectors to accommodate various installation spaces. This dynamic reconfigurability allows compact arrangement while simplifying installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The feeder bus system is segmented into multiple independent bus assemblies that can be manufactured separately and assembled on-site using standardized connectors. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and installation cost while enabling compact vertical arrangements that would be difficult to achieve with conventional rigid bus structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enables a more compact and cost-effective switchgear setup with improved installation ease by allowing for flexible bus arrangements and increased ampacity, addressing the limitations of traditional GIS units.

Implementation Method 1

certain components that are prone to arc generation are placed in closed structures filled with an insulating high-dielectric gas, such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). The insulation properties of the gas allow reduced spacing between components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentUS20180366924A1Switchgear with Modular Bus Configuration Supporting Individual and Parallel Feed Arrangements

Publication Date: 2018.12.20 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD

AI summary

An apparatus includes a housing, a first plurality of gas-insulated circuit interrupters in the housing and a second plurality of gas-insulated circuit interrupters in the housing. The apparatus also includes a first bus assembly in the housing and coupled to the first plurality of gas-insulated circuit interrupters, and a second bus assembly in the housing and coupled to the second plurality of gas-insulated circuit interrupters. The apparatus further includes at least one connector configured to interconnect the first bus assembly and the second bus assembly.