Modular Gas-Insulated Switchgear with Shared Pressure Tank Layout

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional gas insulated switchgears face challenges in adapting to changes in the number of circuits and require significant insulation distances, limiting their size reduction and flexibility in configuration.

Innovation Solution

The design integrates a basic unit and a variable unit with joined pressure tanks to form a single gas compartment, eliminating the need for insulating spacers and partitions, allowing for reduced dimensions and flexible circuit configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional gas insulated switchgears are designed with separate pressure tanks for each circuit, then insulation distance requirements are met, but the overall size and volume of the switchgear increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsulation distanceVSAvoidswitchgear volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate pressure tanks into a single common pressure tank that houses multiple circuits. The internal partitions between circuits are eliminated, allowing circuits to share the same pressurized gas environment. This combining approach reduces the total volume required while maintaining insulation integrity through proper circuit configuration and gas pressure management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The common pressure tank serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides insulation for multiple different circuits, maintains uniform gas pressure across all circuits, and enables flexible configuration options. This multi-functional design allows a single structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate tanks, thereby reducing overall switchgear volume.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If gas insulated switchgears are configured with fixed circuit arrangements, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to changing circuit requirements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidcircuit configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The switchgear is divided into modular circuit units that can be independently configured within the common pressure tank. Each circuit can be designed as a separate module with standardized components, making manufacturing simpler while allowing flexible assembly arrangements to meet different circuit requirements. The modular approach enables easy reconfiguration by adding, removing, or rearranging circuit modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The circuit configuration within the common pressure tank is designed to be dynamic and reconfigurable rather than fixed. Circuit positions and arrangements can be adjusted based on operational requirements, allowing the switchgear to adapt to changing needs. This dynamic configuration capability is achieved through flexible support structures and standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 gas insulated switchgear with reduced outline dimensions, improved adaptability to varying circuit configurations, and cost-effective manufacturing through standardized units.

Implementation Method 1

a first pressure tank 1a in which an insulating gas is sealed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation by insulating gas: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP3280016B1Gas-insulated switchgear
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP3280016B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280016B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3280016B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A gas insulated switchgear according to the present invention includes: a basic unit portion and a variable unit portion. The basic unit portion includes: a first pressure tank in which a first opening portion is provided in at least one surface; a circuit breaker which is arranged in the inside of the first pressure tank, and interrupts a large current; a first disconnecting switch which is connected to the circuit breaker, and disconnects a main circuit; and a first bushing that connects the main circuit to an external apparatus. The variable unit portion includes: a second pressure tank in which a second opening portion facing the first opening portion is provided in at least one surface; a busbar which is arranged in the inside of the second pressure tank, and is connected to one side terminal of the circuit breaker; a second bushing which passes through a wall of the second pressure tank, and connects an internal main circuit of the second pressure tank to an external apparatus; and one or a plurality of second disconnecting switches which is arranged between the busbar and the second bushing, and disconnects the main circuit. The first opening portion of the basic unit portion and the second opening portion of the variable unit portion are joined facing each other to form into one constitutional body.