Modular Push-In Transducer for Nuclear Power Plant Switchgear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current emergency power systems in nuclear power plants require multiple switch cabinets for redundancy and isolation, leading to increased planning, design, and space requirements due to the need for separate voltage converters for different safety and functional classes.

Innovation Solution

A modular plug-in converter unit with galvanic isolation and a modular platform within a single switch cabinet that allows for flexible configuration of plug-in converters, enabling electrical isolation or connection based on operational modes, reducing the need for multiple cabinets and enhancing space efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual switch cabinet combinations are provided for each system and safety class, then electrical isolation and safety requirements are met, but space requirements and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidspace requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functionally independent voltage converter systems are merged into a single switch cabinet through galvanic isolation barriers. Each converter maintains electrical independence while sharing common mechanical infrastructure (cabinet, mounting, cooling), reducing total space from multiple separate cabinets to one integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch cabinet is segmented into galvanically isolated zones, each housing independent voltage converters for different safety classes. Physical barriers and isolation components divide the internal space into electrically independent sections while maintaining mechanical unity of the cabinet structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If individual switch cabinet combinations are provided for each system and safety class, then electrical isolation and safety requirements are met, but planning and design effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidplanning and design effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal switch cabinet design serves multiple safety classes and functional requirements simultaneously. The same cabinet structure, mounting system, and isolation infrastructure support different voltage converters for various safety levels, eliminating the need for separate specialized designs for each system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration of galvanic isolation barriers and converter assignments within the cabinet is dynamically adaptable to different operational modes and safety requirements. The system can reconfigure which converters are isolated from each other based on operational needs without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Area of stationary object

If modular plug-in converter units with galvanic isolation are used, then space requirements are reduced and isolation standards are met, but manufacturing and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirementVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Voltage converters are designed as modular plug-in units that can be independently manufactured and tested, then assembled into the switch cabinet. Each module includes integrated galvanic isolation components, allowing standardized manufacturing processes and simplified on-site assembly through plug-in connections rather than custom wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3763176B1Modularly constructed push-in transducer unit and instrumentation and control power supply system for a nuclear power plant
Publication Date: 2022.03.16 FRAMATOME GMBH
  • EP3763176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3763176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3763176B1 patent drawingFigure 3~6

AI summary

A modularly constructed push-in transducer (20) for a switchgear cabinet (12) of an instrumentation and control power supply system (10) of a nuclear power plant is described, comprising a frame (28), at least one busbar (42), a group of fuses (38) and a group of load clamps (22). An instrumentation and control power supply system (10) for a nuclear power plant is also described.